Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Municipalities Planning Code to update definitions and requirements for local zoning, subdivision, and land development. It specifically establishes new definitions for renewable energy facilities, including solar and wind systems with a minimum capacity of two megawatts, as well as energy storage and combined generation facilities. The legislation requires local comprehensive plans to include protections for natural resources and agricultural operations while allowing local ordinances to set specific rules for reviewing and processing renewable energy projects. Additionally, the bill mandates that review fees for renewable energy facilities be handled according to a separate section of the code, ensuring a structured approach to siting and permitting these developments.
Rep. Tina Marie Davis
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 2243 expands protections for minors exploited through human trafficking in Pennsylvania. It amends Title 18 to provide "safe harbor" immunity from prosecution for non-violent offenses (like minor drug possession or disorderly conduct) committed as a direct result of trafficking victimization, for children under 18. The bill repeals the previous "dependency in lieu of delinquency" process (Section 6328), replacing it with immediate access to specialized services instead of criminal or juvenile justice proceedings. Law enforcement must detain trafficked youth only briefly to connect them with support services, not for punishment. This directly affects minors in trafficking situations by preventing them from being charged for crimes stemming from their exploitation.
Maddy summaryHB 95 amends Pennsylvania's Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law to require clear disclosure when AI-generated content (like text, images, or videos) is created, distributed, or published. It directly affects businesses, creators, and platforms using AI tools to produce content for consumers in Pennsylvania. The bill adds new definitions, including that "artificial intelligence" means technology creating new content via predictive algorithms, and specifies that disclosures must be "clear and conspicuous" - meaning they must be visible upfront, easy to understand, and match the content's medium (e.g., visible text, audible audio). This change updates existing consumer protection rules to address AI-generated content transparency.
Maddy summaryHB 1944 amends Pennsylvania law to create a "safe harbor" protection for individuals required to report suspected child abuse (mandated reporters) who report under Section 6308(a) of Title 18. The bill directly affects professionals like teachers, doctors, and social workers who have a legal duty to report abuse. Its key provision shields these reporters from legal consequences if they report suspected abuse in good faith, even if the report later proves incorrect. This change aims to encourage reporting by reducing fear of liability for honest mistakes. The bill is currently referred to the Judiciary Committee.
Maddy summaryHB 2252 makes it a crime to share someone's intimate image without consent, including AI-generated images that falsely depict them in nudity or sexual conduct. It directly affects individuals whose intimate images are shared non-consensually, whether the images are real or artificially created using AI or photo editing. The law establishes misdemeanor penalties (from second to first degree) based on factors like the victim's age, the sharer's intent (e.g., to harass, profit, or cause harm), and whether multiple images were shared. This bill updates Pennsylvania's sexual offenses law to specifically address the growing threat of AI-generated intimate images, ensuring they face the same legal consequences as real non-consensual image sharing.
Maddy summaryHB 2084 establishes the Pennsylvania Promise Program, providing scholarships for tuition, fees, and room and board to eligible Pennsylvania residents attending college. It directly affects two groups: students under 24 (or active military) who must be Pennsylvania residents, have a high school diploma, and complete the FAFSA; and adult learners 24 or older seeking reeducation with similar requirements. The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency administers the program and a dedicated fund, covering tuition up to the state's maximum in-state rate and room and board based on agency standards. The program applies to community colleges, state-owned institutions, state-related universities, and Thaddeus Stevens College.
Maddy summaryHB 836 prohibits Pennsylvania from interfering with the use of medically appropriate assisted reproductive technology (ART), such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), ensuring individuals can access these services without state restrictions. The bill defines ART to include specific fertility procedures and requires that any new state laws must comply with this protection unless explicitly exempted by the legislature. It takes effect immediately, providing direct safeguards for individuals seeking ART services and healthcare providers offering them.
Maddy summaryHB 497 would amend Pennsylvania's Election Code to ban foreign-influenced corporations from making political contributions or expenditures. A "foreign-influenced corporation" is defined as one where a foreign investor (such as a foreign government or entity) owns 1% or more of its equity (or 5% in aggregate) or influences its U.S. political activities. The bill prohibits these corporations from contributing to candidates, political parties, committees, or ballot questions, or spending money to support or oppose elections. Violations would trigger penalties under the Election Code, directly affecting corporations meeting the foreign-influence criteria.
Maddy summaryHB 1678 adds a 45-mill tax plus a 5-mill surtax on gross receipts from digital advertising services displayed to users within Pennsylvania. It directly affects digital advertising providers (e.g., companies running banner or search ads) but exempts broadcast and news media entities. The tax applies to revenue from ads shown on digital interfaces (websites, apps) where users are located in Pennsylvania, excluding sales of internet access, telecom hardware, and resale services. The law takes effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.
Maddy summaryHB 911 provides health benefits for surviving family members of Pennsylvania law enforcement officers who die or become disabled in the line of duty. It guarantees surviving spouses lifetime full health coverage and dependent children full coverage until age 26 (if not covered by another employer plan). Municipalities must assist with claims processing, and benefits end at age 65. The bill applies to all full-time law enforcement officers and their families, including those widowed before the law's effective date. It codifies existing benefit standards under Pennsylvania law without creating new programs.