Rep. Joe Hogan

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new grant program in Pennsylvania to encourage the construction of workforce housing in areas that might otherwise resist such development. Local governments can apply for funding if they commit to adopting at least five specific pro-housing policies, such as reducing permit fees, allowing higher-density zoning, or eliminating parking requirements. The program aims to increase home ownership and support major economic projects by providing financial assistance to counties and municipalities that streamline their housing approval processes.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Joint State Government Commission to study the creation of a statewide housing accelerator and review current approval processes that delay construction. The study will examine how inconsistent zoning rules, conservation district backlogs, and permitting steps slow down residential projects, while also looking at successful strategies used by other states. The commission is tasked with developing recommendations to streamline these procedures and expand housing availability, with a final report due to the General Assembly within one year.

Maddy summaryHB 879 would change Pennsylvania law to allow both state and local prosecutors to pursue charges for riot, disorderly conduct, and related offenses that currently fall under state jurisdiction alone. This bill directly affects law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and individuals charged with these specific offenses by expanding who can bring legal action. The key provision establishes "concurrent jurisdiction," meaning local district attorneys and the state attorney general could both prosecute the same case without requiring state involvement. The bill aims to streamline enforcement for these offenses but does not alter the penalties or definitions of the crimes themselves.

Maddy summaryHB 2371 modifies Pennsylvania's tax code to temporarily exempt mobile telecommunications services from sales and gross receipts taxes for six months starting in 2026. The bill requires providers to report these services separately and mandates that the tax savings be passed directly to consumers through lower bills, with penalties for non-compliance. Additionally, the legislation ensures that a specific transfer of funds from the Alternative Fuels Incentive Act remains consistent with the previous fiscal year.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's gross receipts tax rules for electric, waterpower, and hydro-electric utilities. It establishes a six-month tax holiday where these companies pay no gross receipts tax, starting in July 2026. The legislation requires utilities to pass the savings from this holiday directly to consumers as a reduction in their bills, with penalties for non-compliance. Additionally, the bill mandates that money transferred from the Alternative Fuels Incentive Act for the 2026-2027 fiscal year must match or exceed the amount transferred in the previous year.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Pennsylvania vehicle owners to choose a two-year registration option instead of renewing annually. Under the new provision, drivers can pay a fee equal to twice the standard annual rate, reduced by at least 10% of the total registration fee excluding local use charges. The option applies to most motor vehicles but excludes those registered under the International Registration Plan, seasonal registrations, and circus or carnival plates. The change would take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's military educational assistance program by clarifying eligibility requirements and service obligations for National Guard and reserve component members. It establishes that eligible members must sign a promissory note agreeing to repay grant funds if they fail to complete their required service commitment, which ranges from six years for National Guard members to eight years for federal reserve members. The legislation also allows for successive grant certificates upon completing initial obligations and permits members who receive other-than-dishonorable discharges to retain a proportional share of earned benefits if they meet specific conditions. These changes apply to members of the Pennsylvania National Guard and reserve components of the U.S. Armed Forces seeking educational assistance through the state program.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the Scarlet Tanager as Pennsylvania's official migratory bird, recognizing the species' importance to the state's natural heritage and ecosystems. The legislation formally acknowledges that Pennsylvania supports 17% of the global Scarlet Tanager population during breeding season and provides critical habitat in mature oak forests across the Commonwealth. By establishing this official designation, the bill aims to promote awareness of the bird's habitat needs and underscore the state's commitment to conservation and forest management. The act takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryHR 362 is a procedural resolution that directs the House to discharge the Committee on Education from further consideration of House Bill 158, allowing HB 158 to move directly to the full House floor for a vote. This action bypasses the committee's review process, which typically requires committee approval before a bill can be debated on the floor. The resolution was placed on the calendar under Rule 53 on October 29, 2025, signaling it will now proceed to a floor vote. This change affects the legislative workflow for HB 158 but does not alter the content or policy of HB 158 itself.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Pharmacy Audit Integrity and Transparency Act to update definitions for "specialty drug" and "spread pricing" while establishing a new role for a State pharmacy benefits manager. The updated definitions clarify which prescription medications qualify as specialty drugs based on cost, handling requirements, and patient needs, while defining spread pricing as when a pharmacy benefits manager charges more than it pays pharmacists. The bill requires the Department of Human Services to select a single third-party administrator to manage all pharmacy benefits for Medicaid recipients by July 2026, ensuring all managed care organizations contract with this designated manager. The procurement process mandates competitive selection with strict conflict-of-interest disclosures to prevent conflicts between the manager and other healthcare entities like pharmacies, drug distributors, or managed care organizations.