Rep. Joe Hogan

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Election Code to require candidates for state, local, and federal offices to file affidavits confirming their eligibility, campaign expense compliance, and party affiliation when submitting nomination petitions. It also adds a separate affidavit specifically for verifying candidate residence and post office address, which will be kept confidential and not subject to public disclosure under state right-to-know laws. The changes apply to a wide range of offices including state representatives, judges, party delegates, and federal candidates, though U.S. presidential candidates would only need to provide their post office address without filing the full affidavit. The bill takes effect 60 days after passage and aims to streamline candidate verification while protecting personal address information from public records.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the week of April 12 through 18, 2026, as "National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week" in Pennsylvania. It directly honors 911 dispatchers and public safety telecommunicators who coordinate emergency responses for medical, fire, and police services. The resolution acknowledges the critical role these professionals play as the first point of contact for residents during emergencies. This is a commemorative measure that recognizes the diligence and professionalism of these workers without changing any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryHB 2203 amends Pennsylvania law to increase penalties for burglary and robbery involving controlled substances, designer drugs, or firearms, classifying these as first-degree felonies. It also revises juvenile court definitions by removing certain serious offenses - like first-degree robbery and burglary - from "delinquent act" status when committed by juveniles aged 15+ with prior adjudications. This means juveniles aged 15+ who commit these specific crimes (e.g., stealing drugs/firearms) will now face transfer to adult criminal court instead of juvenile proceedings. The bill directly affects juvenile offenders in cases involving these high-level offenses and alters sentencing classifications under Titles 18 and 42.

Maddy summaryHB 2202 amends Pennsylvania's Taxpayer Relief Act to adjust how senior citizens calculate household income for property tax and rent rebates. It changes the definition of "household income" to allow seniors to subtract annual utility expenses (water, sewer, electric, natural gas) from their income when applying. The bill also requires applicants to submit copies of their utility bills as part of their rebate claim. This directly affects Pennsylvania seniors who claim property tax or rent rebates under the Taxpayer Relief Act. The changes take effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 2201 creates a new tax credit for Pennsylvania residents who pay qualified fitness expenses, such as gym memberships or in-person exercise classes at eligible facilities. It defines "qualified sports and fitness expenses" to exclude virtual instruction (unless live), books, and one-on-one training, and specifies that fitness facilities must not offer golf/hunting/sailing and must comply with anti-discrimination laws. The credit allows single filers to claim up to $500 and joint filers up to $1,000 annually, but it is non-refundable and cannot be carried forward to future tax years. This provision applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024, directly affecting residents who incur qualifying physical health-related expenses.

Maddy summaryHB 2206 allows Pennsylvania public schools (and likely private/parochial schools under the Public School Code) to purchase firearm detection technology with state approval. The bill requires this technology to automatically monitor school cameras/drones for firearms, instantly alert staff or first responders upon detection, meet federal anti-terrorism tech standards, and be U.S.-developed without third-party data. Schools must manage the system through a vendor-operated center staffed by trained analysts who monitor feeds continuously. This policy change directly enables schools to implement specific security measures, effective 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 2065 amends Pennsylvania's pesticide law to prohibit the use of paraquat (identified by CAS number 4685-14-7 and related chemicals like methyl viologen) for any agricultural or pest control purposes within the state. This directly affects farmers, agricultural businesses, and pesticide applicators who currently use paraquat-based products. The bill explicitly bans its application, defines paraquat through specific chemical identifiers, and states that all conflicting regulations are superseded. The prohibition takes effect one year after the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1030 designates Hershey's Kisses as the official State candy of Pennsylvania. This symbolic bill does not impose any new laws, taxes, or regulations, nor does it directly affect any individuals or businesses. It serves solely as a ceremonial recognition of Hershey's Kisses, a candy brand produced by Hershey Foods Corporation in Pennsylvania. The bill passed through committee review and final passage in 2025 but has no practical policy impact beyond the designation.

Maddy summaryHB 2041 amends Pennsylvania's Childhood Blood Lead Test Act to require health care practitioners to ensure children receive at least one blood lead test by 12 months of age and a second test by 24 months of age, with additional testing mandated between 24 and 72 months if not tested by age 2. The bill also requires blood lead testing for pregnant women who have at least one identified lead exposure risk factor. It clarifies that health insurance must cover these tests without cost-sharing, as defined in the bill. This law directly affects children under 72 months, pregnant women, and health care providers in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryHB 2012 establishes a state licensing system for plumbers and plumbing contractors, directly affecting individuals and businesses seeking to work in this field. It creates the State Board of Plumbing Contractors to oversee licensing, sets fees and penalties for violations, and establishes a dedicated "Plumbing Contractors Licensure Account" funded by these fees. The bill also assigns duties to the Department of State regarding the licensing process and includes a funding appropriation to support the program. This legislation standardizes requirements for plumbing professionals across the state.