Rep. Joe Hogan

Maddy summaryHR 194 is a symbolic resolution designating August 2025 as "National Wellness Month" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws, allocate funding, or directly affect specific groups; it serves only to recognize wellness awareness during that month. The resolution was referred to the Health Committee and later laid on the table, indicating it did not advance further in the legislative process. This type of resolution is purely commemorative with no policy impact.

Maddy summaryHB 1602 amends Pennsylvania's Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Screening Act to update the program's short title, definitions, and administrative structure. It clarifies operational details without changing the core screening services provided to patients. The bill directly affects the Pennsylvania Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Screening Program, healthcare providers offering screenings, and patients seeking preventive care. The bill was referred to the Insurance committee on June 16, 2025, for further review.

Maddy summaryHB 1586 creates a refundable tax credit for Pennsylvania taxpayers who earn overtime wages. It allows eligible workers to reduce their state income tax bill by 100% of taxes paid on overtime wages, calculated using employer-provided documentation (as required by 34 Pa. Code § 231.36). The credit applies to tax returns filed for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025, and will be integrated into the standard PA 40 tax form. This directly affects Pennsylvania workers receiving overtime pay under the Minimum Wage Act of 1968.

Maddy summaryHR 74 is a non-binding resolution designating November 2025 as "National Epilepsy Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically recognizes epilepsy awareness efforts within the state but does not create new policies, allocate funds, or directly affect any individuals or groups. The bill was referred to the Health Committee, reported as committed, and later laid on the table (stalled) under House Rule 71, meaning it is inactive and will not become law. This resolution serves only as a formal acknowledgment by the Pennsylvania legislature.

Maddy summaryHB 1514 creates a tax credit for Pennsylvania taxpayers who earn tips, allowing them to get back the income tax paid on those tips. The credit equals 100% of the tax paid on "tipped wages" (wages received as voluntary customer tips, not set by employers) and is fully refundable, meaning it can reduce tax bills or generate refunds even if no tax was owed. Taxpayers must claim the credit using their employer's statement of tipped wages (required under 34 Pa. Code § 231.36) when filing their annual tax return on the standard PA 40 form. This change applies to tax returns for years starting after December 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1508 would change sentencing guidelines for individuals convicted of possessing firearms while prohibited under Pennsylvania law. It directly affects people with certain criminal convictions or protective orders who are legally barred from owning guns. The bill specifies mandatory minimum sentences for these offenses, modifying current provisions in Pennsylvania's judicial code to establish clearer penalties for firearm possession by prohibited persons.

Maddy summaryHB 1449 amends Pennsylvania law regarding the expenses paid by the Office of the Court Administrator of Pennsylvania (OCAP). It increases the annual registration fee OCAP pays to the Special Court Judges Association of Pennsylvania from $200 to $400 for each magisterial district judge and Philadelphia Municipal Court Judge position. The bill clarifies that OCAP directly funds a monthly journal for legal updates, while other expenses, such as the registration fee, are covered by the annual appropriation for magisterial district judges.

Maddy summaryHB 977 amends Pennsylvania's Municipalities Planning Code to clarify recording requirements for zoning hearing boards. It adds a definition for "recording device" (including cameras, audio recorders, and future technologies) and updates rules for hearing documentation. The bill requires boards to maintain either a stenographic record or a high-quality audio/video recording, with costs for recordings split equally between applicants and boards. Transcription costs are covered by the board if ordered by them, or by the appellant if appealing a decision. This affects local zoning hearing boards and participants in municipal zoning proceedings across Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryHB 1413 amends Pennsylvania's Liquor Code to update definitions for restaurants, hotels, and eating places serving alcohol. It requires these establishments to provide "substantial food offerings sufficient to constitute a meal," defined as having at least two entrée and two side menu options available for at least 30 people simultaneously when alcohol is served, and prohibits relying solely on sealed prepackaged food. This rule applies directly to all licensees under the Liquor Code, including restaurants and hotels that serve alcohol alongside food. The bill also includes other licensing changes, such as requiring applicants to provide tax identification numbers and waiving confidentiality for tax status reviews, but the food requirement is the central new policy.

Maddy summaryHB 684 requires Pennsylvania public schools to adopt evidence-based reading curricula and implement annual reading screenings for kindergarten through third-grade students starting in the 2026-2027 school year. Schools must identify reading deficiencies using approved screeners, notify parents in writing about deficiencies, and provide individualized reading intervention plans for affected students. The bill mandates that educators complete approved professional development training by the 2028-2029 school year to support these requirements. It directly affects K-3 students, their families, and school staff, with specific deadlines for curriculum adoption, screening, and educator training. The law also establishes reporting and accountability measures for school entities to ensure compliance.