Rep. Shelby Labs

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to temporarily exempt the sales tax on protective gear purchased by firefighters, volunteer ambulance workers, and volunteer rescue personnel. The exemption applies specifically to items such as helmets, turnout coats, boots, and respiratory protection units during a six-month period starting on July 1, 2026. To ensure clarity, the legislation requires the Department of Revenue to publish online guidance on how to implement this temporary exclusion. The law defines the equipment and purchaser terms precisely, noting that the tax break applies even if the gear is delivered after the six-month window closes.

Maddy summaryHB 1814 requires Pennsylvania public school students to store cell phones securely during the school day - either in a lockbox or a locked case - while in school buildings. The bill directly affects all public school students, with exceptions for those in volunteer fire/rescue groups or needing phones for immediate family medical emergencies (with principal approval). Schools must update their written policies to implement these rules, subject to approval by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a temporary sales tax exemption for individuals purchasing gardening supplies in Pennsylvania. It directly affects residents buying items such as tools, seeds, plants, and flowers for personal, non-business use. The exemption applies only during a six-month window starting from the bill's effective date, which is set for July 1, 2026. Purchasers must pay for these items by cash or credit within that six-month period, even if the delivery arrives later. The Department of Revenue will be required to publish online guidance to help consumers understand how to claim this temporary exclusion.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's sales and use tax law to temporarily exempt soccer cleats, gloves, balls, and related accessories from tax. The exemption applies only to individual buyers purchasing these items for personal use during a six-month window starting when the law takes effect. To ensure clarity, the Department of Revenue must publish online guidance explaining how to apply this temporary exclusion.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to temporarily exempt sales and use tax on items related to homecoming and prom events. The exemption applies to individuals purchasing formal attire, shoes, flowers, and accessories for nonbusiness use during a six-month window starting July 1, 2026. The law defines specific terms like "homecoming" and "prom" to clarify which events qualify, and it states that the tax exclusion remains in effect even if the purchased items are delivered after the six-month period ends.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's alimony laws to explicitly allow courts to deny spousal support to a party who subjected their spouse to a pattern or continuous threat of abuse during the marriage. The legislation also clarifies that marital misconduct occurring after the date of final separation will generally not be considered in alimony decisions, with the specific exception of abuse. By defining 'abuse' according to existing state definitions, the bill ensures that victims of domestic violence are protected from being financially penalized in divorce proceedings.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a temporary sales tax exemption for personal hygiene products in Pennsylvania, effective for six months starting July 1, 2026. The measure directly affects individual consumers by removing the sales tax on items such as soap, toothpaste, razors, and feminine hygiene products when purchased during the specified period. To implement this change, the Department of Revenue must publish online guidance defining eligible products and clarifying that the tax exclusion applies to the purchase date rather than the delivery date. The legislation amends the existing Tax Reform Code to add these specific exclusions without altering other parts of the tax system.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new criminal offense in Pennsylvania for unintentionally causing death while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It directly affects drivers who kill someone while impaired, raising the penalty from a second-degree felony to a mandatory first-degree felony. The law also sets specific minimum prison terms, such as five years for a first offense and longer sentences for repeat offenders or those with prior DUI convictions.

Maddy summaryHB 910 amends Pennsylvania's criminal code to elevate "dealing in infant children" from a misdemeanor to a first-degree felony. It makes it a crime to trade, buy, sell, or deal with infants under one year old, directly targeting individuals involved in illegal infant trafficking. The bill explicitly excludes legal surrogacy and adoption from this offense. This law takes effect 60 days after enactment, focusing on criminalizing the commercial exchange of very young children.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to temporarily exempt children's books, toys, and musical instruments from sales and use tax. The exemption applies only to individual buyers purchasing these items for personal use during a six-month window starting when the law takes effect. The legislation defines eligible items as those marketed for children aged 12 and under and clarifies that the tax break applies if payment is made within the six-month period, even if delivery occurs later. Additionally, the Department of Revenue will publish online guidance to help consumers understand how to claim this temporary exclusion.