Rep. Craig Staats

Maddy summaryHB 1782 designates September 17 as "Constitution Day" in Pennsylvania, aligning with the federal observance established in 1962. The bill encourages publicly funded schools and universities to hold educational programs about the U.S. Constitution on that date but explicitly states it does not require employers to treat the day as a paid holiday or official holiday. This is a symbolic designation without new mandates or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 1319 amends Pennsylvania's Mechanics' Lien Law of 1963 by updating the definition of "Materials" to explicitly include "rented equipment reasonably necessary for construction." This change directly affects contractors, suppliers, and property owners involved in construction projects who use lien claims to secure payment. The bill clarifies that equipment rented for construction - like scaffolding or heavy machinery - counts as "Materials" under lien law, ensuring it qualifies for payment protection. The amendment makes the existing law clearer but does not create new requirements or obligations. The bill passed in July 2025 and takes effect 90 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1763 aligns Pennsylvania's tax credit program with a federal tax credit for contributions to scholarship organizations. It requires scholarship organizations in Pennsylvania to verify their tax-exempt status, maintain separate accounts for scholarship funds, provide scholarships to at least 10 students from different schools, spend 90% of income on scholarships, and verify applicants' household income to ensure eligibility. Organizations must submit compliance documentation by June 1, 2026, and annually thereafter, with the state department confirming their eligibility for the federal tax credit. This directly affects scholarship organizations seeking to participate in the federal tax credit program, ensuring they meet federal requirements to allow donors to claim tax benefits.

Maddy summaryHB 1726 amends the Child Labor Act to update definitions, specify permissible occupations for minors (including in performances), and clarify employer responsibilities. It repeals the existing work permit requirement for minor employees. The bill also includes specific provisions for newspaper delivery jobs and updates administrative procedures. This legislation directly affects minors working in covered occupations and the employers who hire them.

Maddy summaryHB 1431 repeals Pennsylvania’s prohibition on hunting on Sundays without written permission, making Sunday hunting legal statewide for those with proper authorization. The bill directly affects hunters by removing a longstanding restriction on Sunday hunting activities. Key provisions include eliminating the requirement for written permission to hunt on Sundays and updating regulations related to unlawful hunting devices, trespass on private property during hunting, and wildlife protection. This amendment became law on July 9, 2025 (Act No. 36 of 2025), modifying existing hunting rules under Title 34 of Pennsylvania’s statutes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates July 17, 2025, as "100th Anniversary of American Legion Baseball Day" within Pennsylvania. It is a ceremonial resolution recognizing the centennial of American Legion Baseball in the state, with no binding legal effect or direct impact on individuals or policies. The resolution was adopted by the legislature on July 8, 2025, as a symbolic gesture honoring this youth sports program's history.

Maddy summaryThe provided context does not include the specific provisions or content of HB 1693. While the bill's title mentions amending Title 29 regarding "immigration compliance and public safety," no details about its concrete mechanisms, affected groups, or policy changes are included in the given information. Without the bill's text or explanatory summary, a factual description of its provisions cannot be provided. The only verifiable detail is that it was referred to the Judiciary committee on July 2, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1690 amends Pennsylvania's Unemployment Compensation Law to require claimants to report certain disability-related benefits when applying for unemployment benefits. It directly affects unemployed Pennsylvanians who receive disability benefits from workers' compensation, federal disability insurance, private disability insurance, or unpaid leave under federal family medical leave laws. The bill adds a new requirement that claimants must disclose these benefits to the Department of Labor to determine eligibility for unemployment compensation. The change takes effect six months after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1687 amends Pennsylvania's Unemployment Compensation Law to change how the maximum number of weeks an unemployed worker can receive benefits is calculated. It bases the maximum weeks (ranging from 12 to 20) on the seasonal adjusted statewide unemployment rate from the six months preceding the claim application date, using the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. This directly affects Pennsylvania workers filing for unemployment benefits on or after the effective date, as their benefit duration will now adjust based on current statewide unemployment rates. The bill specifies that total benefits in a single year cannot exceed the weekly benefit amount multiplied by the weeks determined under this new formula. The change takes effect six months after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1692 amends Pennsylvania's unemployment compensation law to protect workers facing domestic violence and clarify employer cost relief. It adds a new provision (Section 402.7) stating workers who leave jobs due to domestic violence safety risks cannot be disqualified for unemployment benefits. The bill also revises existing rules to provide employers relief from extra charges when workers are separated for reasons like willful misconduct or certain discharges. These changes directly affect Pennsylvania workers seeking unemployment benefits and employers paying into the unemployment fund.