Rep. Craig Staats

Maddy summaryHB 1614 repeals Pennsylvania's longstanding ban on Sunday hunting (except for specific exceptions like fox/coyote hunting and three designated days per year) and removes the requirement for hunters to obtain written landowner permission to hunt on those permitted Sundays. The bill directly affects hunters on private land during the three annual Sunday hunting days authorized by wildlife officials. Key provisions eliminate Sections 2303 and 2315 of the Game Code, which previously prohibited Sunday hunting and mandated written permission for private land hunting on those days. This change streamlines hunting access during designated seasons without altering the existing three-day allowance.

Maddy summaryHB 1588 amends Pennsylvania's hunting and trapping license enforcement rules under Title 34 of the statutes. It modifies procedures for denying, suspending, or revoking licenses and specifies revised time periods for license revocations. This directly affects hunters and trappers who hold or apply for licenses in Pennsylvania. The bill adjusts existing enforcement mechanisms without introducing new license categories or fees.

Maddy summaryHB 1595 removes Pennsylvania's state-specific regulations for heavy-duty diesel vehicle emissions (25 Pa. Code Ch. 126 Subch. E) and replaces them with federal standards. It directly affects heavy-duty diesel vehicle owners, operators, and manufacturers in Pennsylvania who previously had to comply with the state's emissions control program. The bill's key mechanism is the immediate abrogation of Pennsylvania's program, making federal emissions standards the only applicable requirement for these vehicles in the state. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.

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 summaryHB 1570 designates the bridge carrying Interstate 99 over PA Route 36 in Logan Township, Blair County, as the Jack E. and Sheldon L. Chambers Memorial Bridge. This bill is a procedural naming resolution with no policy changes or direct impact on regulations, laws, or affected populations. It commemorates the Chambers family through the official designation of a specific bridge structure.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates June 14, 2025, as the "250th Birthday of the United States Army" within Pennsylvania. It commemorates the founding of the Continental Army on June 14, 1775, and recognizes Pennsylvania's historical role in the Army's formation, including its "Pennsylvania Line" units. The resolution also acknowledges Pennsylvania's large veteran population (nearly 700,000) and honors current and past Army service members. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding policy impact and serves solely to recognize this historical milestone.

Maddy summaryThis symbolic resolution designates June 2025 as "Life Month" in Pennsylvania. It calls on churches, businesses, and communities to celebrate the third anniversary of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision (June 24, 2025), which overturned Roe v. Wade. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial designation. It has no direct legal effect on individuals or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 1546 designates a specific stretch of Pennsylvania Route 164 (Cove Mountain Road) in Blair County as the "Representative Jerry A. Stern Memorial Highway." The bill honors Jerry A. Stern, a former Pennsylvania House representative who served the 80th District from 1992 to 2015 and passed away in December 2024. It directs the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to install and maintain directional signs naming the highway segment, which runs from Frederick Road in Taylor Township to Agway Road in North Woodbury Township. This is a ceremonial designation with no policy changes or direct impact on residents or legislation.

Maddy summaryHR 232 is a resolution designating May 15-June 15, 2025, as "Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It aims to raise public awareness about Tourette syndrome and related disorders, promote acceptance, and support affected individuals across the state. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes this period for educational and community outreach efforts. The resolution was adopted by the Pennsylvania legislature on June 2, 2025.

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.