Rep. Craig Staats

Maddy summaryHR 239 is a commemorative resolution designating May 9, 2025, as "Fire Police Day" in Pennsylvania. It honors fire police officers for their service in protecting residents' safety and well-being. This resolution does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes the contributions of fire police officers statewide. The bill was referred to the Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness committee for further consideration.

Maddy summaryHB 1499 updates Pennsylvania's child custody laws under Title 23. It clarifies definitions, establishes clearer rules for awarding primary physical custody, and requires courts to consider criminal convictions when making custody decisions. The bill also mandates parenting plans and specifies factors judges must evaluate, directly affecting parents, judges, and child welfare agencies involved in custody cases. The legislation was recently referred to the Judiciary Committee on May 28, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1489 establishes the Lifeline Scholarship Program, enabling eligible Pennsylvania students to receive financial assistance for tuition and fees at participating nonpublic schools. To qualify, students must be Pennsylvania residents, not have a high school diploma, and meet income criteria (household income below 350% of the federal poverty level) or reside within a low-achieving school's attendance boundary. The State Treasury administers the Lifeline Scholarship Fund, allowing parents to apply for funds covering tuition, school-related fees, and special education services at qualifying nonprofit nonpublic schools. This program amends the Public School Code of 1949 to create a new funding mechanism for student enrollment in nonpublic schools.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates Bridge Key 48006 (on State Route 3007 over Carson Run in Knox Township, Clearfield County) as the "Sgt. Ronald Bloom Memorial Bridge." It honors Sergeant Ronald Bloom, a Clearfield County native who enlisted in the Marines in 1967, was killed in action in Vietnam at age 21, and received multiple military medals including the Purple Heart. The bill requires the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to install and maintain signs naming the bridge, effective 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution designates April 12, 2025, as "Volunteer Firefighter Day" in Pennsylvania to honor volunteer firefighters who protect communities without pay. It recognizes their service through a ceremonial designation only, with no new policies, funding, or legal requirements. The resolution references Pennsylvania's historical ties to volunteer firefighting, including Benjamin Franklin's 1736 fire company and the state's current volunteer force of 36,000-38,000 members. It does not affect any individuals or create new obligations.

Maddy summaryHB 1465 amends Pennsylvania law concerning false reports of child abuse. The bill changes the penalty for individuals who intentionally or knowingly make a false report of child abuse or induce a child to do so. It upgrades the offense from a second-degree misdemeanor to a first-degree misdemeanor. This change directly affects individuals convicted of such actions by increasing the severity of the criminal charge.

Maddy summaryHB 1461 establishes the Career and Technical Education Investment Incentive Program within the Public School Code of 1949. This program allows business firms to make contributions - including cash, property, or services - to support career and technical education. These contributions can go to non-profit partnership organizations or directly to participating public and charter schools. Funds are intended to cover program-related costs or expand enrollment for eligible students in these programs, particularly those focused on high-priority occupations.

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 1454 expands the duties of the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing. The bill requires the commission to establish and publish guidelines for setting bail and pretrial release conditions. These guidelines will assist courts in determining appropriate conditions by considering factors such as the seriousness of the offense, a defendant's criminal history, and community-based support systems. It also mandates the commission to collect and disseminate data on bail and pretrial release practices, in addition to its existing responsibilities for sentencing and parole.

Maddy summaryHB 1438 designates a specific segment of State Route 2051 in Osceola Mills Borough, Clearfield County, as the "IC3 James S. Dunlap Memorial Highway." The bill names the portion from Elizabeth Street (segment 0020/offset 1600) to the Decatur Township Line (segment 0030/offset 0000) to honor Petty Officer Third Class James S. Dunlap, a U.S. Navy Interior Communications Electrician (IC3) who died on the USS Stark in 1987. The Department of Transportation will install and maintain directional signs along this highway segment. This is a ceremonial designation with no policy changes or funding impacts.