Rep. Craig Staats

Maddy summaryHB 451 reinstates licenses suspended or revoked for failing to comply with Pennsylvania's pandemic-related health orders during the state's emergency period (March 6, 2020, to when the Governor's proclamation ended). It directly affects healthcare professionals and other licensed workers whose licenses were disciplined for non-compliance with specific COVID-19 protocols, including Governor proclamations, health department orders, or pandemic guidance. The bill automatically removes these disciplinary actions from records without requiring new applications or hearings. It takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 454 repeals Pennsylvania's requirement for a license to carry a firearm (openly or concealed) for most individuals, making it legal to carry without a license statewide, including in Philadelphia where previous restrictions on public streets and property are removed. The bill also repeals provisions about proof of license and related exceptions, while maintaining existing prohibitions for convicted felons and other restricted locations like schools. Additionally, it includes a new provision for a sportsman's firearm permit and specific regulations for antique firearms. The changes directly affect law-abiding Pennsylvanians who previously needed a license for general firearm carry.

Maddy summaryHB 403 preempts Pennsylvania municipalities from adopting policies that block law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. It prohibits local governments from restricting officers from complying with federal immigration requests, assisting ICE, allowing ICE access to county jails, inquiring about immigration status of people in custody, or sharing release information. The bill establishes an "Immigration Cooperation Fund" to support this cooperation, though specific funding mechanisms are not detailed in the provided text. This directly affects all Pennsylvania cities, towns, counties, and their law enforcement officers, judicial staff, and correctional personnel.

Maddy summaryHB 394 modifies Pennsylvania's existing tax credit program for municipal fire and emergency medical services volunteers. It allows the tax credit to offset current and future state tax liabilities, and requires municipalities to establish an alternative benefit (like a cash payment) for volunteers who owe no state tax. The credit remains in effect until the local government repeals it. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 395 allows Pennsylvania to grant provisional certification to emergency medical responders (EMRs) who already hold valid national certification from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT). This applies to individuals certified as EMRs, first responders, EMTs, AEMTs, or paramedics. The provisional certification is valid for three years and automatically converts to standard Pennsylvania certification after completing the regular triennial registration process. This change eliminates redundant certification requirements for nationally certified EMTs working in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryHB 397 (Pennsylvania) allows volunteer fire companies to directly bill insurers for emergency medical services provided by certified EMT firefighters during dispatched emergencies. It affects volunteer fire companies and insurers covering emergency medical services under health insurance policies. The bill enables fire companies to submit separate claims for services rendered at emergency scenes, prohibits insurers from requiring contracts for payment, and imposes fines for false claims ($100 for first offense, $1,000 for repeat). This amendment to the 1921 Insurance Company Law clarifies billing procedures for EMT firefighters without changing existing insurance coverage requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 396 creates an emergency certification pathway for career and technical education (CTE) teachers in Pennsylvania public schools. It allows two routes: (1) educators with valid out-of-state CTE certificates meeting Pennsylvania’s standards, or (2) individuals with at least four years of work experience in the teaching field plus industry certifications. Certificates issued under this bill are valid for eight years and convert to full certification after two years of classroom teaching with performance evidence. The bill directly affects CTE educators seeking quicker entry into Pennsylvania classrooms.

Maddy summaryHB 392 amends Pennsylvania's Insurance Company Law to require insurers to provide detailed written notifications when reimbursing policyholders for non-network emergency medical services (EMS). The bill mandates that these notifications include the service date, EMS agency name, itemized claim details, billing address, and a clear statement that funds must be used solely to pay the emergency medical bill (with fraud warnings for misuse). Insurers must also notify EMS agencies monthly about payments made to policyholders for non-network emergency care. This directly affects insurers (who must follow the billing rules) and policyholders (who receive the notifications). The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 277 allows victims of sex trafficking to sue individuals or entities that recruit, profit from, or advertise for sex trade activities. The bill amends Pennsylvania's criminal code to create a civil legal pathway for victims to seek remedies in court, specifically targeting those who recruit victims, maintain them in sex trade acts, or cause bodily harm during such acts. It directly affects victims of sex trafficking and those who exploit them through recruitment, advertising, or financial gain. The law does not change criminal penalties but adds a civil remedy for victims to pursue compensation.

Maddy summaryHB 352 requires cities of the first class (like Philadelphia) to send tax money collected from nonresident workers back to the municipality and school district where those workers live. It directly affects people who work in large cities but reside in smaller towns or municipalities outside the city limits. The bill mandates that cities remit an amount equal to the tax their nonresident employees would have paid to their home municipality and school district, changing how wage tax revenue is distributed. This is a concrete policy change to the 1932 Sterling Act, not a procedural or commemorative measure.