Rep. Craig Staats

Maddy summaryHB 2142 repeals a 1936 law that imposed an 18% tax on liquor sold by Pennsylvania's state-run liquor stores (operated by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board). The repealed law defined "liquor" and required the Board to collect the tax from customers and remit it to the state treasury, with specific reporting procedures. This bill eliminates the tax requirement and its associated administrative rules, meaning the state will no longer collect this specific tax from liquor sales at state stores. The repeal affects the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board's operations and the state's revenue system for this historical tax.

Maddy summaryHB 467 amends Pennsylvania's Liquor Code to update definitions, sales rules for licensed businesses, and restrictions on purchases and sales by retail dispensers. It specifically affects liquor licensees, beer and wine retailers, and breweries by clarifying regulations around alcohol sales, purchase limits, and brewery operations. The bill modifies existing provisions without creating new categories of licenses or fundamentally changing the licensing structure. It focuses on refining administrative and operational rules within the current liquor code framework.

Maddy summaryThis procedural bill removes the Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs and Operations from further consideration of House Resolution 278. It allows House Resolution 278 to move directly to the full House for debate and voting under Rule 53, bypassing the committee review process. The bill itself does not change policy but alters the legislative path for another resolution.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates September 25, 2025, as "Disabled American Veterans Day" in Pennsylvania to honor veterans wounded in military service and recognize the advocacy and support provided by the Disabled American Veterans organization. It does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges these contributions through a state-recognized observance. The bill directly affects Pennsylvania residents by establishing a symbolic day of recognition for these veterans and the organization.

Maddy summaryHB 2081 designates Bridge Key 11669 (over Mosquito Creek on Quehanna Highway in Karthaus Township, Clearfield County) as the "Gerald Reiter and Leon Hahn Memorial Bridge." The bill honors two U.S. Marine Corps veterans: PFC Gerald Reiter, who died in Vietnam in 1967, and Sgt. Leon Hahn, who died from injuries sustained in Vietnam in 1968. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation must install and maintain directional signs naming the bridge. This is a commemorative resolution with no policy changes or direct impact on constituents beyond the memorial designation.

Maddy summaryHB 2054 would provide temporary financial and operational assistance to Pennsylvania's emergency response systems. It directly affects the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), Pennsylvania State Police, and the Office of State Treasurer by requiring them to implement specific support measures. The bill establishes duties for these agencies to manage and distribute this temporary aid, though it does not specify the exact emergency scenarios or funding amounts. As a substantive law-and-justice bill, it focuses on operational structure rather than broad policy changes. (Note: The bill is currently in the Judiciary committee referral stage as of November 19, 2025.)

Maddy summaryHB 2057 updates the state's regulatory review process by clarifying definitions and procedures for state agencies to propose, review, and finalize regulations. It specifies how agencies must submit proposed rules, handle disapproved regulations, and conduct annual reporting, aiming to streamline oversight. This affects state agencies that create regulations and ensures a more structured review process for all rulemaking. The bill focuses on procedural clarity without altering the substance of regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 1479 amends Pennsylvania laws related to protection from abuse and victim support for sexual violence or intimidation. It updates definitions and expands available legal relief options for two specific groups: individuals seeking protection from domestic abuse and victims of sexual violence or intimidation. The bill focuses on clarifying statutory language and strengthening procedural pathways for obtaining court-ordered protections. These changes directly affect Pennsylvania residents who are victims of these specific harms and seek legal remedies through the state's judicial system. The bill is currently pending in committee after being referred to the Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 1476 amends Pennsylvania's judicial statutes to clarify and strengthen definitions related to victims of sexual violence or intimidation. The bill specifically updates legal terminology within Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) to better protect these individuals during court proceedings. This change directly affects victims seeking legal recourse and the judicial system handling such cases by ensuring consistent application of protections. The bill focuses on defining key terms to improve how courts address these sensitive matters, without creating new penalties or programs.

Maddy summaryHB 2015 designates a specific bridge (Bridge Key 5662 on PA Route 866 over the Frankstown Branch of the Juniata River in Catharine Township, Blair County) as the "Sergeant Edward Vernon McChessney Memorial Bridge." This bill is purely commemorative, honoring a named individual by renaming the bridge. It does not create new policies, affect regulations, or alter funding. The bill is currently in the Transportation committee for review.