Rep. Craig Staats

Maddy summaryHB 1912 would create a new criminal offense in Pennsylvania for "swatting," defined as making a false emergency report to law enforcement to provoke a high-risk police response (like sending a SWAT team) at a victim's location. The bill directly affects individuals who intentionally submit false reports for the purpose of causing fear, harm, or disruption to others. It amends Pennsylvania’s criminal code (Title 18) to specifically address swatting under the section on falsification and intimidation. This would provide a clear legal standard for prosecuting such acts, which currently may not be adequately covered under existing laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates July 27, 2025, as "Dick Allen Day" in Pennsylvania. It honors Richard Anthony Allen, a Wampum, Pennsylvania native and former Major League Baseball player, who was recently inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. The resolution commemorates his career achievements, including his 1972 American League MVP award and his 2024 Hall of Fame election. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal effect beyond the symbolic recognition.

Maddy summaryHR 281 is a procedural resolution that forces the House Committee on Education to stop considering Senate Bill 9. It discharges the committee after 15 legislative days (since May 7, 2025) passed without the committee reporting the bill to the full House. This resolution does not change the content of Senate Bill 9; it only allows the full House to vote on the bill directly. The resolution itself is purely procedural and does not affect any policy or specific group of people.

Maddy summaryHB 706 establishes a $19 fee for Pennsylvania firearm carry licenses, covering renewal notices and administrative costs. It allows counties to waive this fee for honorably discharged veterans or applicants aged 65 and older after consulting with local sheriffs or police chiefs. The bill modifies existing fee structures without changing licensing eligibility requirements. It would take effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates October 3, 2025, as "Manufacturing Day" within Pennsylvania. It is a symbolic recognition effort, not a law with legal requirements or direct impact on individuals or businesses. The resolution aims to highlight the importance of the manufacturing sector in Pennsylvania's economy. It has been referred to the Labor & Industry committee for further consideration.

Maddy summaryHR 311 is a commemorative resolution designating January 2026 as "Law Enforcement Professionals Appreciation Month" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically honors law enforcement officers at all government levels serving and protecting the Commonwealth. The resolution does not create new programs, funding, or legal obligations - it is a formal statement of recognition by the Pennsylvania legislature. This procedural bill, referred to the Judiciary committee, directly affects all law enforcement professionals within Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryHB 999 proposes creating a commemorative bell monument on the State Capitol grounds to mark Pennsylvania's role in the U.S. founding and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the nation's creation. The bill directly affects the State Capitol landscape and honors Pennsylvania's historical contributions to the nation's founding. It is a ceremonial measure with no policy changes or funding mechanisms, solely focused on designating a physical monument for public commemoration.

Maddy summaryHB 1091 amends Pennsylvania's intestate succession laws, which determine who inherits property when someone dies without a will. It specifically adjusts the distribution shares for relatives other than a surviving spouse, such as children or parents, in cases where no spouse is alive. The bill modifies existing rules to clarify or change how these non-spouse heirs receive assets from an estate. This directly affects individuals who die intestate with surviving children or other relatives but no spouse, altering their inheritance rights under current law.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a symbolic resolution designating August 7, 2025, as "Purple Heart Day" within Pennsylvania. It directly affects the state government and its citizens by encouraging official recognition of Purple Heart recipients on that date. The key provision is the formal designation of a specific date for commemoration, not a change to benefits or laws. It serves purely as an observance to honor military service members awarded the Purple Heart.

Maddy summaryHB 828 would require the state to auction new liquor licenses for alcohol and malt beverage establishments under the Liquor Code, replacing the current discretionary approval process. This change directly affects businesses seeking to open or expand bars, restaurants, or retail stores selling alcohol, as they would now bid competitively for licenses. The bill specifies that licenses would be awarded to the highest bidder in public auctions, creating a transparent, market-based allocation method rather than administrative discretion. This policy shift aims to modernize license distribution while generating potential state revenue through the auction process.