Rep. Joe Ciresi

Maddy summaryHB 362 amends Pennsylvania's 1929 Administrative Code to authorize the Energy Development Authority to administer federal funds from the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 for the Solar for All Program. It directs the Authority to distribute funds for residential solar installations, storage, and upgrades to qualifying households across all Pennsylvania counties, prioritizing rural, suburban, and urban communities. The bill specifically prohibits using funds for solar panels or parts made with forced labor (defined as work performed under threat of penalty without voluntary consent) and requires the Public Utility Commission to protect non-participating ratepayers from cross-subsidization. This creates a clear administrative framework for implementing the federal program while adding labor and ratepayer safeguards.

Maddy summaryHB 948 amends Pennsylvania's vehicle code to create specific rules for parking at electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. It prohibits non-electric vehicles from parking in spaces designated exclusively for EV charging unless the vehicle is actively charging. Violators face fines of $50-$200 (or $150 max without posted signage), and illegally parked vehicles may be towed after a sign indicates towing is permitted. This directly affects drivers who park in EV charging spots without using the charger. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 422 creates a new tax deduction for Pennsylvania residents who donate human organs. It allows taxpayers to deduct up to $12,000 annually for unreimbursed expenses directly related to organ donation, including travel, lodging, lost wages, and medical costs. The deduction applies only to the year the transplantation occurred, may be claimed just once in a lifetime, and cannot reduce taxable income below zero. This provision affects organ donors who incur qualifying out-of-pocket costs while living. The change takes effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week of May 18-24, 2025, as "Emergency Medical Services Week" in Pennsylvania. It formally recognizes emergency medical services (EMS) providers - including paramedics, first responders, dispatchers, and volunteers - for their 24/7 lifesaving work. The resolution has no policy or funding changes; it is purely a ceremonial acknowledgment of EMS teams' contributions to public health and safety. It directly affects Pennsylvania EMS personnel by honoring their service during this designated week.

Maddy summaryHB 952 requires public utilities in Pennsylvania to provide landlords with written notice at least seven days before terminating utility service to a property they own. Landlords must have previously notified the utility in writing about their ownership interest, and utilities must send the notice via mail, email, or text (with the landlord's prior consent for electronic contact). If the issue causing the termination isn't resolved, a final notice must be sent by mail on the termination date. This applies to landlords but excludes "landlord ratepayers." The bill aims to prevent abrupt service disruptions for property owners.

Maddy summaryHB 951 amends Pennsylvania's vehicle registration laws to replace the term "handicapped" with "accessible" in all state materials related to disability plates, placards, and parking regulations. It updates the exemption for nonprofit organizations serving individuals with disabilities to use the phrase "individuals with mental or physical disabilities" instead of outdated language. The bill also revises city parking regulations to require the use of "accessible" in signage, permit programs, and enforcement materials for cities of the first and second class. These changes apply directly to disabled individuals using state-issued plates, nonprofits serving them, and city parking authorities managing parking systems.

Maddy summaryHB 918 clarifies Pennsylvania's traffic laws to strengthen pedestrian safety in crosswalks. It defines "half of the roadway" as all lanes traveling in one direction on a one-way road and requires drivers to stop and remain stopped when pedestrians are on or within one lane of that half of the roadway they are crossing. Violations carry a $50 fine for most cases, or $200 in school zones. The bill applies to all drivers operating vehicles in Pennsylvania and directly affects pedestrians crossing streets at marked or unmarked crosswalks.

Maddy summaryHB 943 requires water and wastewater utilities planning to sell their systems to obtain and publicly share three specific analyses from Pennsylvania's Independent Fiscal Office before any acquisition proceeding begins. These analyses must cover the costs/benefits of maintaining the utility under current ownership, benefits of acquisition by a public utility under this bill, and benefits under existing Section 1327. The bill mandates that this documentation be made available both in-person and on a public website. It takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 945 repeals specific provisions in Pennsylvania law that governed how the fair market value of water and wastewater systems is calculated when one utility acquires another. The bill removes a detailed 5-step valuation process requiring two independent appraisals, standardized appraisal methods, and specific rate base incorporation rules. This directly affects water and wastewater utilities involved in voluntary acquisition transactions within Pennsylvania. The repeal simplifies the process by eliminating these valuation requirements, though it does not change how acquisition costs are ultimately handled in rate cases.

Maddy summaryHB 946 requires water and wastewater utilities seeking to acquire another utility to include specific documentation - like appraisals, purchase price, and rate base calculations - with their application to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. It mandates a ratepayer referendum for sales valued at $1 million or more, where customers vote on the acquisition using plain-language ballots that clearly state potential rate impacts. Utilities must mail referendum ballots with at least 45 days' notice and 30 days to respond, with non-response counted as disapproval. This bill directly affects utility companies, ratepayers (customers), and the PUC, which must approve acquisitions only if the referendum shows majority support.