Rep. Joe Ciresi

Maddy summaryHB 785 creates a new electronic voter registration system in Pennsylvania. It requires the state to establish a secure online portal within 180 days where voters can submit registration applications or updates, verify identity using the last four digits of their Social Security number or driver's license, and provide digital signatures. The bill mandates accessibility features for voters with disabilities and specifies that applications must be processed through existing systems. This directly affects all Pennsylvania voters seeking to register or update their registration online, streamlining the process while maintaining verification requirements.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 96) designates March 8, 2025, as "International Women's Day" in Pennsylvania. It formally recognizes women's contributions across all sectors of Pennsylvania society without creating new laws or policies. The resolution encourages residents to participate in events celebrating women's achievements and leadership, including noting the record number of women serving in the state legislature. It is a symbolic gesture by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, not a legislative change affecting specific groups or programs.

Maddy summaryHB 776 requires Pennsylvania high school students to score at least 60% on a civic knowledge assessment to graduate or earn a general equivalency diploma, starting in the 2028-2029 school year. The bill amends the Public School Code to add this graduation requirement, which applies to all students except those with an individualized education program (IEP) if their IEP specifies an exemption. The assessment measures knowledge of civic topics like government structure and citizenship. This policy directly affects all Pennsylvania public high school students seeking graduation or a general equivalency diploma.

Maddy summaryHB 765 amends the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Compact to give governors of Pennsylvania and New Jersey the power to veto specific actions taken by the bridge commission within 10 days of receiving certified meeting minutes. It also requires the commission to undergo biennial performance audits jointly conducted by Pennsylvania’s Auditor General and New Jersey’s State Auditor, with reports due by December 31 of odd-numbered years. These changes apply to the commission’s management of toll bridges and related facilities over the Delaware River, which are jointly operated by Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The bill adds oversight mechanisms without altering the commission’s core responsibilities for bridge operations and maintenance.

Maddy summaryHB 786 changes Pennsylvania's educational gratuity program to require only one year of Pennsylvania residency immediately before applying, down from the previous five-year requirement. The program provides financial assistance to children of disabled or deceased veterans who are between 16 and 23 years old. This amendment, effective 60 days after enactment, simplifies eligibility by reducing the residency threshold for qualifying applicants.

Maddy summaryHB 762 amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to exempt volunteer emergency service organizations from paying state sales and use tax on protective equipment. The bill specifically covers volunteer EMS companies, fire companies, and rescue companies - defined as nonprofit groups providing emergency medical, fire, or rescue services. It excludes purchases like helmets, turnout gear, boots, gloves, and respiratory protection units from taxation when bought for members performing their duties. This tax exemption will apply to sales occurring on or after July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 794 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to clarify the definition of community colleges and update the State Board of Education's authority over them. The bill defines "community college" to include institutions offering two-year programs, career education, college-parallel courses, and services for high school students. It requires the State Board to set standards for facilities, curriculum, faculty, admission, and student enrollment, while allowing community colleges to award a bachelor's degree in nursing to students with an associate nursing degree. These changes directly affect Pennsylvania community colleges and their students by standardizing operations and expanding degree options.

Maddy summaryHB 778 establishes a three-year pilot program to increase pre-kindergarten (Pre-K) teacher salaries in Pennsylvania to match those of elementary school teachers with similar qualifications. It directly affects Pre-K teachers working in programs located in high-poverty areas (school districts with ≥20% poverty or census tracts at ≤80% of the statewide median poverty level). The program requires the Department of Education to calculate salary gaps using a specific formula, provide subsidies to eligible Pre-K programs to close those gaps, and collect data for a legislative report. The bill mandates strict use of funds solely for teacher salary increases and includes requirements for reporting program outcomes to the legislature.

Maddy summaryHB 780 creates a tuition assistance program for early childhood educators in Pennsylvania. It provides grants to cover tuition costs (minus other financial aid) for individuals pursuing associate degrees or certifications in early childhood education, targeting those earning under 400% of the federal poverty level, enrolled in at least six credit hours per semester, and working 25+ hours weekly in approved early childhood programs. Recipients must agree to work in Pennsylvania early childhood education for two years after completing their program. Funding comes from a new state fund, with annual reports tracking enrollment, retention, wages, and job demand. The program aims to support workforce development in early childhood education through financial assistance tied to service commitments.

Maddy summaryHB 781 creates a three-year pilot program to provide salary supplements for infant and toddler care professionals working at eligible child-care centers in Pennsylvania. The Department of Public Welfare will administer the program, establishing county-level pay parity standards that consider education and certification levels to prevent staff retention issues. Child-care centers receiving funds must use them exclusively for wage supplements and cannot reduce existing pay or replace staff costs. The program requires annual reporting to the General Assembly and expires after three fiscal years beginning in 2026-2027.