Rep. Joe Ciresi

Maddy summaryHB 578 sets a new maximum contaminant level of 10 parts per trillion for specific PFAS chemicals (including PFOA and PFOS) in public drinking water systems across Pennsylvania. This directly affects municipal water providers and the residents who rely on tap water, requiring them to meet this stricter standard. The bill establishes this limit unless federal or state agencies set a higher standard, in which case those standards would take precedence. Water systems must comply with this level, and the Department of Environmental Protection must publish any federal/state standards in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 574 amends Pennsylvania's Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act to update definitions and establish emergency water protections. It specifically adds PFAS chemicals (like PFOA and PFOS) to the definition of "hazardous substance" and creates a new designation for "special drinking water resource-impacted communities" when groundwater or surface water exceeds 10 parts per trillion of PFAS over a 12-month average or contains other pollutants threatening public water supplies. The bill grants the Governor authority to declare such communities and set immediate emergency water standards and cleanup requirements without waiting for full site remediation. This directly affects municipalities with contaminated water sources, particularly those dealing with PFAS contamination requiring urgent public health responses. The changes aim to streamline emergency actions for communities facing immediate drinking water risks from hazardous substances.

Maddy summaryHR 75 amends House Rule 66(a) to clarify procedures for members voting by designation or remotely. It allows members absent from the House floor or committee meetings to designate a Whip or committee chair to cast their vote, requiring written attestation to the Chief Clerk or committee chair. Remote voting for committee meetings is permitted with identity verification and video conferencing technology, with all designated or remote votes counting toward quorum. The resolution directly affects Pennsylvania House members who cannot attend sessions in person.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds music therapy to Pennsylvania's existing licensing framework for mental health professionals. It creates a new "licensed professional music therapist" category and defines "practice of music therapy" to include clinically proven techniques like music improvisation, songwriting, and music-based assessments. The State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, Professional Counselors, and Professional Music Therapists will regulate this new license. It directly affects individuals who provide music therapy services independently, requiring them to hold this specific license while clarifying that existing healthcare providers (like hospitals or schools) aren't required to obtain it for their employment.

Maddy summaryHB 551, the "Support Through Loss Act," requires employers with five or more employees in Pennsylvania to provide 24 hours of paid leave annually for employees experiencing pregnancy loss or related reproductive health events. It covers specific situations like pregnancy loss, failed fertility treatments (including assisted reproductive technology), adoption issues, or fertility-related diagnoses, as well as leave to care for a spouse or domestic partner in these circumstances. Employers must post notices about the policy and are prohibited from retaliating against employees who use this leave or discriminating based on its use. The bill takes effect for all covered employers starting January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 546 creates a military exception for minors under 18 seeking a junior driver's license in Pennsylvania. It allows the state to count time spent with a learner's permit and driving practice hours completed in another state toward eligibility requirements. This applies specifically to minors who are family members of active duty military members living in Pennsylvania with them, hold a valid out-of-state learner's permit, and have received a Pennsylvania learner's permit. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation must credit this prior experience if all conditions are met.

Maddy summaryHB 537 amends Pennsylvania's Emergency and Law Enforcement Personnel Death Benefits Act to provide property tax relief for the primary residences of deceased public safety workers. It directs the state to pay local tax authorities the full property tax amount for the surviving spouse's or minor children's primary residence for five years after death (or until the home is sold), if no spouse or minor children survive, the benefit goes to parents. The bill requires surviving family members to provide the tax bill to the relevant department to trigger payments. This change directly affects families of covered personnel, including paid and volunteer firefighters, law enforcement officers, and other emergency responders who died while on duty.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution (HR 65) establishes a task force to study social media platforms and websites that encourage suicide. The task force, chaired by the Attorney General and including health officials, legislative committee leaders, and appointed experts in psychology, cyberbullying, and suicide prevention, will examine how to address such content. It must issue a report within two years with recommendations for legislative or executive actions to prevent suicides linked to these online spaces. The resolution focuses on gathering evidence and advice to inform future policy, without creating new laws or regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 539 sets a maximum length of 8,500 feet for freight trains operated by railroads in Pennsylvania, directly affecting rail companies transporting goods within the state. The bill prohibits trains exceeding this length unless federal law requires an exception, which the state Public Utility Commission may allow under specific conditions. Violations incur escalating fines: $5,000-$10,000 for a first offense, increasing to $15,000-$20,000 for subsequent offenses within three years. Collected fines must be deposited into the state General Fund to support enforcement of this law.

Maddy summaryHB 540 requires freight trains operating in Pennsylvania to have at least two crew members: one conductor and one locomotive engineer, directly affecting railroads transporting goods across the state. Exceptions include trains within repair facilities or under federal law compliance. Railroads violating this rule face escalating civil penalties ($5,000-$20,000 per offense), with fines deposited into the General Fund for enforcement. The bill amends Pennsylvania's Public Utilities code to establish these safety standards and penalties for noncompliance.