Rep. Joe Ciresi

Maddy summaryThis law prohibits people in Pennsylvania from owning, using, or selling devices that can swap or hide a vehicle's license plate. The ban covers any tool, whether manual or electric, that allows a driver to change the plate shown on their car or flip it to make the number invisible. Anyone caught with or operating such a device faces a summary offense charge and a fine of up to $2,000. The rule applies to the possession, installation, sale, or distribution of these plate-flipping tools. The law became effective 60 days after it was signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's tax code to provide specific definitions for volunteer firefighter retirement plans and to clarify how their contributions are treated for tax purposes. It directly affects volunteer firefighters and the fire companies or municipalities that sponsor their benefit programs by distinguishing these contributions from regular taxable compensation. The legislation establishes clear rules for two types of plans: defined benefit plans, which offer a guaranteed payout, and defined contribution plans, which rely on specific deposits. By explicitly stating that these contributions are not considered compensation, the bill aims to prevent them from being taxed as income for the firefighters. These changes apply to taxable years starting on or after January 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's Main Street Act to clarify the funding timeline for downtown commercial enhancement programs. It allows grants to cover administrative costs, such as hiring a manager, for an initial period of up to five years, with the possibility of extending this duration by another five years upon approval. The change directly affects local organizations and businesses participating in the state's commercial revitalization efforts by providing a clearer framework for long-term grant support.

Maddy summaryHB 1409 updates the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission's authority to set fees for fishing licenses, permits, and issuing agents. The bill allows the commission to adjust specific amounts for various licenses, such as resident annual and senior resident lifetime licenses, as well as different tourist and replacement options, by referencing existing administrative rules. It also establishes fixed fees for special permits, including those for trout fishing and charter boat guides, while capping transaction costs for the automated licensing system at one dollar. This legislation directly impacts anglers and fishing businesses by defining the current fee structure and providing the legal framework for the commission to manage these costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Public School Code to require schools to notify parents when a student is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. It mandates that schools provide education about the condition and ensures parents are informed of any medical treatments or care plans involving their child. The legislation also clarifies that these requirements apply to both public and nonpublic schools, including those that operate health units. By making these changes, the law aims to improve communication between schools and families regarding diabetes management.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Landlord and Tenant Act to strengthen protections for renters in multi-unit buildings by clarifying rules for property abandonment and maintenance. It introduces new requirements for lenders to investigate the purpose of loans against rental properties and mandates that landlords keep units habitable or face loan default. The legislation also empowers local governments to investigate and penalize landlords who abandon properties or fail to make necessary repairs, while ensuring that court-appointed receivers maintain units to safe standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law to strengthen rules against deceptive automatic renewal policies. It requires businesses to clearly disclose future pricing changes and deadlines for cancellation in bold text, while also prohibiting the intentional misrepresentation of renewal terms. The law expands its scope to cover entities regulated by federal agencies like the FCC and PUC, as well as those involved in natural gas and electric utility markets. Ultimately, these changes aim to ensure consumers receive transparent information when signing up for recurring services or subscriptions.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill establishes new pension benefits for retired public employees starting in 2025. It provides an additional monthly payment to eligible retirees from state education and government systems who retired before 2001, with the amount calculated as a percentage of their July 2025 annuity based on their original retirement date. The legislation also creates a special one-time adjustment for retired municipal police officers and firefighters, ensuring these groups receive increased benefits. Funding for these new payments will be spread over ten years beginning in 2025, and the benefits are not available to survivors of members who died before that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Returning Heroes Supplemental Tax Credit Program in Pennsylvania to provide additional state tax credits to businesses that hire qualified veterans. To qualify, a taxpayer must receive a federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit for a veteran and submit an application with proof by September 15 of the relevant year. Eligible businesses can receive a supplemental credit of up to $2,000 per veteran, which can be carried forward for up to 15 years if not fully used in the current tax year. The program is limited to a total of $20,000,000 per fiscal year and is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Revenue to publish an annual report listing all businesses that received these credits and the amounts approved.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's State Lottery Law to expand eligibility for the Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly Needs Enhancement Tier. It directly affects elderly residents whose income currently falls between $14,500 and $33,500 for single individuals or $17,700 and $41,500 for married couples, raising the upper income limits to $43,500 and $51,500 respectively. The legislation also clarifies that income figures reported for eligibility purposes can be rounded to the nearest whole dollar. The changes are set to take effect 60 days after the bill becomes law.