Rep. Tim Briggs

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill updates the state's tax code to provide tax relief for victims of Nazi persecution. It specifically exempts from state personal income tax any money received as compensation for the seizure, theft, or forced conversion of income or property that occurred after May 30, 1971. The legislation also clarifies that such compensation is not considered a taxable gain from selling property. These changes apply to tax years starting on or after December 31, 2024, and take effect immediately.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws regarding how the State Treasurer can distribute small amounts of unclaimed money or property left by deceased residents. It allows the Treasurer to pay these funds directly to eligible family members, such as spouses, children, or parents, without appointing a formal legal representative if the estate is valued at $11,000 or less and no five-year waiting period has passed. To receive the money, claimants must provide a death certificate and a sworn affidavit proving their relationship to the deceased and confirming that no personal representative has been appointed. The legislation also clarifies that once the State Treasurer makes a payment to an eligible family member, they are no longer responsible for how those funds are used.

Maddy summaryHB 1032 establishes a new grant program called Solar for Schools to fund solar energy projects at educational institutions. The bill also creates a legal framework requiring owners of solar facilities on leased land to provide financial guarantees that cover the cost of removing the equipment when it stops producing electricity. These financial assurances must remain in place even if the facility is sold to a new owner, ensuring that the original landowner is protected. Additionally, the legislation authorizes the Department of Community and Economic Development to manage these grants and outlines specific rules for solar agreements to prevent future cleanup costs from falling on property owners.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania law creates a new legal mechanism to protect individuals and organizations when they are sued over their public speech, news reporting, or artistic work. It allows people who are wrongly sued to recover their legal fees and, in cases of malicious harassment, potentially punitive damages. The legislation grants immunity from lawsuits to those exercising free speech rights on matters of public concern, provided they can prove the lawsuit lacks merit. However, the law does not apply to government officials acting in their official capacity, businesses selling goods or services, or claims involving bodily injury, trade secrets, or internal corporate disputes. Additionally, it requires state court and legislative offices to update their resources to reflect these new protections.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania laws to require parents receiving state assistance to actively cooperate in establishing paternity and securing child support for their children. It mandates that applicants must appear before a court to address potential fathers before receiving aid, with exceptions only if alternative methods are equally efficient. The legislation also establishes that providing names of two putative fathers who are later excluded by genetic testing will create a presumption of noncooperation, which can only be overturned with strong evidence. Finally, the bill outlines specific penalties for failing to cooperate, including the termination of medical benefits and a reduction of cash assistance by at least 25%.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Housing Authorities Law to expand relocation protections for tenants experiencing domestic or sexual violence. It allows tenants to request emergency transfers if they were victimized on or near their premises within the last 180 days or if they reasonably fear imminent harm. The legislation establishes specific documentation requirements, such as police reports or third-party certifications, to verify abuse while also permitting a simple tenant statement if no conflicting information exists. Additionally, the bill mandates that housing authorities assist victims in connecting with local support organizations and may release tenants from their leases upon qualification.

Maddy summaryHB 2216 authorizes the Pennsylvania Department of General Services and other state agencies to transfer various parcels of land and easements to private entities, local governments, and nonprofit organizations. The bill facilitates these exchanges through mechanisms such as quitclaiming interests, granting easements, and conveying property titles, often in return for improvements, monetary payments, or reciprocal land swaps. Specific actions include transferring land for a theater in Philadelphia, releasing restrictions on park lands, and exchanging state park jurisdiction for highway improvements. Essentially, the legislation streamlines the process for the state to give away or swap its real estate holdings to support public projects, historical preservation, and community needs.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the existing Pharmacy Audit Integrity and Transparency Act to refine how pharmacy audits and fees are handled. It clarifies that certain insurance supplements are excluded from specific terms and changes the notice period for additional fees from the time of claim adjudication to thirty days before the fees are applied. The legislation also updates definitions to refer to "generic" drugs instead of "general" ones and expands the scope of federal employee benefit protections. Additionally, it adjusts reporting requirements for pharmacy benefit managers and the state agency overseeing these audits.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Liquor Code to clarify rules regarding ownership interests and employment within the alcohol industry. It specifically allows individuals who own a manufacturer of malt or brewed beverages to work for hotels, restaurants, or clubs, provided they do not serve as a manager or handle alcohol service. Additionally, the legislation establishes new promotion boards for the malt and brewed beverages and distilled spirits industries while updating provisions for license surrenders and operating hours. These changes aim to modernize regulations governing the sale and production of alcohol without restricting business ownership across different sectors.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Public School Code of 1949 to establish a Board of Governors for the State System of Higher Education. The board will consist of 22 appointed members, including two new nonvoting positions for a nonfaculty employee and a faculty member from constituent institutions. These nonvoting members will attend regular meetings but will not have voting power, except potentially in specific conflict of interest situations. The legislation also clarifies the board's authority to appoint these student, faculty, and nonfaculty members to its councils. The changes are set to take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.