Rep. Tim Briggs

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to establish specific criminal penalties for individuals who make false statements to receive public assistance or food stamps. It creates a tiered penalty system where the severity of the crime depends on the amount of aid obtained, ranging from a third-degree misdemeanor for smaller amounts to a third-degree felony for cases involving $3,000 or more. Additionally, the legislation assigns jurisdiction over third-degree misdemeanor cases to district justices rather than higher courts. The changes are designed to clarify legal consequences for fraud and ensure appropriate court handling of these offenses.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution urges the U.S. President and Congress to reevaluate their foreign policy toward Ethiopia due to concerns over the country's shift toward authoritarian rule and ethnic-based violence. The bill highlights specific issues such as the suppression of democratic institutions, human rights abuses, and the persecution of minorities, calling for increased U.S. attention to these conditions. It does not alter any laws or funding but serves as a formal recommendation to federal leaders to prioritize human rights and democratic development in their diplomatic approach to Ethiopia.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Fiscal Code to adjust funding rates for personal assistance services provided under the Community HealthChoices program starting in January 2025. It mandates that providers receiving these funds spend at least 80% of their budget on worker salaries and benefits, while offering an enhanced rate to providers who invest 90% or more in wages. The legislation also directs the Department of Human Services to conduct regular reviews of these rates every three years to ensure they reflect local wage data and cost factors. Additionally, the bill allocates specific budget increases for direct care workers, including a 16% raise for consumer-directed services and a 10% raise for agency-directed services.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania election laws to allow the use of electronic poll books and establishes a funding mechanism through bonds to purchase election infrastructure equipment. It requires county election boards to adopt these digital systems for early voting locations and half of all polling places on election day starting in 2025, with full implementation across all precincts by 2026. The legislation mandates that these devices must securely connect to the statewide voter registration system, track voter participation in real-time, and maintain paper backups in case of technical failures. Additionally, the bill introduces same-day voter registration options on election day and during early voting periods while removing previous rules regarding voter registration transfers and party enrollment changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to allow businesses to claim a tax deduction for money they contribute toward their employees' child care costs. To qualify, employers must make payments to licensed child care centers, group homes, or family homes to help workers cover eligible care expenses while they work. The law permits a deduction equal to 110% of the total contributions made, with a separate provision that allows up to $5,000 of these costs to be excluded from the employer's taxable income. Employers claiming this benefit must file a specific form that details the names and contact information of participating employees and the child care providers they used. The changes apply to tax years starting after December 31, 2023, and will take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes minimum energy and water efficiency standards for a specific list of products sold or installed in Pennsylvania, including commercial kitchen equipment, lighting, and plumbing fixtures. It requires that these items meet performance benchmarks to reduce utility waste, lower costs for consumers and businesses, and decrease strain on energy and water infrastructure. The legislation mandates testing, certification, and labeling for compliance while imposing penalties for violations, though it excludes products manufactured in-state for out-of-state sale and those designed for recreational vehicles.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania laws to replace the existing Abortion Control Act with a new framework that reorganizes abortion-related offenses under a chapter titled "Reproductive Offenses." It removes previous requirements for informed consent, parental consent, and spousal notification while also eliminating penalties for physicians who perform abortions on fetuses of 24 weeks or more gestational age. The legislation further repeals restrictions on fetal experimentation and changes how insurance regulations are handled regarding abortion services, aiming to provide a clearer legal structure for reproductive health care in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies sentencing guidelines and parole rules for specific murder cases in Pennsylvania, including the killing of unborn children and law enforcement officers. It establishes new minimum prison terms for adult offenders, setting a floor of 50 years, and creates age-based minimums for juveniles, ranging from 20 to 30 years depending on their age at the time of the crime. Additionally, the legislation grants the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole the authority to consider parole for these individuals after serving their minimum sentences, provided they meet specific criteria regarding public safety and victim impact. A key provision requires the board to notify victims of the crime and offer them the chance to speak during parole hearings before a decision is made.