Rep. Tim Briggs

Maddy summaryHB 1077 establishes the Commission on Children's Vision within Pennsylvania's Department of Education and Department of Health to address children's vision care needs. The commission will develop statewide plans and low-cost programs for vision screenings, follow-up exams, and glasses for students who need them, while coordinating with local vision care providers. It must issue annual reports by December 31 detailing program achievements, trends in unmet vision care needs, and recommendations for improving access. The commission, composed of state education/health officials and 12 vision care professionals, will not receive compensation but will receive administrative support from the departments. This bill directly affects Pennsylvania schoolchildren requiring vision care and the state departments responsible for health and education services.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Local Tax Enabling Act to increase the maximum allowable rate for local services taxes from $52 to $156 per year. It also grants political subdivisions the authority to exempt residents with low income from this tax, requiring exemptions for those earning under $12,000 if the tax rate exceeds $10, and for those earning under $15,600 if the rate exceeds $52. The changes directly affect cities, boroughs, townships, school districts, and other local governments that levy these taxes, as well as the residents who pay them. The legislation is set to take effect 60 days after it is passed.

Maddy summaryHR 259 is a Pennsylvania House resolution designating August 24, 2025, as "Ukrainian Independence Day" in the state. It commemorates Ukraine's 1991 declaration of independence from the Soviet Union and acknowledges Pennsylvania's defense contributions, including munitions support for Ukraine. The resolution urges the U.S. President and Congress to maintain support for Ukraine amid Russia's ongoing invasion. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or directly affect individuals.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates July 31, 2025, as "Intern Day" in Pennsylvania to recognize the value of internships for students, educational institutions, and employers. It aims to raise awareness about work-based learning opportunities that connect classroom education with workplace skills, aligning with national observances. The bill does not create new laws or funding but symbolically highlights Pennsylvania’s commitment to supporting internships as part of economic development. It directly affects students seeking career experience, career and technical centers, and businesses offering internships.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates the week of May 10 through 19, 2026, as "Go Public Gardens Days" to encourage residents to visit public gardens. The measure directly affects botanical gardens, zoos, historical homes, parks, and other horticultural organizations across the state. By officially recognizing this period, the resolution aims to highlight the economic and community value of these spaces without mandating any specific actions or spending. The text describes public gardens as important destinations for recreation, education, and conservation that support thousands of jobs and millions of visitors annually.

Maddy summaryHB 41 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to establish a process for determining whether interscholastic athletic playoffs and championships should be separated for public schools (boundary schools) versus charter, parochial, or private schools (nonboundary schools). It requires the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) to hold public meetings in each district, accept written testimony and public comments, and document all proceedings before making a decision. The bill mandates that the PIAA board must publicly discuss all relevant testimony, fiscal impacts, and sport-specific considerations before voting on the change or deciding no change is needed. The association must then provide a written decision with justification to the oversight committee within five days of the meeting. This bill affects all Pennsylvania schools participating in PIAA athletics by defining how decisions about playoff structures will be made.

Maddy summaryHB 72 amends Pennsylvania's 1951 Landlord and Tenant Act to create new protections for tenants facing domestic violence, sexual violence, or stalking. It defines "eligible tenants" as those who are victims themselves or have an immediate family/household member (living with them or within 1,000 feet) who is a victim of these specific violent acts. The bill requires landlords to provide safety options like changing locks or relocating tenants without penalty upon verification from an "attesting third party" (such as a police officer or victim advocate). This directly affects renters in these situations by ensuring they aren't unfairly evicted or penalized for seeking safety due to violence.

Maddy summaryHB 2042 amends the existing Safety in Youth Sports Act to update definitions related to concussions and improve prevention measures for traumatic brain injuries in youth sports. It directly affects youth athletes, coaches, and sports organizations by requiring clearer guidelines for identifying and managing head injuries. Key provisions include revising terminology for consistency and strengthening protocols for concussion prevention and response. The bill focuses on concrete policy changes to enhance safety standards under the current law. It was recently referred to the Health committee for further review.

Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens Pennsylvania's existing hazardous waste laws by creating a new chapter focused on immediate spill response and protecting residential areas. It defines hazardous substances to include petroleum products and other dangerous materials, then imposes strict liability on responsible parties to immediately contain and clean up any discharge that threatens public health or the environment. The Department of Environmental Protection gains expanded authority to issue directives, enter private property, and recover cleanup costs from those who cause spills, ensuring rapid action in residential communities.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's standby guardianship laws to clarify definitions and streamline the process for seeking court approval of a designated guardian. It directly affects parents who want to name a standby guardian to care for their minor children if the parent becomes incapacitated, disabled, absent, or passes away. The key provision requires specific documentation to prove the triggering event has occurred before a standby guardian can file a petition for court approval, including medical determinations, consent forms, absence documentation, or a death certificate. The changes take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.