Rep. Joe Webster

Maddy summaryHB 589 creates a state-run insurance program and dedicated fund to cover property damage from landslides and sinkholes. It directly affects property owners in high-risk areas by providing a new insurance option when private coverage is unavailable or unaffordable. The bill establishes a Landslide and Sinkhole Insurance Board to manage the fund and program, while requiring the Auditor General to oversee financial accountability. It also includes a penalty provision for non-compliance and specifies fund transfers to support the program's operations. The bill passed final passage on September 29, 2025, and is now under review by the Community, Economic & Recreational Development committee.

Maddy summaryHB 1418 amends Pennsylvania's boating laws to require boating education for operators. It directly affects anyone operating a boat in Pennsylvania waters, particularly new or inexperienced operators. The key provision adds a requirement for boating education as part of the preliminary provisions governing boats and boating. The bill passed the legislature on October 6, 2025, and was referred to the Game & Fisheries committee for further consideration.

Maddy summaryHB 587 amends Pennsylvania's agriculture laws to establish regulations for businesses that transport waste from animal and food processing (referred to as "residuals" in the bill). The bill requires commercial haulers and brokers to follow specific handling and transportation standards for these materials and imposes fines for non-compliance. This directly affects companies that move agricultural waste, aiming to improve safety and environmental management through clear, enforceable rules.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates October 2025 as "National Pedestrian Safety Month" in Pennsylvania. It aims to raise public awareness about pedestrian safety through community events and educational campaigns organized by local governments and nonprofits. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create new laws, allocate funding, or impose requirements on individuals or entities. The bill was adopted by the Pennsylvania legislature in October 2025, formalizing the designation for public awareness efforts during that month.

Maddy summaryThis resolution recognizes September 2025 as "Infant Mortality Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or allocate funding but formally acknowledges the state's infant mortality rate (5.6 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2023) and disparities, particularly for Black infants and mothers with limited prenatal care. The resolution urges Pennsylvanians to raise awareness about infant mortality and support efforts to reduce infant deaths and health disparities. It is a symbolic measure with no direct policy changes or obligations for government action.

Maddy summaryHB 1918 prohibits individuals or entities from charging fees for assisting veterans with benefits claims in Pennsylvania, directly affecting veterans' advocates, lawyers, and representatives who prepare or submit claims. It bans charging for services before a claim is formally filed, guarantees of specific benefits, excessive fees (citing federal fee guidelines), and referral payments. The bill requires written agreements outlining all fees before services begin and defines "compensation" broadly to include any financial benefit. Violations are classified as a third-degree misdemeanor.

Maddy summaryHB 997 updates Pennsylvania's data breach notification law, requiring businesses to notify affected individuals more clearly and promptly after a security breach involving personal information. It directly affects businesses that collect or store personal data, such as healthcare providers, retailers, and financial institutions. Key changes include modernizing definitions of personal information, clarifying when notification is required, adding new security protections, and repealing outdated civil relief provisions. The bill also removes certain exemptions that previously allowed businesses to delay or avoid notifying individuals about breaches.

Maddy summaryHB 1212 requires Pennsylvania maternal health programs to provide drug screening and awareness education to patients. It also mandates the inclusion of fatherhood engagement strategies in prenatal care discussions, directly affecting pregnant individuals and their partners receiving maternal health services. The bill imposes specific duties on the Joint State Government Commission to develop and oversee these program requirements. These provisions aim to integrate substance use prevention and family involvement into standard maternal health care protocols.

Maddy summaryHB 1593 repeals specific provisions in Pennsylvania law regarding the sale or transfer of firearms under Title 18. This change directly affects firearm sellers, buyers, and dealers who previously operated under those repealed rules. The bill removes existing legal requirements or restrictions related to firearm transactions from the state statutes. It does not create new rules but eliminates the current legal framework governing these sales and transfers. The bill passed final passage on September 30, 2025, and was referred to the Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates October 3, 2025, as "Sharon Cullen Day" within Pennsylvania. It is a ceremonial designation honoring Sharon Cullen, with no policy changes or direct impact on laws, regulations, or specific groups. The resolution was adopted by the legislature on October 1, 2025, following committee review. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new obligations or alter existing laws.