Rep. Joe Webster

Maddy summaryHB 615 expands legal protection for individuals and organizations donating food to charities by strengthening the existing Donated Food Limited Liability Act. It directly affects food donors (like grocery stores, farms, and businesses) and food banks/receiving organizations by shielding them from liability claims if donated food causes harm - unless the donor acted with gross negligence. The key provision clarifies that donors cannot be sued for injuries related to donated food, provided they followed safety standards. This policy change aims to encourage more food donations by reducing legal risks for donors.

Maddy summaryHB 261 amends Pennsylvania's 1921 Insurance Company Law to update coverage rules for dependents and clarify community health definitions. It requires insurers to continue health coverage for unmarried children with intellectual or physical disabilities (who became disabled before age 19 and remain dependent) past age 19, provided policyholders submit proof within 31 days of the child's 19th birthday. The bill also revises "community health reinvestment activity" to explicitly include programs for preventing/treating intellectual disabilities and mental health services. These changes apply to policies issued after January 1, 1968, affecting insurers, employers offering group plans, and policyholders with disabled dependents. The law took effect immediately upon signing in June 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1673 would prohibit Pennsylvania law enforcement agencies from using chemical weapons, including riot control agents like tear gas, during public order incidents. This bill directly affects police departments and law enforcement officers by restricting their use of specific chemical agents under Pennsylvania law. The key provision amends Title 44 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to establish this ban, replacing existing provisions that may have permitted such use. The bill is currently pending in the Judiciary Committee after being referred on June 30, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1103 updates Pennsylvania's mortgage lending rules under Title 7, focusing on licensing requirements and consumer protections for mortgage lenders. It clarifies definitions for mortgage loan industry terms and specifies the powers that licensed mortgage businesses can exercise. The bill directly affects mortgage lenders (who must comply with revised licensing standards) and borrowers (who gain clearer protections under the updated rules). Key changes include streamlining licensing procedures and strengthening safeguards against predatory lending practices.

Maddy summaryHB 1100 amends Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to allow public assistance recipients to use their benefits to purchase diapers and menstrual hygiene products through a new waiver program. This directly affects low-income individuals and families enrolled in public assistance programs who currently cannot use their benefits for these essential items. The key provision adds diapers and menstrual hygiene products to the list of eligible purchases under an administrative waiver, changing the existing code to expand access to basic necessities. The bill does not change benefit amounts or eligibility criteria but creates a new pathway for purchasing specific hygiene products. It passed the legislature in June 2025 and was referred to the Health & Human Services committee for implementation.

Maddy summaryHB 593 amends Pennsylvania's vehicle laws to clarify procedures for handling abandoned vehicles and cargo. It requires authorities to provide specific notice to vehicle owners and lienholders before disposing of unclaimed vehicles, and authorizes disposal of vehicles not claimed within a set timeframe. The bill also establishes standardized processing rules for vehicles deemed nonrepairable or salvage, ensuring consistent handling. These changes directly affect vehicle owners, lienholders, and local authorities managing abandoned property. The law aims to streamline disposal while ensuring proper notification and documentation.

Maddy summaryHB 1650 establishes Pennsylvania's Home Preservation Grant Program, administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development. It provides grants to local governments (counties, cities, townships) to fund repairs and improvements on existing owner-occupied homes, targeting households earning 80-120% of the area median income. Grants can cover up to $50,000 per unit for habitability fixes, energy/water efficiency upgrades, or accessibility modifications, with local governments allowed to use up to 10% of funds for administration. Applications must demonstrate experience in housing rehabilitation and include plans for using funds per the bill's requirements, with priority given to projects leveraging additional funding sources.

Maddy summaryHB 640 creates new assessment fees for specific healthcare providers, including managed care organizations, intermediate care facilities for people with intellectual disabilities, hospitals, and nursing facilities. These fees fund state oversight programs under the Department of Public Welfare and the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs. The law amends the 1929 Administrative Code to establish these funding mechanisms and adjust related administrative duties. It directly affects healthcare providers that must pay these assessments and state agencies managing the funds. The bill became law on June 30, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 211 amends the 1996 Medical Foods Insurance Coverage Act to clarify and update the policy statement regarding insurance coverage for medical foods. It does not change coverage requirements but refines the legislative declaration of policy for insurers. This procedural amendment affects health insurance providers and patients relying on medical food coverage under existing law. The bill was enacted as Act No. 8 of 2025 after passing both chambers and receiving gubernatorial approval.

Maddy summaryHB 491 changes Pennsylvania law to allow both state juvenile courts and military courts to handle juvenile cases involving minors on military installations within the state. This applies directly to minors under 18 who commit offenses on bases like Fort Indiantown Gap or the Philadelphia Naval Yard. The key provision amends Title 42 of Pennsylvania law to establish concurrent jurisdiction, meaning either court system can take the case without requiring the other to defer. The bill became law on June 27, 2025, after approval by the governor. This policy change clarifies legal authority for juvenile matters on military property without altering the primary jurisdiction of military courts.