Rep. Joe Webster

Maddy summaryHB 1347 establishes a framework for creating tourism improvement districts (TIDs) in local areas. These districts can collect special fees from participating businesses to fund tourism promotion, infrastructure, and marketing projects. The bill requires each TID to form a management association to oversee funds and operations, with mandatory annual financial audits. This directly affects local governments, tourism businesses within designated districts, and residents who may see changes to tourism-related services and facilities.

Maddy summaryHB 1534 creates Pennsylvania's Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit Program, directly affecting residents who claim the federal child care tax credit. For 2022, it provides a 30% state credit on up to $3,000 ($6,000 for two+ dependents) of qualifying employment-related care expenses, matching federal limits. Starting in 2023, the credit increases to 100% of those same expense limits. An alternate credit for those using dependent care assistance programs (via Section 129 of the federal tax code) begins in 2025. The credit reduces state tax liability, with refunds issued if the credit exceeds tax owed.

Maddy summaryHB 1670 requires health insurance plans in Pennsylvania, including Medicare and Medicaid coverage, to provide hearing aid benefits. Specifically, it mandates that insurers offer at least $2,500 in coverage every three years for hearing aids sold under state registration rules, with benefits applicable to either hearing aid sellers or contracted fitters. This applies to most health insurance policies but excludes dental, vision, Medicare supplements, and other specified plans. The law takes effect 90 days after enactment, impacting insurers and enrollees in covered health plans across the state.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution urges Congress to expand Medicare to cover hearing aids. Currently, Medicare does not cover hearing aids or their fittings - only limited diagnostic exams under Part B. It specifically targets the gap affecting over 48 million Americans with hearing loss who rely on Medicare. The resolution requests Congressional action to amend Medicare policy but has no legal force.

Maddy summaryHB 1428 amends Pennsylvania's education code to clarify which school-related organizations are considered "governmental entities" for retirement purposes. It specifically adds career and technical education boards to the definition while excluding associations that collect membership dues from public schools under the Public School Code. This change affects new school employees hired after the law takes effect, ensuring those associations are not treated as nonparticipating employers in retirement plans. The bill directly adjusts how retirement benefits are administered for these employees by defining which entities sponsor retirement coverage.

Maddy summaryHB 506 amends Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to establish a state-funded Child Care Staff Recruitment and Retention Program. It directly affects licensed child care providers and their staff by creating a new program to address staffing shortages. The key mechanism provides state funding for recruitment incentives and retention support, such as signing bonuses or professional development, for child care workers. The bill passed final passage on June 25, 2025, and was referred to the Health & Human Services committee.

Maddy summaryHB 27 amends the Health Care Facilities Act to require hospitals and surgical clinics to install systems that remove smoke generated during certain medical procedures. This directly affects healthcare facilities performing surgeries where smoke is produced, such as those using lasers or electrosurgery. The bill mandates these evacuation systems as part of facility licensing standards under the existing 1979 law. The change focuses on improving air quality and safety for both patients and medical staff during operations.

Maddy summaryHR 254 is a resolution directing the Joint State Government Commission to study the feasibility and costs of burying electrical power lines underground instead of keeping them overhead. It does not change current laws or require immediate action, but mandates the Commission to examine potential benefits like reduced storm damage and aesthetic improvements. The study would provide factual information to inform future legislative decisions about infrastructure investments.

Maddy summaryHB 968 allows active duty military members and disabled veterans to use their home state fishing and hunting licenses in Pennsylvania without purchasing separate Pennsylvania licenses. The bill amends Pennsylvania’s Fish (Title 30) and Game (Title 34) statutes to create reciprocity for annual licenses, directly benefiting these groups when fishing or hunting in the state. Key provisions remove the need for these individuals to pay additional fees for Pennsylvania licenses, streamlining access to outdoor recreation. The bill passed in June 2025 and is now law.

Maddy summaryHB 1216 amends Pennsylvania's 1968 Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law to update definitions of prohibited business practices and clarify which acts are considered unlawful. It specifically adds new provisions targeting deceptive marketing tactics and strengthens exclusions for certain professional services. The bill directly affects businesses operating in Pennsylvania (particularly those in retail, finance, and professional services) and consumers who may encounter unfair practices. The legislation passed its final vote on June 23, 2025, and is now pending review by the Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure committee.