Rep. Ben Sanchez

Maddy summaryHB 2028 amends Pennsylvania law to establish permitted uses for public spaces (like parks or sidewalks) and clarifies when local governments can be sued for actions affecting the public. It directly affects local governments (cities, counties) and individuals or groups seeking to use public areas for events or activities. The key provision creates specific exceptions to government "sovereign immunity," meaning governments can be held liable in court for certain actions under defined circumstances. This changes how public space access is regulated and sets clearer rules for when government entities face legal accountability.

Maddy summaryHB 1460, the Health System Protection Act, requires health care entities (like hospitals and clinics) and certain investors (such as private equity firms) to obtain pre-approval from Pennsylvania's Department of Health and Attorney General before completing major transactions. This applies to sales of assets worth $10 million or more, ownership changes, or large financial distributions that could affect competition, costs, or access to care. The law prohibits transactions deemed "against the public interest," such as those reducing competition, raising prices, or limiting services in rural or low-income areas. Health care entities must either file a notification with a waiting period or get written approval before proceeding.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law to specifically define "dynamic pricing" and regulate its use in physical retail stores. It defines dynamic pricing as prices that change in near real-time based on fluctuating conditions, while explicitly excluding standard promotional discounts or loyalty program benefits. Under the new rules, retailers cannot use electronic displays in their brick-and-mortar locations to show prices that can be remotely altered by automated systems using this method. The legislation aims to clarify what constitutes deceptive pricing practices for the Attorney General and District Attorneys to enforce, and it will take effect 60 days after being signed into law.

Maddy summaryHB 2377 requires Pennsylvania retail food facilities to clearly label any beverage containing 80 milligrams or more of caffeine per serving as 'high caffeine' on their menus. This labeling must appear directly next to the drink's name and can use approved text, icons, or symbols. If a business fails to comply after receiving a written warning, it may face penalties under existing food protection laws. The bill applies to both permanent and temporary menu items offered for sale.

Maddy summaryHB 2184 amends Pennsylvania's public utilities law to define "public interest" and require the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to consider eight specific factors when making utility decisions. These factors include residential rate affordability, energy strategy (renewables, distributed generation, energy efficiency), grid modernization, environmental protection, economic growth (jobs, tax revenue), reliability, and environmental justice. The bill updates existing provisions about "just and reasonable" rates (Section 1301), mandatory 60-day notice for rate changes (Section 1308), and complaint-based rate investigations (Section 1309). It directly affects all utility companies operating in Pennsylvania and the PUC, which must now document how decisions align with these public interest factors. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 550, the BPA-free Container Products for Infants Act, prohibits the manufacture, sale, or distribution of infant food and beverage containers containing bisphenol A (BPA) above 0.1 parts per billion. It requires manufacturers to use the least toxic alternative when replacing BPA and bans substitutions with EPA-identified carcinogens or reproductive toxicants. The law applies to all containers intended for infants under one year old and will take effect 60 days after enactment. Violations would be enforced under Pennsylvania's Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law, subjecting offenders to civil penalties and private lawsuits.

Maddy summaryHB 1213 requires municipal water authorities and public utilities to notify residential customers when their water usage increases by 200% above the property's average for a single month. The notice must be sent via phone or email, and the utility must help customers identify potential leaks or inefficiencies. This applies to both municipal systems (under Title 53) and public utilities (under Title 66). The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 507, the Baby Food Protection Act, requires Pennsylvania's Department of Health to test all baby food batches for toxic heavy metals like lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury. It sets strict limits: baby food cannot exceed 10 parts per billion (ppb) of arsenic, 5 ppb for lead or cadmium, or 2 ppb for mercury. All tested baby food must display labels showing the exact metal levels found in the batch. The bill also directs the Department to adopt lower federal limits if set by the FDA and expires if federal law matches its requirements.

Maddy summaryThis resolution directs Pennsylvania's Joint State Government Commission to study how private equity ownership affects child care services. The study will examine impacts on costs, quality, and access for families, then propose recommendations to limit negative effects. It directly affects child care providers operating under private equity ownership and families using these services. The Commission must complete this work and report findings to the legislature.

Maddy summaryHB 634 requires Pennsylvania public school safety coordinators to evaluate implementing silent panic alarm systems as part of school safety reviews. The bill defines these systems as manual devices (wired buttons, wireless buttons, or apps) that signal life-threatening emergencies to local law enforcement or designated Pennsylvania State Police locations if no municipal police exist. This applies to all public schools and affects private/parochial schools under the Public School Code. The change mandates coordinators to specifically consider these systems when reviewing safety policies, without creating new funding or broad mandates. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.