Rep. Jenn O'Mara

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to increase personal income tax rates for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025. It raises the tax rate for residents and nonresidents from 3.7% to 9.7% on all income, while maintaining a 3.7% rate for specific income categories. The legislation also clarifies how trust income is taxed by aligning Pennsylvania rules with federal Internal Revenue Code provisions regarding grantor trusts.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution designates March 21, 2026, as "Rosie the Riveter Day" to honor women who worked in factories during World War II, particularly those in Pennsylvania. It specifically recognizes the contributions of women who filled critical manufacturing roles - like building ships, aircraft, and weapons - as Pennsylvania became known as "The Arsenal of America." The resolution coincides with the 100th birthday of Mae Krier, a WWII worker and advocate for the Congressional Gold Medal honoring all "Rosie the Riveters." As a commemorative resolution, it has no legal effect but serves to publicly acknowledge this historical workforce.

Maddy summaryHB 300 amends Pennsylvania's Human Relations Act to add explicit protections for religious exercise alongside existing anti-discrimination rules. It directly affects employers, housing providers, and businesses offering public accommodations by prohibiting discrimination based on religion in employment, housing, and public services. The bill updates the law to include religious freedom as a protected category under anti-discrimination provisions. It also clarifies the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission's authority to enforce these protections. The amendment does not create new enforcement mechanisms but integrates religious exercise protections into the existing framework of the 1955 Act.

Maddy summaryHB 501 amends Pennsylvania's Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act to update definitions and clarify requirements for renewable energy compliance. It specifically adds "advanced reactor" (including small modular reactors) to eligible energy sources, refines criteria for low-impact hydropower, and updates definitions for biomass, biogas, and alternative energy credits. The bill affects electric utilities required to meet portfolio standards by specifying which energy sources count toward compliance and how credits are calculated. These changes aim to modernize the framework for renewable energy reporting and incentives without altering current percentage targets. The bill is currently in committee review (Environmental & Natural Resource Protection).

Maddy summaryHB 632 amends Pennsylvania's prostitution laws to increase penalties for individuals who knowingly engage in prostitution while aware they have HIV or AIDS. Specifically, it upgrades certain offenses to a third-degree felony (previously a misdemeanor) when the person knew their HIV-positive status at the time of the offense. The bill also creates a resentencing process for people previously convicted under the same provision but now eligible for misdemeanor sentencing if they've completed their sentences and meet specific criteria. This directly affects individuals convicted of prostitution-related offenses who knew their HIV status under the prior law.

Maddy summaryHB 554 would authorize Pennsylvania to join the Social Work Licensure Compact, a multi-state agreement that allows social workers licensed in one member state to practice in others without additional exams. The bill provides Pennsylvania with the legal framework to adopt the compact's standard terms, directly affecting licensed social workers seeking to practice across state lines. Key provisions include aligning Pennsylvania's licensing requirements with the compact's uniform standards, simplifying the process for social workers to obtain reciprocal licenses in participating states. This change would streamline professional mobility for social workers while maintaining consistent regulatory oversight.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 31, 2026, as Transgender Day of Visibility in Pennsylvania to honor the contributions and lives of transgender individuals. The measure does not change laws or policies but serves as a symbolic recognition of the date, which is already observed nationally to celebrate transgender accomplishments and raise awareness about challenges the community faces. It is sponsored by multiple representatives and referred to the Committee on State Government for consideration. The resolution highlights the importance of transgender visibility and acknowledges the ongoing discrimination and violence the community experiences.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires law enforcement officers to have a valid judicial warrant before making civil immigration arrests on Pennsylvania state property, which includes state buildings and grounds in Dauphin, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Scranton counties. The legislation mandates that officers must show the warrant to any state employee who asks to see it during such arrests. Violations of these requirements could result in a $10,000 civil penalty for each offense, which would be paid to the Commonwealth and enforced by the Attorney General. The bill does not prevent the investigation or enforcement of criminal immigration laws, and it clarifies that sovereign immunity protections do not apply to lawsuits brought under this new provision.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes rules for law enforcement actions on courthouse grounds in Pennsylvania, primarily restricting civil arrests related to immigration enforcement without a judicial warrant. It directly affects law enforcement officers, courthouse staff, and individuals seeking access to court proceedings. The key provisions prohibit detaining or arresting people on courthouse property for immigration violations unless the officer holds a valid judicial warrant and must show documentation to any court employee who asks. The law also defines who qualifies as a "court companion" to protect individuals accompanying parties to court and includes penalties of up to $10,000 for violations while providing immunity to courthouse employees acting in good faith.

Maddy summaryHB 490 amends Pennsylvania law to protect confidential communications between journalists and their sources during legal proceedings. It specifically updates statutes related to depositions and witness testimony to prevent courts from forcing reporters to reveal confidential sources. This change directly affects journalists, news organizations, and individuals who share information with reporters. The bill aims to strengthen press freedom by clarifying that reporters can maintain source confidentiality in court, consistent with existing protections.