Rep. Tim Bonner

Maddy summaryHB 1406 would amend Pennsylvania's theft laws by changing how theft offenses are classified by severity (grading). It directly affects individuals convicted of theft crimes, as it would alter the legal categories used to determine penalties. The bill's key mechanism involves revising specific sections of the state's criminal code to adjust the grading system for theft offenses. This change would impact sentencing outcomes for theft cases but does not introduce new penalties or expand the scope of theft crimes.

Maddy summaryHB 414 creates the Uniform Deployed Parents Custody and Visitation Act in Pennsylvania, directly affecting military parents and their children during deployments. It updates state laws to automatically grant deployed military parents specific custody and visitation rights, ensuring these arrangements are recognized without requiring separate court orders. The bill amends Domestic Relations and Military Affairs statutes to provide clear, consistent protections for military families during active duty. Signed into law on October 27, 2025 (Act No. 40 of 2025), it standardizes these provisions across Pennsylvania courts.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (HR 334), not a substantive bill. It formally honors the late Ralph D. Pratt, a former six-term U.S. Representative from Indiana, recognizing his life and service after his death on August 18, 2025. The resolution has no binding effect or policy changes; it simply expresses the House's remembrance of his contributions. It was adopted without opposition on October 7, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1740 would prohibit abortions for pregnancies at 24 or more weeks gestational age in Pennsylvania, directly affecting medical providers performing such procedures. The bill requires medical providers to examine for a fetal heartbeat before proceeding with an abortion and mandates that medical judgment be based on that examination. It also specifies that medical consultation must address the fetal heartbeat and the patient's condition. The bill is currently referred to the Judiciary committee, with no further action taken as of July 16, 2025.

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 summaryHB 1498 creates a new legal process for dividing "heirs property" in Pennsylvania - real estate owned by multiple family members through inheritance without clear ownership agreements. It directly affects families holding such property (often rural or minority-owned land), requiring courts to apply specific rules when dividing it, including a right of first refusal for relatives if a cotenant receives an outside purchase offer. Key mechanisms include mandatory settlement conferences before court decisions, defined valuation procedures, and prioritizing family members over outsiders for buying shares. The law replaces older rules for partitioning property and applies automatically to eligible cases unless all owners agree otherwise.

Maddy summaryHR 101 designates the week of May 11-17, 2025, as "National Hospital Week" in Pennsylvania through a symbolic resolution. It honors hospitals and health care workers for providing critical services (including 56 trauma centers and 120,000+ births annually), supporting over 273,000 direct jobs, and contributing $186.5 billion to Pennsylvania's economy. The resolution does not create new laws, funding, or obligations - only a formal recognition and call for public appreciation. It highlights hospitals' role in community health without specifying policy changes or outcomes.

Maddy summaryHB 1454 expands the duties of the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing. The bill requires the commission to establish and publish guidelines for setting bail and pretrial release conditions. These guidelines will assist courts in determining appropriate conditions by considering factors such as the seriousness of the offense, a defendant's criminal history, and community-based support systems. It also mandates the commission to collect and disseminate data on bail and pretrial release practices, in addition to its existing responsibilities for sentencing and parole.

Maddy summaryPennsylvania's HB 167 increases the amount financial institutions can pay directly to a deceased person's family without probate from $10,000 to $20,000. It requires families to provide a receipted funeral bill or an affidavit from a licensed funeral director to qualify for this payment. The bill affects banks, credit unions, and other savings institutions, which can now pay eligible family members (spouse, children, parents, or siblings) directly. This change eliminates the need for probate court approval for these smaller payments, streamlining the process for families handling final arrangements. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 983 establishes a Gun Violence Task Force in each of Pennsylvania's cities of the first class (such as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh), under the Attorney General's authority. The task force will investigate and prosecute violations of state laws prohibiting illegal firearm possession and sales. It will include members from local district attorneys, city police, state police, and other law enforcement agencies. The task force will be funded through state appropriations and requires member agencies to notify it of relevant arrests within 48 hours.