Rep. Tim Bonner

Maddy summaryHB 166 amends Pennsylvania's sentencing rules for first-degree murder cases by changing jury instructions. It requires juries to unanimously find either: (1) at least one aggravating circumstance with no mitigating circumstances, or (2) that aggravating circumstances outweigh mitigating circumstances beyond a reasonable doubt, to impose the death penalty. If these conditions aren't met, the sentence must be life imprisonment. The bill directly affects defendants convicted of first-degree murder in Pennsylvania courts and modifies the procedural steps for jury sentencing decisions under Title 42. This is a procedural change to existing sentencing law, not a policy shift altering what constitutes murder or aggravating factors.

Maddy summaryHB 454 repeals Pennsylvania's requirement for a license to carry a firearm (openly or concealed) for most individuals, making it legal to carry without a license statewide, including in Philadelphia where previous restrictions on public streets and property are removed. The bill also repeals provisions about proof of license and related exceptions, while maintaining existing prohibitions for convicted felons and other restricted locations like schools. Additionally, it includes a new provision for a sportsman's firearm permit and specific regulations for antique firearms. The changes directly affect law-abiding Pennsylvanians who previously needed a license for general firearm carry.

Maddy summaryHB 403 preempts Pennsylvania municipalities from adopting policies that block law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. It prohibits local governments from restricting officers from complying with federal immigration requests, assisting ICE, allowing ICE access to county jails, inquiring about immigration status of people in custody, or sharing release information. The bill establishes an "Immigration Cooperation Fund" to support this cooperation, though specific funding mechanisms are not detailed in the provided text. This directly affects all Pennsylvania cities, towns, counties, and their law enforcement officers, judicial staff, and correctional personnel.

Maddy summaryHB 351 amends Pennsylvania law to create a new misdemeanor offense for municipal elected officials or public employees who undermine state law enforcement. Specifically, it prohibits officials from approving laws that decriminalize state-prohibited activities, altering penalties for state offenses, directing peace officers not to enforce state laws, or creating alternative enforcement methods. Any municipal law, regulation, or policy conflicting with state law is declared null and void. The bill excludes the Attorney General, district attorneys, and peace officers from these provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 277 allows victims of sex trafficking to sue individuals or entities that recruit, profit from, or advertise for sex trade activities. The bill amends Pennsylvania's criminal code to create a civil legal pathway for victims to seek remedies in court, specifically targeting those who recruit victims, maintain them in sex trade acts, or cause bodily harm during such acts. It directly affects victims of sex trafficking and those who exploit them through recruitment, advertising, or financial gain. The law does not change criminal penalties but adds a civil remedy for victims to pursue compensation.

Maddy summaryHB 349 expands retirement credit for Pennsylvania state employees by adding three specific types of prior service to count toward benefits: work at community colleges before July 1, 1971; service as a justice of the peace before January 1970; and up to five years of municipal police service by Pennsylvania State Police members. This affects state employees who previously held these roles and had not been able to count that service toward retirement. The bill amends existing statutes to clarify these service types as "creditable nonstate service" under retirement rules. It takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to Pennsylvania's Constitution that would establish term limits for state legislators. It would limit senators to three consecutive terms (12 years total) and representatives to six consecutive terms (12 years total), with both required to wait four years after serving the maximum terms before running again. The amendment would amend Article II, Section 3 of the Constitution and requires two legislative passages followed by voter approval at the next qualifying election. This is a procedural constitutional amendment proposal, not an enacted law, and would directly affect current and future members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly.

Maddy summaryHR 21 is a Pennsylvania House Concurrent Resolution (not a bill) calling for an Article V constitutional convention. It requests Congress to convene a limited convention to consider two specific proposals: (1) term limits for U.S. House and Senate members, and (2) term limits for U.S. Supreme Court Justices. The resolution is procedural - it does not enact term limits but initiates the process for states to collectively seek a convention. It explicitly states Pennsylvania has no obligation to support any resulting constitutional amendment. This action aligns with Pennsylvania's intent to join other states in exploring these topics through the Article V process.

Maddy summaryHB 164 requires health care facilities in Pennsylvania to handle fetal remains (from a fetal death) through cremation or burial per existing vital records rules, without needing a name on permits. Parents must cover costs if they choose a disposal location outside the facility’s usual practice, but facilities must provide disposition services if parents don’t claim remains. The bill ensures parent information remains confidential and clarifies that facilities aren’t required to issue stillbirth certificates. It does not change the definition of fetal death or mandate cremation/burial unless requested by the parent.