Rep. Kerry Benninghoff

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania vehicle laws to allow state and local officials to issue permits for parades and special events on public highways without requiring sponsors to provide financial protection for elected officials. Under the new provision, a permit cannot be denied solely because a sponsor refuses to indemnify participating politicians, provided all other event requirements are met. The change directly affects event organizers and local government bodies by removing a specific administrative hurdle in the permitting process. The legislation will become effective 60 days after it is signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Temporary Budget Continuity Act, allows Pennsylvania state agencies to continue operating if the legislature fails to pass a new budget by the start of the fiscal year. It authorizes the State Treasurer to spend up to 85% of the funding levels from the previous year for existing programs and services. Any money spent under this temporary authority will be subtracted from the final budget amounts when the new appropriation act is eventually passed. The law ensures that government functions can continue without interruption while maintaining strict limits on spending to prevent budget overruns.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires hyperscale data centers in Pennsylvania to build their own baseload power generation and pay for all costs to connect that power to the grid, regardless of distance. It mandates that electric distribution companies cooperate with these data centers by planning for their energy needs and prohibiting cross-subsidization of their rates with other customers. Additionally, the bill sets specific rules for long-term power contracts used by default service providers and gives the state commission authority to define what qualifies as a hyperscale data center.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill creates a new criminal offense for interfering with religious worship, which would apply to individuals who intentionally disrupt religious services or block access to places of worship. The law defines interference as knowingly entering or remaining in a religious building after being asked to leave and disrupting activities, or using force, threats, or physical obstruction to harm or impede people exercising their religion. Violations would be classified as third-degree misdemeanors for simple disruption and second-degree misdemeanors for actions involving force or threats. The bill takes effect 60 days after passage and defines religious worship locations as buildings or grounds regularly used for religious activities.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 8, 2026, as "THON Day" in Pennsylvania to honor a student-run fundraising event at Pennsylvania State University that raises money to fight pediatric cancer. The resolution recognizes the event's efforts to support Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Golisano Children's Hospital, which provides treatment, research, and family support for children with cancer. It highlights the significant contributions of over 16,500 volunteers and the millions of dollars raised through the 46-hour dance marathon. The measure serves as a formal acknowledgment of the event's impact and the dedication of the students and organizations involved.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the PA WORKS Scholarship Grant Program and a trade career-incentive tax credit for Pennsylvania residents pursuing specific skilled trade careers in higher education. The scholarship provides up to $5,000 per academic year to students enrolled in approved courses such as carpentry, welding, plumbing, or electrical work, provided they maintain satisfactory academic progress and have not yet earned a bachelor's degree. Recipients must agree to live and work in Pennsylvania for 36 months in an in-demand occupation after completing their degree, with the scholarship amount prorated based on years of service and requiring repayment if they fail to meet these requirements. Additionally, the bill establishes a tax credit for business firms that hire graduates from these trade programs, though specific credit amounts and eligibility details are not fully detailed in the provided text.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Dog Law to require state dog wardens and department employees to complete specific training and receive certification before carrying or using firearms or stun guns while performing their duties. The legislation establishes that these officials must have approval from the Secretary of Agriculture and hold valid certification under existing law enforcement training programs or a department-approved training course. It also sets conditions for employment, allowing the department to refuse hiring, suspend, or revoke employment for wardens who fail training requirements, have disqualifying criminal records, or misuse weapons. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for grandfathering existing wardens who have completed similar training and outlines specific grounds for disciplinary action related to weapon possession and enforcement conduct.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill proposes changes to state rape sentencing laws by introducing mandatory hormonal or surgical treatment options for convicted offenders. The legislation would allow courts to order convicted rapists to undergo medroxyprogesterone acetate treatment or voluntarily elect surgical castration as part of their sentence. These measures apply to individuals convicted under specific subsections of the state's rape statute, with maximum sentences ranging from 40 years to life imprisonment depending on the offense severity. The Department of Corrections would administer any ordered treatment starting within one week before the offender's release from incarceration.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 421) designates April 2026 as "Child Abuse Prevention Month" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or programs but formally recognizes the month to raise awareness about child abuse prevention. The resolution highlights Pennsylvania's 2024 statistics (4,756 substantiated abuse cases, 60 child fatalities) and acknowledges community efforts to support victims. It urges Pennsylvanians to participate in prevention efforts and commends organizations working on this issue. The designation is symbolic, aiming to foster community engagement without altering existing policies.

Maddy summaryHB 2256 amends Pennsylvania's theft laws to clarify when a theft offense is classified as a felony of the third degree. It specifies that theft becomes a third-degree felony if the stolen property is valued over $2,000, involves certain vehicles (such as automobiles, motorcycles, or motorboats), includes human remains, or occurs when a person in the business of buying or selling stolen property receives the goods. The bill also defines "human remains" to include any part of a dead body or cremated remains. This change directly affects individuals convicted of theft and how courts categorize these offenses for sentencing.