Rep. Kerry Benninghoff

Maddy summaryHB 530 modifies Pennsylvania's criminal codes to adjust penalties for property damage crimes and create a new process for removing trespassers. It reclassifies criminal mischief as a felony if financial damage exceeds $1,000 (for building entry) or $5,000 (for public services), and as a misdemeanor for smaller losses. The bill also establishes a formal procedure allowing property owners to request law enforcement to remove trespassers by submitting a signed affidavit proving the person isn't a tenant, has been asked to leave, and lawful eviction occurred if applicable. This directly affects property owners seeking to remove unauthorized occupants, tenants facing potential unlawful removal, and law enforcement officers handling such requests. The law requires officers to provide individuals removed a chance to prove lawful occupancy and prohibits violations of Pennsylvania's Landlord and Tenant Act.

Maddy summaryHB 536 amends Pennsylvania law to clarify how adoptees can access noncertified copies of their original birth records. The bill defines a "noncertified copy" as a summary photocopy containing only basic birth details (parent names, birth date/location, and child's birth name) with a disclaimer that it is not certified. Adoptees aged 18 or older, or descendants of deceased adoptees, can request this copy from the Department of Health within 45 days. Additionally, birth parents can now submit a notarized redaction request form to have their name removed from the adoptee's record, with the option to later reverse this decision, and the Department must post clear guidelines about this process online.

Maddy summaryHB 528 modifies Pennsylvania's driver license application process by removing the requirement for applicants to provide personal medical information, next of kin details, or emergency contact information on their forms. It also establishes a new process allowing coroners to access, at no cost, three specific records from the Pennsylvania Justice Network: emergency contact details (if voluntarily provided), organ donor status, and a color photograph from the license. These changes apply to all individuals applying for or renewing a driver's license or learner's permit in Pennsylvania. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

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 summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's court cost structure for criminal and civil cases, including specific fees for summary convictions, misdemeanors, felonies, and civil matters like landlord-tenant disputes. It exempts traffic citations (cases under vehicle laws) from an additional fee provision that would otherwise apply. The changes affect defendants who pay court costs and the state treasury, which collects these fees. The bill clarifies that traffic violations will no longer be subject to the "additional fees" outlined in Section 3733(a.1).

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania vehicle laws to establish a new road user charge specifically for electric vehicles. The new fee, set to begin on April 1, 2025, is designed to generate revenue for state roads and bridges, while also updating motorcycle inspection requirements. The legislation takes effect immediately upon approval, with most other provisions becoming active within 60 days.

Maddy summaryHB 1409 updates the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission's authority to set fees for fishing licenses, permits, and issuing agents. The bill allows the commission to adjust specific amounts for various licenses, such as resident annual and senior resident lifetime licenses, as well as different tourist and replacement options, by referencing existing administrative rules. It also establishes fixed fees for special permits, including those for trout fishing and charter boat guides, while capping transaction costs for the automated licensing system at one dollar. This legislation directly impacts anglers and fishing businesses by defining the current fee structure and providing the legal framework for the commission to manage these costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws to clarify the medical requirements for individuals seeking a school bus driver endorsement. It mandates that drivers must have a physical and vision check from a recognized doctor within the last 13 months, allowing optometrists or ophthalmologists to perform the eye exam. Additionally, the legislation specifies that drivers using hearing aids must pass a hearing test proving the device functions correctly to meet minimum standards, while exempting them from a more invasive electroacoustic analysis report if the basic test passes. These changes aim to standardize health qualifications for school bus operators and will become effective 60 days after the law is passed.

Maddy summaryHB 155 amends the Pennsylvania Health Care Facilities Act to update licensing requirements and strengthen consumer protections for residents of health care facilities. The bill includes a specific change to strike the phrase "or other" from the text, which alters how certain regulatory language is applied within the law. By modifying the existing statute and abrogating a specific regulation, the legislation aims to refine the legal framework governing health care facility operations. This measure directly impacts health care providers and facility administrators who must comply with the revised licensing standards.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution urges the President of the United States to approve the proposed sale of United States Steel Corporation to the Japanese company Nippon Steel. The bill highlights arguments in favor of the deal, citing projected economic benefits for Pennsylvania such as job retention, tax revenue, and billions in planned investments. It also notes that U.S. Steel stockholders have overwhelmingly supported the merger and emphasizes the strategic alliance between the United States and Japan. Ultimately, the resolution serves as a formal statement of support from the Pennsylvania legislature rather than a law that directly changes policy.