Rep. Pat Gallagher

Maddy summaryHB 1151 requires developers in Pennsylvania to mail a plain-language pamphlet called the "Adjacent Neighbors' Bill of Rights" to homeowners living next to construction or development sites when a building permit is applied for. The pamphlet details homeowners' rights regarding property access, engineering surveys (at developer expense), damage claims from excavation, noise ordinances, and legal resources. It also mandates the Department of Labor and Industry to create and post this resource online and distribute it to officials and community groups. The bill directly affects homeowners adjacent to construction projects and takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act to clarify who qualifies as an "owner" for registration exemptions and add a new fraud provision. It defines "owner" to include authorized representatives without requiring residency, but requires maintaining ownership for one year after construction to qualify for exemption. The new fraud provision specifically prohibits avoiding contractor licensing by claiming owner status with intent to sell a property without ever residing there. This primarily affects homeowners with multiple properties (limiting "owner" status to primary and recreational residences) and home improvement contractors.

Maddy summaryHB 1115 sets limits on the reserve funds that cyber charter schools in Pennsylvania can hold at the end of each school year. Starting with the 2024-2025 school year, these schools must keep general unspent reserves below 8% of total budgeted expenditures, combined funds set aside for specific purposes below 4%, and total reserves below 12%. The bill defines key terms like "funds set aside for specific purposes" to clarify how the limits apply. It directly affects cyber charter schools, which are publicly funded online schools operating under Pennsylvania's charter system.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution (HR 160) urges Congress to amend the PACT Act to include veterans exposed to toxic substances at Camp Carroll military base in South Korea. It specifically seeks to extend the PACT Act's health benefits - which currently cover veterans exposed to toxins at other sites - to veterans who served at Camp Carroll during the Vietnam War era and developed related illnesses like cancer or diabetes. The resolution cites a 2011 report confirming chemical burial at Camp Carroll and notes these veterans remain excluded from PACT Act benefits despite documented health impacts. It does not create new law but formally requests congressional action to correct this exclusion.

Maddy summaryHB 1056 requires employers in Pennsylvania’s traveling sales industry (groups selling goods/services door-to-door or in public places) to classify workers as employees - not independent contractors - unless specific conditions are met. It mandates employer registration with the Department of Labor and Industry, prohibits misclassification for benefits like workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance, and imposes fines for violations. The bill directly affects businesses employing traveling sales crews, with penalties including administrative fines and potential stop-work orders for noncompliance. Key provisions include mandatory registration, proof of employee status, and prohibitions against retaliation for workers reporting violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Constable William Davidson Reward Fund to provide rewards of up to $50,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of individuals who kill or cause the death of a law enforcement officer in Pennsylvania. It amends the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency Law to authorize the commission to administer the fund and offer these rewards for crimes covered under state murder and criminal homicide statutes targeting officers. The fund, which will be non-lapsing and funded by state appropriations, is intended to encourage public cooperation in solving violent crimes against law enforcement personnel.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's 1929 Administrative Code to clarify the maximum size of the Pennsylvania State Police (4,310 total officers and enlisted members) and specifies that personnel assigned to the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, Delaware River Bridge Commission, and gaming enforcement do not count toward this limit. It also repeals an outdated reference in the Fiscal Code (Section 1733-E(3)) to align with this clarification. The change directly affects the State Police's staffing structure and reporting requirements. The bill makes a technical correction to existing law without creating new policies or changing operational responsibilities.

Maddy summaryHB 1052 requires fire-resistant material applicators in Pennsylvania to obtain a license from the newly established Fireproofing Applicator Licensing Board. The bill directly affects workers applying fire-resistant materials (like sprayed cement or fiber) to building surfaces, mandating they complete accredited training and meet experience requirements. Key provisions include the board setting professional standards, approving training programs, issuing licenses, enforcing penalties for unlicensed work, and maintaining a public online roster of licensed applicators. The law aims to standardize safety practices and oversight in this specialized construction field.

Maddy summaryHB 877 modifies Pennsylvania's Job Enhancement Act to create financial support for businesses significantly harmed by the January 31, 2025, air ambulance crash in Philadelphia. It establishes two programs: grants to community groups for technical assistance and training to affected businesses, and loans to those groups to fund direct loans to impacted businesses. The bill requires the administering authority to report to legislative committees within 180 days of implementation, detailing funds used and businesses served. Additionally, it mandates a study on best practices for small business recovery after emergencies, to be completed within 180 days. The programs expire five years after the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 755 requires health insurers in Pennsylvania (excluding grandfathered plans) to cover all preventive health services listed by the Insurance Department without cost-sharing, such as copays or deductibles. This directly affects insurers who must comply with the coverage rules and enrollees who gain access to preventive care like vaccinations and screenings at no extra cost. The bill empowers the Insurance Department to create and update the preventive services list through a public comment process (15+ business days) and enforce compliance with penalties for violations. It aligns with federal preventive care standards but allows Pennsylvania to adjust the list based on public input and evidence-based guidelines.