Rep. Ed Neilson

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's game laws to establish a formal process for issuing elk hunting licenses. It requires the Game Commission to hold a random drawing for elk license applications at the Elk Country Visitor Center in Benezette Township. The legislation limits each person to submitting only one application per license year for elk hunting. These changes take effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill updates state regulations on cigarette sales and retailer licensing by adding new definitions for youth centers and recreational places. It establishes stricter requirements for new cigarette retailers starting January 1, 2027, prohibiting stores from opening within 500 feet of schools, day-care centers, youth centers, recreational facilities, or other licensed cigarette retailers. The law also clarifies rules for transferring cigarette vending machine licenses and maintains existing requirements for accurate tax reporting and compliance with state pricing rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's tax code to establish a new licensing requirement for tobacco retailers, mandating that applicants meet specific criteria to obtain or renew their retail licenses. The law introduces a distance restriction effective January 1, 2027, prohibiting tobacco retailers from operating within 1,000 feet of any school property line, while also requiring applicants to demonstrate adequate premises for revenue protection, maintain accurate tax reporting, and have no history of tax violations. The measure directly affects tobacco retailers and applicants seeking to sell tobacco products in Pennsylvania, adding compliance steps to the existing licensing process.

Maddy summaryHB 554 would authorize Pennsylvania to join the Social Work Licensure Compact, a multi-state agreement that allows social workers licensed in one member state to practice in others without additional exams. The bill provides Pennsylvania with the legal framework to adopt the compact's standard terms, directly affecting licensed social workers seeking to practice across state lines. Key provisions include aligning Pennsylvania's licensing requirements with the compact's uniform standards, simplifying the process for social workers to obtain reciprocal licenses in participating states. This change would streamline professional mobility for social workers while maintaining consistent regulatory oversight.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires grocery stores in Pennsylvania that offer digital coupons to also provide identical-value paper coupons for the same items. Stores must make these paper coupons easily accessible at the service desk and may place them in other locations throughout the store. Additionally, the bill mandates that cashiers automatically apply all applicable digital coupons to purchases for customers aged 65 and older, while other consumers must request coupon application. The law aims to ensure all shoppers have access to discount options regardless of their ability to use digital technology.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's criminal law by establishing a five-year statute of limitations for prosecuting specific serious offenses. It directly affects prosecutors and defendants by setting a deadline within which these cases must be filed after the alleged crime occurs. The law covers a wide range of crimes including murder-related attempts and conspiracies, violent offenses like kidnapping and robbery, financial crimes such as fraud and bribery, and other serious violations like arson and drug delivery resulting in death. The changes apply to all listed offenses regardless of whether the crime was completed or attempted, ensuring that serious allegations can still be pursued within a defined timeframe.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Health Care Facilities Act to establish a new requirement for health care site neutrality, which aims to prevent insurance companies from charging different rates based on where a patient receives care. The law defines "campus" as the main buildings of a health care facility plus areas within 250 yards, and prohibits health benefit plans from applying different reimbursement rates for services provided on campus versus off-campus locations. Key provisions include defining applicable services such as outpatient evaluations, diagnostic services, and imaging, while excluding private practitioner offices and religious facilities from these requirements. The bill also establishes specific definitions for facility fees and health care contracts to ensure consistent application of the neutrality rules across various types of health care providers and facilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows secondary school students in Pennsylvania with cystic fibrosis or pancreatic insufficiency to carry and self-administer prescribed pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) at school. To qualify, students must provide a doctor's order, a parent's request, and written acknowledgments from both the school nurse and the student confirming they understand safety precautions. Schools may restrict self-administration if students fail to follow rules or safeguard the medication, but must then ensure the medication is stored in an accessible location with clear access instructions. The law also requires schools to adopt written policies outlining documentation processes, storage locations, and limits on daily supply quantities.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a three-year pilot program to train Pennsylvania residents in election administration. It would allow the Department of State to randomly select two counties from each of the eight county classes to participate, where eligible individuals aged 18 or older could work in county election offices from August through December. The program would be funded through state appropriations, with counties able to provide additional compensation to participants. At the end of the pilot, the Department of State must submit a report to state officials evaluating whether to expand the program statewide.

Maddy summaryHB 2255 amends Pennsylvania's Telemarketer Registration Act to regulate the use of artificial intelligence in telemarketing. The bill defines key terms like "artificial intelligence" and "synthetic content," then prohibits telemarketers from using AI to make calls, mimic human voices, select phone numbers, disguise call origins, or interact with consumers during calls. Violations carry civil penalties of up to $100,000 per offense, with escalating fines for repeat violations. Individuals who receive a prohibited call may also sue the telemarketer in court. This bill directly affects telemarketing companies operating in Pennsylvania that use AI for solicitation calls.