Rep. Ed Neilson

Maddy summaryHR 113 is a resolution recognizing April 26, 2025, as "Diabetic Eye Screening Day" in Pennsylvania. It highlights diabetic retinopathy - a diabetes complication causing vision loss - and encourages free eye screenings by ophthalmologists on that date to raise awareness. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but symbolically supports early detection efforts for Pennsylvanians with diabetes. It directly affects residents at risk of vision loss from untreated diabetic eye disease by promoting accessible screenings. The bill was adopted by the House on April 7, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1163 creates a legal presumption that certain frontline workers contracted infectious diseases (like COVID-19) on the job during a declared public health emergency. It directly affects employees in life-sustaining roles - such as healthcare workers, first responders, grocery staff, food service workers, and public utility employees - who are required to work during emergencies. The bill ensures these workers cannot be forced to use paid leave for illness, automatically qualifies them for unemployment compensation, and makes them eligible for workers' compensation covering all related medical costs. This applies during any Governor-declared emergency for infectious diseases posing significant public health risks.

Maddy summaryHB 1155 establishes a legal framework for community solar programs in Pennsylvania, allowing multiple subscribers (including renters and low-income households) to share ownership of solar facilities and receive bill credits for the electricity generated. The bill requires electric distribution companies to implement these programs, mandates prevailing wage standards for solar installation workers, and sets protections to ensure subscribers receive guaranteed savings. It directly affects utility companies, community solar organizations, and subscribers - particularly those who cannot install rooftop solar due to housing constraints or income limits. Key provisions include preventing single subscribers from owning over 50% of a facility, requiring at least 50% of capacity to serve small subscriptions (25 kW or less), and ensuring ratepayer costs are managed responsibly.

Maddy summaryHB 1085 amends Pennsylvania's Motor License Fund allocation rules for the Pennsylvania State Police. It sets a 2025-2026 funding cap at 68% of the 2016-2017 level ($125 million) and eliminates all future appropriations for this purpose starting in fiscal year 2026-2027. The bill directly affects the State Police budget and the Motor License Fund, which is funded by vehicle registration fees. This is a procedural budget adjustment with no new policy changes, solely modifying existing funding levels.

Maddy summaryHB 1141 establishes a new regulatory framework for local gaming terminals (such as video lottery terminals in bars, clubs, and small businesses) across Pennsylvania. It imposes a 40% tax on terminal gross revenue, a 9% local share assessment, and a regulatory assessment, with all revenue directed to the newly created Local Gaming Fund. The bill sets clear rules for licensing, operator background checks, terminal operation, and real-time auditing via a central control computer, while updating gambling offense laws in Title 18. It also creates a separate Pennsylvania Emergency Management Programs Fund, but the primary focus is on governing local gaming terminals and their tax structure.

Maddy summaryHB 1147 requires builders of new or rehabilitated residential buildings in Pennsylvania to fix significant defects (like water leaks or structural issues) at no cost to purchasers within two years of delivery. Builders must complete repairs within six months of being notified of a defect; if they fail to do so, purchasers can sue in court for 150% of the repair costs. The law applies to buildings delivered within two years of the bill's effective date and excludes cosmetic issues or defects covered by existing warranties. This directly affects homebuyers and builders by creating a clear, time-bound process for addressing construction flaws.

Maddy summaryHB 1149 amends Pennsylvania's Construction Code Act to require residential building inspectors to complete five hours of mandatory continuing education. This training covers identifying faulty construction practices (including stucco installation), builders' legal liability, and homeowner remedies under federal or state law. The bill directly affects residential building inspectors licensed in Pennsylvania, adding this new requirement to their existing certification obligations. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

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 summaryThis resolution directs Pennsylvania's Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study a potential change to school funding. It would require the committee to collect data on all school districts' property tax revenue, calculate regional tax rates, and model how pooling that revenue at the intermediate unit level (regional education groups) and distributing it based on student enrollment would affect funding. The study aims to evaluate whether this approach would make school funding more equitable, addressing a court-ordered obligation to fairly fund public education. The committee must report findings within one year, but the resolution itself does not change current funding rules.