Rep. Jack Rader

Maddy summaryHB 1379 creates a dedicated "Forest Fire Warden Fund" within the Pennsylvania state treasury to reimburse local forest fire wardens for approved activities. The bill establishes that funds from this new account will cover expenses related to controlled burns, fire investigations, public safety events, training, and mutual aid requests made to emergency management agencies. It directly affects local forest fire wardens and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources by providing a clear funding mechanism for their operational costs. This procedural change streamlines reimbursement processes under the existing Conservation and Natural Resources Act without altering forest management policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's process for disposing of unserviceable road and bridge materials, including millings (road surface fragments collected during repairs). It requires the state to first offer such materials for free to the local political subdivision (county, city, borough, or township) where they were used, if that subdivision agrees to transport them. If declined, materials are sold to other political subdivisions at the best price, with bidding for multiple requests, and all sales must be used for road, bridge, or street projects. Proceeds from sales are deposited into the Motor License Fund, which supports transportation infrastructure.

Maddy summaryHB 1528 establishes the Grand-family Assistance Program to provide financial support to grandparents and other relatives raising grandchildren. It creates a dedicated fund to make regular payments to local area agencies on aging, which will administer the program and assist eligible families. The bill requires the Department of Aging to manage the program and oversee fund distribution, ensuring direct support reaches affected relatives caring for children. This policy change directly affects grandfamilies and local aging services agencies through structured financial aid and administrative responsibilities.

Maddy summaryHB 2058 would amend Pennsylvania's Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act to establish a regulatory framework for kratom. This bill would directly affect businesses selling kratom products and consumers who use it by subjecting kratom to new state regulations. Key provisions would include setting product safety standards, labeling requirements, and distribution rules for kratom under the existing drug regulation system. The bill aims to bring kratom under the state's formal regulatory structure without banning its use.

Maddy summaryHB 2000 designates a specific section of highway in Pennsylvania as the "Pennsylvania and National Medal of Honor Highway" to honor Medal of Honor recipients. It directly affects the highway corridor by renaming it, replacing a previous designation. The bill's key provision is the repeal of the prior highway name, formally establishing this new commemorative name through legislative action. This is a ceremonial measure with no funding or policy changes beyond the highway's official designation.

Maddy summaryHB 1982 standardizes a fee for 911 emergency services across all Pennsylvania counties, replacing inconsistent local charges with a uniform rate collected on phone bills. It establishes a specific end date for the current 911 funding system and repeals outdated provisions in the law. This change directly affects county emergency services providers and phone users who pay the fee. The bill aims to create consistency in how 911 services are funded statewide.

Maddy summaryHB 1973 updates Pennsylvania's state law regarding paternity determination, specifically changing procedures for using blood tests to establish biological fatherhood. It directly affects parents, children, and courts involved in paternity cases where biological relationship is disputed. The bill modifies existing rules to clarify when and how blood tests can be ordered or required to confirm paternity in domestic relations matters. This is a procedural change to existing statutes, not a new benefit or restriction. The bill is currently under review by the Children & Youth committee.

Maddy summaryHB 1940 would establish a new specialty license plate option called the "Fish PA plate" for vehicle registration in Pennsylvania. This plate would be available to Pennsylvania residents who choose to purchase it as part of their vehicle registration process. The bill amends Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to add this plate as an official registration option. The specific fees or revenue allocation for the plate are not detailed in the provided context.

Maddy summaryHB 1911 amends Pennsylvania's criminal code to require individuals who commit "swatting" to pay for the costs incurred by law enforcement responding to their false emergency reports. It directly affects people who intentionally make false reports to trigger a police SWAT response at someone else's home. The key provision establishes that perpetrators must reimburse law enforcement agencies for the actual expenses of the response, including officer time and equipment. This bill focuses on holding swatting offenders financially accountable for the resources they waste.

Maddy summaryHB 1912 would create a new criminal offense in Pennsylvania for "swatting," defined as making a false emergency report to law enforcement to provoke a high-risk police response (like sending a SWAT team) at a victim's location. The bill directly affects individuals who intentionally submit false reports for the purpose of causing fear, harm, or disruption to others. It amends Pennsylvania’s criminal code (Title 18) to specifically address swatting under the section on falsification and intimidation. This would provide a clear legal standard for prosecuting such acts, which currently may not be adequately covered under existing laws.