Rep. Jack Rader

Maddy summaryHB 527 requires Pennsylvania's Department of Health and Department of Human Services to share information about abuse allegations involving adults or older adults with the appropriate local agencies. Specifically, if abuse is reported in a facility (like nursing homes or assisted living), the receiving department must refer the case to local aging agencies for older adults (60+) or adult protective services for adults (18-59), while sharing all relevant details to aid investigations. The bill establishes ongoing communication between the departments to streamline this process but does not change existing mandatory reporting laws. It directly affects state agencies, local protective services providers, and residents in long-term care facilities.

Maddy summaryHB 517 allows individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder to request a public notation on their Pennsylvania driver's license or ID card. To add this notation, applicants must submit a sworn statement from a licensed medical professional verifying the diagnosis. Parents or guardians may also request this notation for minors under 18, following the same verification process. The bill requires the state department to create implementing regulations and takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 285 increases fees for constables in Pennsylvania for specific court-related services in both civil and criminal cases. It raises civil service fees (e.g., from $13 to $20 for serving a complaint) and criminal fees (e.g., from $25 to $50 per warrant execution), with updated amounts for levies, sales, returns, and transportation. The bill clarifies that counties do not pay surcharges for indigent defendants in criminal cases. These changes directly affect constables who perform court services and the defendants or counties paying these fees. The bill amends existing statutes to update fee schedules without altering eligibility or procedural requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 234 amends Pennsylvania's Second Class Township Code to establish a fee structure for storm water management facilities, systems, and plans. Townships may charge reasonable, property-based fees that cannot exceed costs required by federal and state storm water regulations. The bill requires townships to offer exemptions or credits for properties with approved storm water facilities or for agricultural operations using USDA-approved best management practices. This change directly affects townships and property owners by creating a standardized approach to funding storm water infrastructure.

Maddy summaryHB 225 establishes tax-advantaged savings accounts in Pennsylvania for first-time home buyers. It allows individuals who haven’t owned a home in the past three years to open accounts with financial institutions, designating themselves or another person as the "qualified beneficiary" for down payments and closing costs on a single-family residence. Account holders can deduct up to $5,000 annually (or $10,000 for joint filers) from their taxable income, with a lifetime cap of $150,000 total contributions across all accounts. The bill directly affects eligible Pennsylvania residents seeking to purchase their first home, providing a state-level tax incentive to save for homeownership.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 13) urges the federal government to grant state and local governments legal authority to respond to unidentified drone threats. It specifically addresses concerns raised by over 3,000 drone sightings near sensitive locations in New Jersey since November 2024, noting current federal rules prevent local authorities from acting swiftly. The resolution requests that the federal government amend regulations to empower states/localities and implement stronger transparency measures for drone incidents. It does not create new law but formally asks the federal government to change existing policies.

Maddy summaryHB 207 amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to clarify the definition of "compensation" for personal income tax purposes, specifically adding an exception for certain military and emergency-related income. The bill explicitly excludes income earned by active-duty U.S. military members (including their spouses living outside Pennsylvania) and income from active state emergency duty under Pennsylvania's emergency management laws. This change directly affects Pennsylvania taxpayers who receive such income, ensuring it is not taxed as regular compensation. The amendment becomes effective 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the requirement for non-motorized boats (like kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards) to obtain permits or register when used in Pennsylvania state parks, forests, or public waters. It specifically prohibits state agencies from creating new rules for these vessels, affecting all owners of non-motorized watercraft using state-managed areas. The change modifies existing boating regulations under Pennsylvania's Fish Code to eliminate administrative burdens for non-motorized boaters. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 68, the State-Owned Vehicle Assignment Limitation Act, prohibits Pennsylvania state officials (members of the General Assembly) from being assigned or leasing state-owned vehicles for official use, effective 60 days after enactment. The bill directly affects legislators who previously received state vehicles, banning new assignments while allowing current users to retain their vehicles until they leave office or return the vehicle. Exceptions apply for emergency response duties requiring vehicle use. The law aims to restrict the use of public funds for personal vehicle assignments by lawmakers, with no new leases or assignments permitted after the effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 70 changes Pennsylvania's regular antlered deer hunting season to begin on the first Monday following Thanksgiving each year. This directly affects deer hunters across the state by establishing a fixed seasonal start date, overriding previous regulations. The bill amends Title 34 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to implement this specific opening date. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.