Rep. K.C. Tomlinson

Maddy summaryHB 2143 requires the Pennsylvania State Police to maintain a public online list of individuals convicted of animal abuse offenses against companion animals (dogs or cats). The list includes a photo from booking, full name, and other necessary identifying information (but excludes Social Security numbers or driver's license details) for two years after a first conviction or five years after a repeat conviction. Courts must send conviction details to the State Police within 60 days, and the list is automatically updated if a conviction is expunged. This policy directly affects people convicted under Pennsylvania’s cruelty to animals law (18 Pa.C.S. §55), making their records publicly accessible for a defined period.

Maddy summaryHB 1530, the Genetic Information Privacy Act, requires direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies operating in Pennsylvania to protect residents' genetic data. Companies must obtain clear, separate consent for data collection, use, sharing, and retention; implement security measures; and provide consumers with access to or deletion of their data. The bill specifically prohibits sharing genetic data with insurers, employers, or third parties without explicit written consent. Violations could result in $2,500 civil penalties per incident, enforced by the Attorney General’s office. The law applies to Pennsylvania residents and covers genetic data like DNA test results, but excludes research data collected under federal health privacy rules.

Maddy summaryHB 1479 amends Pennsylvania laws related to protection from abuse and victim support for sexual violence or intimidation. It updates definitions and expands available legal relief options for two specific groups: individuals seeking protection from domestic abuse and victims of sexual violence or intimidation. The bill focuses on clarifying statutory language and strengthening procedural pathways for obtaining court-ordered protections. These changes directly affect Pennsylvania residents who are victims of these specific harms and seek legal remedies through the state's judicial system. The bill is currently pending in committee after being referred to the Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 1476 amends Pennsylvania's judicial statutes to clarify and strengthen definitions related to victims of sexual violence or intimidation. The bill specifically updates legal terminology within Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) to better protect these individuals during court proceedings. This change directly affects victims seeking legal recourse and the judicial system handling such cases by ensuring consistent application of protections. The bill focuses on defining key terms to improve how courts address these sensitive matters, without creating new penalties or programs.

Maddy summaryHB 2012 establishes a state licensing system for plumbers and plumbing contractors, directly affecting individuals and businesses seeking to work in this field. It creates the State Board of Plumbing Contractors to oversee licensing, sets fees and penalties for violations, and establishes a dedicated "Plumbing Contractors Licensure Account" funded by these fees. The bill also assigns duties to the Department of State regarding the licensing process and includes a funding appropriation to support the program. This legislation standardizes requirements for plumbing professionals across the state.

Maddy summaryHB 414 creates the Uniform Deployed Parents Custody and Visitation Act in Pennsylvania, directly affecting military parents and their children during deployments. It updates state laws to automatically grant deployed military parents specific custody and visitation rights, ensuring these arrangements are recognized without requiring separate court orders. The bill amends Domestic Relations and Military Affairs statutes to provide clear, consistent protections for military families during active duty. Signed into law on October 27, 2025 (Act No. 40 of 2025), it standardizes these provisions across Pennsylvania courts.

Maddy summaryHR 281 is a procedural resolution that forces the House Committee on Education to stop considering Senate Bill 9. It discharges the committee after 15 legislative days (since May 7, 2025) passed without the committee reporting the bill to the full House. This resolution does not change the content of Senate Bill 9; it only allows the full House to vote on the bill directly. The resolution itself is purely procedural and does not affect any policy or specific group of people.

Maddy summaryHB 415 claims to amend Pennsylvania's 1929 Administrative Code to add suicide prevention duties to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). However, the DCNR manages state parks and natural resources, not public health or suicide prevention services - this appears to be a misclassification in the bill's title. No specific suicide prevention mechanisms, funding, or affected groups are described in the provided context. The bill was recently laid on the table without further action, indicating it did not advance. The title's reference to "suicide prevention" likely reflects an error, as DCNR lacks statutory authority for such programs.

Maddy summaryHB 1475 amends Pennsylvania's criminal code (Title 18) to modify the legal definitions and prosecution standards for stalking offenses. It directly affects individuals accused of stalking, law enforcement agencies handling such cases, and victims seeking protection under the law. The bill changes how stalking is defined and prosecuted within the state's legal framework, though specific details of the amendments are not provided in the current context. The bill was referred to the Judiciary Committee on September 9, 2025, and remains in early legislative review.

Maddy summaryHB 1480 would create a nonpublic database registry for domestic violence offenders within the Pennsylvania State Police system. This registry would specifically track individuals convicted of domestic violence offenses, making their records accessible only to law enforcement and certain authorized personnel. The bill also establishes penalties for violations of the registry requirements, such as improper access or disclosure of the information. The primary effect is on domestic violence offenders whose records would be entered into this restricted system.