Rep. K.C. Tomlinson

Maddy summaryHB 1477 increases penalties for repeat stalking offenses in Pennsylvania. It upgrades second or subsequent stalking convictions (or first offenses with prior violent crimes against the same victim, like assault or rape) to a second-degree felony, requiring a minimum 5-year prison sentence and a maximum of 10 years. The bill mandates that courts must consider prior convictions for specific violent crimes when sentencing, with strict procedures for verifying those records. This directly affects individuals convicted of stalking who have prior violent offenses against the same person, altering sentencing outcomes without changing the definition of stalking itself.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HB 1478) amends Pennsylvania's stalking offense under Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) but does not provide specific details about the proposed changes in the available context. The summary cannot be completed accurately as the context lacks the bill's actual text, provisions, or how it would affect individuals or specific groups. To understand the concrete policy changes, the full bill text would need to be reviewed. The bill was recently referred to the Judiciary committee on September 9, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1481 would create a new position for civilian community relations specialists within Pennsylvania law enforcement agencies. It establishes a dedicated fund to cover the costs of hiring these specialists, who would work directly with communities to build trust and address concerns. The bill requires the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to manage the fund and oversee the program's implementation. This legislation directly affects police departments and the Commission, aiming to improve community-police relationships through non-law enforcement staff.

Maddy summaryHB 1816 regulates pet shops and kennels that handle dogs, cats, and rabbits. It prohibits specific practices like selling animals without health records and requires shops to maintain clean facilities, provide adequate food/water, and display clear pricing. The Department of Agriculture must enforce these rules, conduct inspections, and impose fines for violations. This bill directly affects businesses operating pet shops and kennels in the state, mandating new operational standards and penalties for noncompliance.

Maddy summaryHB 1767 amends Pennsylvania state statutes related to education, government, and taxation to modify retirement benefits for state employees. It establishes a supplemental retirement annuity program that will begin in 2025, affecting current and future state employees covered under the existing pension system. The bill also creates a new "Budget Stabilization Reserve Fund Interest Account" to manage specific state funds and repeals certain existing provisions. These changes primarily impact state employee retirement benefits and state fiscal management procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 1725 amends Pennsylvania's Liquid Fuels Tax Municipal Allocation Law to expand eligibility for road maintenance funds. It specifically allows municipalities to receive allocations for using recycled asphalt in "mixed use design" projects, meaning roads or streets that combine recycled asphalt with other materials during maintenance. This directly affects local governments managing public roadways who currently use or plan to use recycled asphalt in their maintenance work. The bill changes the funding criteria to include these mixed-use asphalt applications, providing clearer access to tax-generated road maintenance funds.

Maddy summaryHR 199 is a ceremonial resolution designating October 2025 as "Breast Cancer Awareness Month" and October 17, 2025, as "National Mammography Day" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws, allocate funds, or impose requirements on any individuals or entities; it solely serves to recognize these observances. The resolution aims to raise public awareness about breast cancer prevention and early detection through mammography. As a procedural resolution, it affects no specific group or policy and has no binding effect. The bill was referred to the Health Committee but was later laid on the table (stalled) on June 23, 2025.

Maddy summaryHR 194 is a symbolic resolution designating August 2025 as "National Wellness Month" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws, allocate funding, or directly affect specific groups; it serves only to recognize wellness awareness during that month. The resolution was referred to the Health Committee and later laid on the table, indicating it did not advance further in the legislative process. This type of resolution is purely commemorative with no policy impact.

Maddy summaryHB 1586 creates a refundable tax credit for Pennsylvania taxpayers who earn overtime wages. It allows eligible workers to reduce their state income tax bill by 100% of taxes paid on overtime wages, calculated using employer-provided documentation (as required by 34 Pa. Code § 231.36). The credit applies to tax returns filed for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025, and will be integrated into the standard PA 40 tax form. This directly affects Pennsylvania workers receiving overtime pay under the Minimum Wage Act of 1968.

Maddy summaryHB 1579 is a comprehensive bill that updates Pennsylvania's laws governing constables, townships, police officers, and related roles. It replaces outdated rules with new requirements for constable uniforms, bonds, debt collection, and conflict-of-interest restrictions, while repealing obsolete provisions like those for forest law arrests and impounding fees. The bill directly affects local law enforcement officials, townships, and bail bond agents by restructuring their legal duties and compensation rules. It also creates county constabulary review boards and assigns oversight duties to the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. The bill was recently referred to the Judiciary Committee for review.