Rep. José Giral

Maddy summaryHB 43 amends Pennsylvania's oil and gas law to change how well permit applicants must notify property owners and the public. It requires applicants to submit proof that they notified surface owners (using tax notice mailing lists from county assessment books) and water purveyors (via specific forms explaining their rights under existing law). The bill also mandates public notice through weekly newspaper publications in the local area for four consecutive weeks. These changes directly affect oil and gas companies applying for new well permits and impact surface landowners, water purveyors, and local communities through the new notification process. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 34 creates a new "disaster lodging tax credit" program under Pennsylvania's tax code. It allows hotels and recreational campgrounds in Pennsylvania to claim a tax credit for providing discounted lodging (up to 100% off) to residents whose primary homes were damaged or made uninhabitable by qualifying disasters - such as hurricanes, earthquakes, or industrial accidents. The credit applies to the tax paid by the hotel or campground, directly benefiting businesses that offer discounted lodging to affected residents. This program targets Pennsylvania residents displaced by disasters, excluding those who received housing through federal or state relief programs. The bill amends tax code definitions to establish this credit and defines key terms like "disaster," "qualified hotel," and "beneficiary."

Maddy summaryHB 29 establishes Pennsylvania's HUB Zone Business Procurement Program to increase state contract opportunities for businesses owned by women, minorities, veterans, or located in historically underutilized business zones (HUB zones). It requires state agencies to set specific participation goals: 20% for contracts between $100,000-$750,000 and 25% for larger contracts, with exceptions if qualified businesses aren't available. The bill defines "diverse and disadvantaged businesses" to include HUB zone businesses and mandates agencies to compile verified business lists, monitor compliance, and provide training to support these businesses. This directly affects state purchasing agencies and qualifying businesses seeking state contracts.

Maddy summaryHB 47 amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to exclude at-home medical tests from sales tax. The bill specifically adds a new tax exclusion (Section 204(77)) covering tests done at home for diagnosing, treating, or monitoring diseases - such as pregnancy tests or test kits. This directly affects consumers purchasing these medical products, making them tax-free. The provision takes effect 60 days after enactment, removing sales tax liability for qualifying at-home medical tests.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 2025 as "Endometriosis Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or provide funding but formally recognizes endometriosis - a condition affecting about 10% of women - as a significant health issue. The resolution urges federal lawmakers to increase research funding for endometriosis, review Medicare/Medicaid billing codes to ensure fair reimbursement for surgical treatments, and establish a national awareness month. It directly affects Pennsylvanians by promoting public and medical awareness of endometriosis symptoms and diagnosis challenges, though it has no binding effect on state or federal policy.

Maddy summaryHB 65 modifies Pennsylvania's domestic relations law to clarify that certain relatives (spouses, children, parents) must financially support indigent family members receiving medical assistance for long-term care. The bill requires these relatives to cover costs if they received assets, property, or income from the indigent person below fair market value within five years before the assistance application, or if they refuse to cooperate with eligibility processes. Exceptions include cases where a child was abandoned by a parent for ten years during minority, or if transfers comply with federal or state asset transfer rules. The amount owed is capped at the lesser of six times the relative's excess monthly income or the actual cost of the medical services, with potential full elimination of liability by state regulation.

Maddy summaryHB 46 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to require all school districts to establish and maintain pre-kindergarten programs as part of the elementary school system, open at least 2.5 hours daily. It updates kindergarten requirements to ensure districts accept children age 5 or older on the first day of school and clarifies that kindergartens must be integrated into elementary education. The bill lowers the starting age for compulsory school attendance from 6 to 5 years and reduces the end age from 18 to 17 years. These changes directly affect all Pennsylvania public school districts and children aged 5-17, with the new provisions applying to the academic year following the law's effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 35 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to require all schools - including public districts, charter schools, private schools, and cyber charters - to provide current building blueprints to the Pennsylvania State Police or local police department overseeing the school. Schools must update these blueprints whenever building layouts change. This bill directly affects all school entities operating in Pennsylvania by mandating standardized safety documentation for law enforcement access during emergencies. The requirement becomes effective 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 40 amends Pennsylvania's protection from abuse law to clarify and expand court orders. It requires courts to consider risks to both the plaintiff and children when awarding temporary custody or visitation, while clarifying that these orders don't prevent separate custody petitions. The bill adds a new requirement that temporary financial support orders (covering medical costs, housing, or child/spousal support) must be followed by a formal support complaint within two weeks, or the support portion becomes void. It also introduces a new provision allowing courts to order electronic monitoring devices for defendants when there's immediate danger of abuse, with specific criteria for when this is appropriate (like past violations, injuries, or stalking) and detailed technical requirements for the devices themselves. This directly affects individuals seeking protection from abuse and defendants subject to court orders.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Pennsylvania's Department of Education to create and distribute a "student bill of rights" to all off-campus students at accredited colleges and universities in the state. The bill outlines specific tenant protections, including the right to habitable housing, privacy, a hearing before eviction, and reasonable accommodations for disabilities. Institutions must also provide students with an online course about housing rights, which students must complete within their first semester (or pay a $50 fee for non-completion). The law applies to all public and private higher education institutions in Pennsylvania and takes effect January 1, 2026.