Rep. José Giral

Maddy summaryHB 611 requires deconstruction (systematic dismantling to maximize material reuse) for primary dwelling structures (1-4 unit homes built before January 1, 1930) prior to demolition or renovation. It mandates a documented 85% landfill diversion rate by weight and one salvaged item per 500 square meters of structure, with exceptions for economic or practical infeasibility. Only certified deconstruction contractors - verified by the Department of Labor and Industry through a training program - may perform work, and owners or their agents are responsible for compliance. The bill creates new enforcement standards under Pennsylvania's Construction Code Act, focusing on material reuse over recycling or landfill disposal.

Maddy summaryHB 614 establishes Pennsylvania's Shared Housing and Resource Exchange Program, designed to help residents aged 60 or older who need housing find shared living arrangements with approved hosts. The Department of Aging will operate the program, requiring hosts to have at least two bedrooms (with one exclusively for the participant), charge no more than 30% of the participant's gross monthly income in rent, and sign a home-sharing agreement. The department will match participants with hosts based on location, lifestyle, and preferences, then facilitate the agreements. The program will be funded by state appropriations and take effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 609 requires builders to notify residential property owners about construction defects they discover. Builders must send a written notice within 30 days via certified mail, including a description of the defect, the reason for knowing about it, and their contact information. This applies only to residential properties and does not apply if 15+ years have passed since construction. Builders who fail to notify (without reasonable cause) must pay the owner’s actual damages, but the notice itself doesn’t create liability or limit other legal remedies. The bill takes effect in 60 days.

Maddy summaryHB 626 requires Pennsylvania's Department of Labor and Industry to create and distribute a clear, plain-language notice to sheriffs about local building and zoning requirements after real estate foreclosure sales. The notice must list municipal contacts, indicate whether each municipality enforces Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code, and explain permit needs for property construction. Sheriffs must then provide this notice to all purchasers at sheriff's sales - both online and at the sale location - so new owners understand mandatory building rules before starting work. This applies specifically to properties sold under Pennsylvania's Municipal Claim and Tax Lien Law and Real Estate Tax Sale Law. The notice must be updated annually by the Department and delivered to sheriffs by December 31 each year.

Maddy summaryHB 679 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to update requirements for teachers' continuing professional development. It allows school districts to include joint or cooperative training activities with other schools or colleges in their professional development plans. The state Department of Education must provide annual resources and guidance addressing the most frequent concerns raised by school employees statewide, updating these resources yearly. This directly affects public school teachers, districts, and the state education department through revised training requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 631 proposes adding a new "economic bill of rights" to Pennsylvania's state constitution, guaranteeing four specific rights: a living wage for supporting a family (Section 30a), affordable healthcare and health opportunities (30b), safe transportation infrastructure (30c), and safe working conditions (30d). This constitutional amendment would directly affect all Pennsylvania residents by establishing these economic rights as fundamental. The resolution outlines the process requiring two legislative passages by the General Assembly, followed by voter approval at the next eligible election. If approved by voters, it would become part of Pennsylvania's constitution.

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges Pennsylvania's Department of Agriculture and Department of Education to jointly conduct a statewide study of school cafeteria services across all school districts. The study would establish meal quality standards (including portion sizes and vegetarian/vegan options by grade level), compare current meals to those standards, analyze preparation and student meal costs, and recommend legislative actions to improve nutrition. It requires the departments to issue a public report with findings and recommendations within one year. The resolution directly affects all Pennsylvania public school districts by initiating a formal review of meal services and costs.

Maddy summaryHB 637 establishes Pennsylvania's Youth Summer Employment Grant Program, administered by the Department of Labor and Industry. The program provides grants to eligible employers (including businesses, nonprofits, and municipalities) who hire residents aged 15-18 for at least eight weeks during summer, pay at least $15/hour or the state minimum wage, and offer work or educational experiences. Grants amount to $5,000 for 10-20 youth, $10,000 for over 20 youth, with an additional $5,000 if 50% of hired youth live in historically disadvantaged communities (defined as areas with ≥20% poverty for 30+ years). Funding comes from a new nonlapsing Youth Summer Employment Fund in the State Treasury, with the department required to advertise the program to employers and schools.

Maddy summaryHB 628 (the Homeowner Cease and Desist List Act) allows residential property owners in designated "homeowner cease and desist zones" to opt out of unsolicited contact from real estate brokers, salespersons, or others in the business of buying/selling homes. Owners in these zones can file a statement with the Secretary of the Commonwealth, which triggers a public list preventing solicitation. Real estate professionals violating this prohibition face escalating penalties: a written warning for a first violation, then $1,000 for a second, $5,000 for a third, and $5,000 plus referral to the State Real Estate Commission for fourth or subsequent violations. The law applies only to direct solicitation (e.g., phone calls, mail, in-person contact) and does not prevent owners from choosing to work with real estate professionals if they wish. Zones expire after five years unless renewed.

Maddy summaryHB 659 creates a new statewide framework for managing water resources by requiring counties and municipalities to develop watershed-based storm water and integrated water management plans. It authorizes counties to regulate storm water within specific watersheds, allows for the formation of water resources management authorities, and mandates coordinated planning across local governments. The bill establishes the Integrated Water Resources Management Account to fund these efforts and provides new mechanisms for grants, loans, and fee collection to support implementation. This replaces outdated storm water planning rules with a unified system aimed at addressing flooding, erosion, and water quality issues through coordinated local action.