Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

Maddy summaryHB 1034 amends Pennsylvania's 1951 Landlord and Tenant Act to clarify utility payment rules for renters. It requires landlords who collect water, sewer, gas, or electricity payments directly from tenants to include a written notice in the lease about this obligation and provide a copy of the utility bill to the tenant within five days of a written request. The bill directly affects residential tenants and landlords in Pennsylvania rental agreements. Key provisions ensure transparency by mandating written notice and timely access to billing information, with the law taking effect 90 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 972 requires Pennsylvania to catalog state and county-owned assets (like land and buildings) that could support high-speed internet service in areas without reliable access (defined as "unserved" or "underserved"). It establishes a dedicated fund, the Broadband Services Restricted Account, to be filled with lease payments from these assets and used to expand internet infrastructure in those areas. The bill also sets rules for leasing assets to qualified internet providers, directly affecting state agencies, local governments, and companies building broadband networks. This law focuses on making concrete policy changes to leverage public assets for broadband deployment without advocating for specific outcomes.

Maddy summaryHB 969, the Responsible Outdoor Lighting Control Act, requires Pennsylvania state buildings and properties to adopt outdoor lighting that minimizes light pollution and glare. It mandates new outdoor lighting must be fully shielded (directing light downward to prevent upward scatter), limit color temperature to warmer tones (reducing blue light that disrupts ecosystems), and incorporate features like motion sensors or dimming controls. The Department of General Services must manage and enforce these standards for all state-owned facilities. The bill sets a model for private businesses and residents to follow in adopting responsible lighting practices.

Maddy summaryHR 133 is a procedural resolution directing Pennsylvania's Joint State Government Commission to study problem-solving courts in the Commonwealth. It does not create new laws or directly affect individuals, but mandates a comprehensive analysis of existing courts (nearly 150 operate statewide). The study will examine court types, accreditation processes, case referrals, defendant demographics, funding comparisons to traditional courts, recidivism outcomes, and alignment with national best practices. The Commission must report findings on these key aspects by a specified deadline.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 17, 2025, as "Bayard Rustin Day" in Pennsylvania. It honors Bayard Rustin, a key organizer of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom and a prominent civil rights leader who advocated for nonviolent activism, racial equality, and LGBTQ+ rights. The resolution does not create new laws or policies; it is a ceremonial designation to recognize Rustin's historical contributions. It directly affects Pennsylvania residents through official recognition of this date in state government communications and public events.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows housing authorities in specific Pennsylvania jurisdictions - including second-class counties, second-class cities, second-class A cities, and third-class cities - to appoint their own police officers. These officers would have the same authority as municipal police on housing authority properties and adjacent areas, including enforcing order under local laws. To qualify, officers must complete the same training and certification required for municipal police under state law and maintain that certification. The bill expands housing authorities' security capabilities without altering their core mission of providing low-income housing.

Maddy summaryHB 971 prohibits vehicles from stopping, standing, or parking in designated bicycle lanes, with an exception for temporarily stopping to avoid emergency vehicles. This rule directly affects drivers who might park or stop in bicycle lanes, such as in urban areas or near bike paths. The bill amends Pennsylvania's vehicle code (Title 75) by adding this specific prohibition to the existing "rules of the road" section. The amendment takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 966 amends Pennsylvania's Insurance Company Law of 1921 to strengthen consumer protections in health insurance. It requires insurance companies to pay penalties if over 50% of their denied health claims (excluding administrative denials) are later overturned through internal or external review processes. Penalties start at $50,000 for the first overturned claim and increase to $250,000 per claim for subsequent violations. Collected penalties must fund consumer protection activities, in addition to any other existing penalties. This directly affects health insurers operating in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryHB 362 amends Pennsylvania's 1929 Administrative Code to authorize the Energy Development Authority to administer federal funds from the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 for the Solar for All Program. It directs the Authority to distribute funds for residential solar installations, storage, and upgrades to qualifying households across all Pennsylvania counties, prioritizing rural, suburban, and urban communities. The bill specifically prohibits using funds for solar panels or parts made with forced labor (defined as work performed under threat of penalty without voluntary consent) and requires the Public Utility Commission to protect non-participating ratepayers from cross-subsidization. This creates a clear administrative framework for implementing the federal program while adding labor and ratepayer safeguards.

Maddy summaryHB 422 creates a new tax deduction for Pennsylvania residents who donate human organs. It allows taxpayers to deduct up to $12,000 annually for unreimbursed expenses directly related to organ donation, including travel, lodging, lost wages, and medical costs. The deduction applies only to the year the transplantation occurred, may be claimed just once in a lifetime, and cannot reduce taxable income below zero. This provision affects organ donors who incur qualifying out-of-pocket costs while living. The change takes effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2025.