Rep. Ben Waxman

Maddy summaryHB 95 amends Pennsylvania's Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law to require clear disclosure when AI-generated content (like text, images, or videos) is created, distributed, or published. It directly affects businesses, creators, and platforms using AI tools to produce content for consumers in Pennsylvania. The bill adds new definitions, including that "artificial intelligence" means technology creating new content via predictive algorithms, and specifies that disclosures must be "clear and conspicuous" - meaning they must be visible upfront, easy to understand, and match the content's medium (e.g., visible text, audible audio). This change updates existing consumer protection rules to address AI-generated content transparency.

Maddy summaryHB 1620 authorizes the state Department of General Services to transfer specific lands in Philadelphia to the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA), subject to the Governor's approval. This procedural bill directly affects the PHA by potentially expanding its land holdings for housing purposes. The key mechanism requires formal conveyance of the designated properties through state administrative channels. The bill does not create new programs or funding but facilitates a land transfer process. (Procedural bill; summary limited to 2 sentences as required.)

Maddy summaryHR 301 is a resolution directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study how racial wealth disparities specifically impact Black residents in the Commonwealth. The study must examine these disparities and develop concrete policy recommendations to reduce or eliminate them. This resolution does not create new laws but requires the committee to produce findings and actionable suggestions for future legislative consideration. It directly affects Black residents by focusing on systemic economic inequities within the state.

Maddy summaryHB 1944 amends Pennsylvania law to create a "safe harbor" protection for individuals required to report suspected child abuse (mandated reporters) who report under Section 6308(a) of Title 18. The bill directly affects professionals like teachers, doctors, and social workers who have a legal duty to report abuse. Its key provision shields these reporters from legal consequences if they report suspected abuse in good faith, even if the report later proves incorrect. This change aims to encourage reporting by reducing fear of liability for honest mistakes. The bill is currently referred to the Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires electric distribution companies in Pennsylvania to create and publish online maps showing how much additional power their local grids can support. These maps must be updated every two months and include details on available capacity, existing power sources, and any grid limitations that could affect new connections. The legislation also mandates that utilities provide clear, standardized information about reliability issues and planned upgrades to help customers and businesses plan their energy needs. Additionally, the bill establishes a process for individuals to request specific grid data and ensures that utilities cannot unfairly deny access to this information.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to clarify and strengthen tax exemptions for charitable, religious, volunteer fire, and nonprofit educational organizations. It requires these groups to use tax-exempt purchases only for their qualified purposes, excluding unrelated business activities and major construction projects from the exemption. The legislation also establishes a process for the Department of Revenue to issue conditional tax-exempt status to new organizations and allows for the revocation of exemptions if an organization no longer meets public charity requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 2084 establishes the Pennsylvania Promise Program, providing scholarships for tuition, fees, and room and board to eligible Pennsylvania residents attending college. It directly affects two groups: students under 24 (or active military) who must be Pennsylvania residents, have a high school diploma, and complete the FAFSA; and adult learners 24 or older seeking reeducation with similar requirements. The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency administers the program and a dedicated fund, covering tuition up to the state's maximum in-state rate and room and board based on agency standards. The program applies to community colleges, state-owned institutions, state-related universities, and Thaddeus Stevens College.

Maddy summaryHB 836 prohibits Pennsylvania from interfering with the use of medically appropriate assisted reproductive technology (ART), such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), ensuring individuals can access these services without state restrictions. The bill defines ART to include specific fertility procedures and requires that any new state laws must comply with this protection unless explicitly exempted by the legislature. It takes effect immediately, providing direct safeguards for individuals seeking ART services and healthcare providers offering them.

Maddy summaryHB 1678 adds a 45-mill tax plus a 5-mill surtax on gross receipts from digital advertising services displayed to users within Pennsylvania. It directly affects digital advertising providers (e.g., companies running banner or search ads) but exempts broadcast and news media entities. The tax applies to revenue from ads shown on digital interfaces (websites, apps) where users are located in Pennsylvania, excluding sales of internet access, telecom hardware, and resale services. The law takes effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2049 amends the state's Workers' Compensation Act to change how benefits for injured workers are calculated. The bill specifically addresses the computation of benefits and liability, directly affecting workers who suffer job-related injuries and their employers. Key provisions would adjust the formulas or methods used to determine compensation amounts. The bill was referred to the Labor & Industry committee on November 18, 2025, for further review.