Rep. Ben Waxman

Maddy summaryThis bill designates June 1, 2026, as "Links Day" in Pennsylvania to honor The Links, Incorporated, a volunteer service organization founded by African American women in 1946. The resolution recognizes the group's significant contributions to community service, economic advancement, and cultural growth through its various chapters across the state. Additionally, the bill formally acknowledges specific Pennsylvania chapters for their outstanding work and directs that a copy of the resolution be sent to the organization as a token of appreciation.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new regulatory framework for skill video gaming devices in Pennsylvania, requiring the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board to oversee their operation. It defines "covered devices" as electronic machines that accept value and offer payouts while simulating slot machines, but explicitly excludes traditional slot machines, family entertainment center games, and pure multiplayer video competitions. The legislation mandates that these devices connect to a central computer system for real-time auditing of financial transactions and operational details. Additionally, the bill outlines specific duties for the Gaming Control Board and sets penalties for violations of the new regulations.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution designates April 14, 2026, as "Animal Control Officer and Animal Cruelty Officer Day" and recognizes April 12-18, 2026, as "National Animal Control Appreciation Week" within the state. It formally acknowledges the work of animal control and cruelty officers who investigate animal abuse, protect animals from harm, and handle stray or abandoned animals. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it is solely a symbolic gesture of recognition with no funding or new requirements.

Maddy summaryHR 384 is a resolution directing Pennsylvania's Joint State Government Commission to study whether implementing statewide and precinct-level ballot rotation systems would be feasible. The study would examine how rotating candidate order on ballots (to address "ballot order effects" where position may create unfair advantages) could work under state law, including costs, legal constraints, and operational impacts on election offices. It would analyze different rotation approaches for various election types and offices, and produce a report with recommendations for potential future policy changes. The resolution itself does not change election rules but would inform future legislative decisions if the study finds implementation feasible.

Maddy summaryHR 56 is a resolution directing Pennsylvania's Joint State Government Commission to study voting wait times and resource distribution. The study will examine poll worker staffing, polling locations, voting compartments, and machines across counties to identify ways to reduce voting time and prevent disparities based on race, income, geography, or other factors. The commission must report findings within one year, including wait time data broken down by demographic factors and recommendations for improving in-person voting efficiency. This is a procedural resolution requiring analysis, not a policy change.

Maddy summaryHB 1826 amends Pennsylvania's Human Relations Act by updating key definitions to clarify anti-discrimination protections in employment. It lowers the minimum employee threshold for businesses to be considered "employers" from four to two workers, expanding coverage to more small businesses. The bill also explicitly includes religious, charitable, and similar organizations as employers for discrimination based on race, color, age, sex, national origin, or disability - previously excluded for these categories. Additionally, it revises the definition of "employee" to focus on employer control over work while maintaining exclusions for casual domestic workers and family employees (e.g., parents, spouses, or children).

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Pennsylvania municipalities to install automated road safety monitoring systems in school zones to issue citations for traffic violations. Local governments may contract with private vendors to manage these systems and collect fines, which are set at $40 for each violation. The legislation establishes that the registered vehicle owner is liable for the penalty and requires detailed notifications to include photographic evidence and appeal instructions. Additionally, the bill mandates a 30-day grace period where municipalities can issue written warnings instead of fines to educate drivers before enforcement begins.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's tax incentives for computer data centers by adding new requirements for owners and operators seeking tax refunds or exemptions. To qualify, facilities must submit detailed applications including investment projections and signed affirmations from authorized executives. Additionally, the legislation mandates that certified data centers obtain an environmental certification, such as LEED Silver or Energy Star, within two years of receiving their initial certification.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new tax credit for individuals employed as direct support professionals who assist people with developmental or intellectual disabilities. To qualify, workers must have an adjusted gross income of less than $100,000 and can claim a credit of up to $1,000 against their state taxes, with any unused portion refunded as cash. The program is limited to a total of $2 million per fiscal year and will be available from 2026 through 2030.

Maddy summaryHB 2530 updates Pennsylvania's DNA laws to allow for the automatic removal of DNA records from the State DNA Data Bank or Data Base in specific situations. The bill mandates that courts automatically expunge DNA profiles when a conviction is reversed with no pending appeals, when a person receives an unconditional pardon, or if the DNA was collected by mistake. However, the law excludes incarcerated individuals and those convicted of certain serious sex offenses or crimes committed before 1995 from using these automatic expungement provisions.