Rep. Ben Waxman

Maddy summaryThis bill legalizes prediction markets in Pennsylvania by adding a new chapter to the state's amusement laws that defines how these speculative platforms must operate. It directly affects the companies that build and run these platforms, as well as the individuals who wish to place bets on the outcomes of future events. Key provisions include setting a minimum age of 21 for participants, banning markets related to deaths or assassinations, and prohibiting anyone involved in gambling from acting as a market maker or sharing in the platform's revenue. The legislation also establishes rules to prevent insider trading and market manipulation, while giving the state board authority to create specific regulations and impose civil penalties for violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that designates June 12, 2026, as "Women Veterans Day" in Pennsylvania to honor the contributions of female military service members. The measure does not create new laws or change any government policies; instead, it serves to formally acknowledge the state's approximately 70,000 women veterans and highlight their growing presence in the armed forces. The text includes background information on the history of women in the military and notes specific challenges they face, such as higher rates of military sexual trauma and lower utilization of veteran benefits. Ultimately, the resolution aims to raise awareness about these issues rather than implementing concrete programs or funding changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance policies in Pennsylvania to cover at least two epinephrine delivery systems, such as EpiPens, for an annual maximum cost of $35 regardless of deductibles or copayments. It applies to standard medical insurance plans but excludes limited coverage types like dental-only or accident policies. Additionally, the state Insurance Department must investigate manufacturer pricing practices and submit a public report with recommendations to control costs within one year. Insurance companies are also permitted to offer lower out-of-pocket costs than the $35 cap if they choose.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's 1803 laws to regulate commercial pilots operating in the Delaware Bay and River. It requires individuals wishing to work as pilots to apply for a license from the Navigation Commission, which will evaluate their skills and issue permits based on the size of vessels they can safely navigate. The legislation establishes a six-tiered licensing system where each class corresponds to a specific maximum draft of vessels, ranging from deep-draft ships to smaller boats. Anyone attempting to pilot a vessel larger than one hundred tons without a valid license faces civil penalties and potential jail time. These rules will become effective 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 1851 updates Pennsylvania's requirements for death and fetal death certificates under the 1953 Vital Statistics Law. It changes the specific information that must be recorded on these official documents, affecting hospitals, medical examiners, and vital records offices. The bill focuses on standardizing or adding details required for certification purposes. This procedural change aims to modernize record-keeping for public health data collection.

Maddy summaryHB 1830 updates Pennsylvania vehicle laws by requiring tow trucks to display flashing or revolving lights as part of their mandatory equipment. This change directly affects tow truck operators and drivers who must comply with the new lighting standard. The bill specifies the type of lights (flashing or revolving) that must be used on tow vehicles. It amends Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, focusing on equipment safety requirements for tow operations. The bill is currently under review by the Transportation committee.

Maddy summaryHB 1646 amends Pennsylvania's Barbers' License Law (1931) to change the quorum requirement for the State Board of Barber Examiners. It replaces the previous rule requiring six board members to be present with a new rule stating that a majority of serving members constitutes a quorum. This procedural change primarily affects the board's internal operations, making it easier to conduct meetings and business without waiting for a fixed number of members. The bill does not alter licensing standards, fees, or barber practice requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 2017 amends Pennsylvania's Radiation Protection Act (1984) by updating definitions related to radiation safety and revising fees for nuclear facilities and radioactive material transport. It directly affects nuclear power plant operators and companies transporting radioactive materials by changing how these fees are calculated and collected. The bill clarifies specific terms used in the original law and adjusts fee structures to reflect current operational standards. These changes aim to modernize the regulatory framework governing radiation safety oversight.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires electric utilities in Pennsylvania to include specific information about their energy storage plans in their annual reports to the state commission. Specifically, the law mandates that these companies provide an assessment of how they use energy storage, including data on how quickly they can charge and discharge power under different economic conditions. The definitions clarify that energy storage refers to equipment that absorbs, holds, and releases electricity, while charge and discharge times measure the duration of these processes. This requirement is designed to give regulators better insight into how utilities plan to manage future electricity demand using storage technology. The changes will take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the expiration date from Pennsylvania's health care cost containment laws, ensuring these regulations remain in effect indefinitely. By repealing Section 3317 of the state's health statutes, the legislation prevents the automatic termination of rules designed to manage medical expenses. The change applies to all entities currently subject to these cost containment measures, effectively making the provisions permanent rather than temporary.