Rep. Ben Waxman

Maddy summaryHB 2151 requires Pennsylvania's Center for Local Government Services to create a model zoning ordinance for data centers within six months. The model must include specific rules like building size limits, minimum distances from residential areas, landscape buffers, noise restrictions, and requirements for water/energy use. This helps local governments (townships, boroughs, cities) regulate data center development to address community concerns. Municipalities can request the Center's assistance when updating zoning rules for data centers, and the model must be updated annually.

Maddy summaryHB 2150 requires data centers in Pennsylvania to annually report their energy and water usage, including monthly consumption, energy sources, water sources, efficiency measures, and waste heat recovery, starting July 1, 2027. Data centers must submit detailed reports to the Department of Environmental Protection, covering specifics like peak energy use, water for cooling, and future projections. Non-compliant data centers face daily penalties of $10,000 until reports are submitted, with collected fines funding low-income energy assistance programs. The Department will publish an annual summary of consumption trends and environmental impacts for public and legislative review.

Maddy summaryHB 1278 amends Pennsylvania's Election Code to require candidates for state, local, and federal offices (including U.S. Congress) to submit a written statement (replacing the prior "affidavit" requirement) instead of an affidavit. This statement must include specific details like the candidate's residence, election district, office sought, eligibility confirmation, commitment to election laws, and awareness of campaign finance reporting rules. The bill updates penalties for false statements to reference Pennsylvania's unsworn falsification statute (18 Pa.C.S. § 4904), applying to all candidates filing nomination documents. It directly affects every candidate submitting paperwork for election in Pennsylvania, including those running for county, city, school board, or federal positions.

Maddy summaryHB 980 changes the composition of Pennsylvania's State Board of Pharmacy by increasing the number of licensed pharmacists on the board from five to six and adding specific appointment requirements. It requires two pharmacist members from independent retail pharmacies, two from large retail pharmacy chains (with five or more locations), and two from hospital/acute care settings, plus one pharmacy technician position that rotates between settings. The bill also establishes term limits: pharmacy technicians serve one six-year term, while other members may serve up to two consecutive terms. This directly affects the board's membership structure and the appointment process for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryHB 1558 requires public buildings to install baby diaper changing stations whenever a restroom is newly installed or renovated. This applies directly to facilities like libraries, community centers, and government offices that undergo restroom construction or updates. The bill mandates these stations be accessible and functional, with penalties imposed for failing to comply. It focuses on practical accessibility for caregivers and infants in public spaces without altering existing restroom requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Office of Housing Opportunity within Pennsylvania's Department of Community and Economic Development to oversee housing production goals. The office will be led by a Deputy Secretary appointed by the Governor and will work with other state agencies to develop and meet ten-year housing targets. A new advisory committee will be formed to guide the office, including representatives from the General Assembly, local governments, and housing experts. The office will also manage a grant program for residential economic development districts and publish annual reports on housing progress.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the enforcement powers of Pennsylvania's Pharmacy Audit Integrity and Transparency Act to address how Pharmacy Benefit Managers handle Medicaid prescriptions. It directly affects PBMs, pharmacies, and pharmacists by requiring PBMs to accept and process prescriptions from any pharmacy or pharmacist that is in good standing with state regulators. The law prohibits PBMs from limiting patient access to specific pharmacies based on the PBM's own private contracting choices. These changes are designed to ensure that Medicaid patients can use any qualified pharmacy without facing artificial restrictions imposed by their benefit manager.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution designates September 2026 as "Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Month" to raise awareness about child hunger and food waste in the state. The document highlights statistics on food insecurity among students and discusses strategies like "share tables" to help reduce waste while providing extra meals. It serves as a symbolic gesture to focus attention on these issues rather than implementing new laws or funding changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires school districts in Pennsylvania to follow specific guidelines when hiring vendors to create detailed maps of their campuses for emergency response purposes. The new rules mandate that these maps be accurate, include labeled floor plans and utility locations, and be compatible with existing public safety software without extra costs. Additionally, the data must be stored securely within the United States, and districts must obtain approval from local law enforcement before entering into such contracts.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Municipalities Planning Code to create a streamlined approval process for high-density housing in designated growth areas. It requires the state Department of Community and Economic Development to establish rules that allow municipalities to fast-track land use decisions for vacant lots in zones where such housing is already permitted by right. The expedited process applies specifically to attached or detached homes, including accessory dwelling units, provided they meet minimum density standards and do not involve environmentally sensitive or hazard-prone areas. To support this initiative, the bill mandates the use of pre-approved building plans, concurrent review procedures, and a technical assistance hub to help local governments reduce delays and meet permitting timelines.