Rep. Ben Waxman

Maddy summaryHB 1948 prohibits Pennsylvania colleges and universities that receive state education grants or loans from entering into certain agreements. It directly affects public and private institutions receiving state funding under Title 24 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes. The bill establishes enforcement authority with the Office of Attorney General to address violations. This legislation aims to prevent specific financial or contractual arrangements between state-funded higher education institutions and external entities. The bill is currently referred to the Education committee for further consideration.

Maddy summaryHB 1946 amends Pennsylvania's oil and gas regulations to establish new restrictions on where wells can be located. It directly affects oil and gas operators and landowners near proposed well sites by limiting placement near certain sensitive areas. The bill specifies required distances from properties like homes, schools, or water sources, though exact distances aren't detailed in the provided context. It is currently referred to the Environmental & Natural Resource Protection committee for further review. Without additional details on the specific restrictions or distances in the bill text, a full description of its mechanisms cannot be provided.

Maddy summaryHR 344 is a resolution urging Congress to use its constitutional oversight powers to obtain and publicly release all records related to Jeffrey Epstein. It directly addresses the U.S. Congress, requesting action to make these records available to the public. The key mechanism is a formal call for Congress to exercise its authority to compel the release of such records, rather than creating new legal requirements. This is a procedural resolution, not a bill with binding effects.

Maddy summaryHB 145 amends Pennsylvania's unemployment compensation law to clarify when workers lose eligibility for benefits. It directly affects claimants who voluntarily leave jobs, adding specific protections: workers cannot be disqualified for leaving due to disability if suitable work is available, for joining or staying in a union, or to accompany a military spouse relocating due to active duty orders. The bill defines "suitable employment" as work requiring similar skills and paying at least 80% of a worker's previous average weekly wage. These changes aim to prevent unfair disqualifications while maintaining the law's core purpose of providing benefits to eligible unemployed workers.

Maddy summaryHB 441 amends Pennsylvania's Wild Resource Conservation Act to explicitly include wild native terrestrial invertebrates (such as insects and spiders) in conservation management. It adds definitions for these species and establishes a policy framework for their protection within the existing legal structure. The bill directly affects wildlife management practices by requiring state agencies to consider invertebrate conservation in planning. This update fills a gap in the 1982 law, which previously did not specifically address invertebrate species. The bill passed final passage on October 7, 2025, and was referred to the Environmental Resources & Energy committee.

Maddy summaryHB 1701 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to change how school districts handle facility projects. It requires school entities to hold voter referendums or public hearings before constructing new buildings or leasing space, directly affecting school districts and communities. The bill establishes a Public School Facility Advisory Committee to advise on facility planning and repeals outdated requirements for schools to conduct building condition assessments. It also imposes new duties on the Department of Education to oversee school facility planning and funding. (HB 1701, passed October 2025)

Maddy summaryHR 312 is a symbolic resolution designating October 15, 2025, as "White Cane Safety Day" in Pennsylvania. It commemorates the annual national observance to raise awareness about mobility aids and safety for people who are blind or visually impaired. The resolution was adopted by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives on October 8, 2025, following committee review. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or directly affect any specific group.

Maddy summaryHB 1613 proposes changes to Pennsylvania's juvenile court procedures. It requires courts to provide mandatory legal counsel for young people in court cases, sets new rules for how children can be questioned by authorities, and allows juveniles to refuse having their interviews recorded electronically. The bill directly affects youth involved in juvenile court, their attorneys, and court staff handling these cases. These provisions aim to strengthen procedural safeguards during juvenile court proceedings. The bill is currently in committee review after being re-committed to the Appropriations committee.

Maddy summaryHR 306 designates the week of October 12-18, 2025, as "Credit Union Week" in Pennsylvania to honor credit unions' contributions to the state's financial services sector. This ceremonial resolution has no legal effect and does not alter existing laws or regulations. It serves solely to recognize credit unions' role in supporting Pennsylvania communities. The bill was adopted by the state legislature on October 8, 2025.

Maddy summaryHR 336 is a resolution condemning the use of federal military and National Guard forces within American cities and opposing any such deployment in the Commonwealth. It formally expresses legislative opposition to federal military presence in urban areas but does not create new laws or alter policies. As a symbolic measure, it directs the legislature to reject federal actions involving military forces within the state's cities. The resolution was referred to the Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness committee on October 8, 2025.