Rep. Ben Waxman

Maddy summaryHB 129 updates specific definitions within Pennsylvania's Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law (enacted in 1968). It clarifies terms used in the law to improve consistency in how consumer protection rules are applied. This change directly affects businesses operating under the law and consumers seeking to understand their rights under the statute. The bill focuses solely on refining terminology, not altering substantive consumer protections or enforcement mechanisms.

Maddy summaryHR 253 is a resolution directing Pennsylvania's Joint State Government Commission to create a task force and advisory committee focused on improving access to drug and alcohol treatment for people with substance use disorders. The task force, composed of four legislative members appointed by leadership, will work with an advisory committee of 26 stakeholders - including health officials, treatment providers, law enforcement, recovery advocates, and individuals in recovery - to examine barriers to treatment, review existing policies, and gather input from families and communities. The committee will analyze prevention services, recovery support, and quality care factors, then submit recommendations to the legislature within one year. This resolution does not change current law but establishes a process to inform future policy decisions on substance use disorder treatment access.

Maddy summaryHB 1710 updates Pennsylvania's vehicle registration and title system under Title 75. It repeals temporary registration cards and permits, requiring standard registration instead, and updates procedures for transferring registration and issuing plates. The bill also adds a road user charge for electric vehicles and clarifies fees for electronic registration plates. These changes directly affect vehicle owners, dealers, and state agencies handling registrations. The bill focuses on modernizing administrative processes and adding new fee structures for electric vehicles.

Maddy summaryHB 1431 repeals Pennsylvania’s prohibition on hunting on Sundays without written permission, making Sunday hunting legal statewide for those with proper authorization. The bill directly affects hunters by removing a longstanding restriction on Sunday hunting activities. Key provisions include eliminating the requirement for written permission to hunt on Sundays and updating regulations related to unlawful hunting devices, trespass on private property during hunting, and wildlife protection. This amendment became law on July 9, 2025 (Act No. 36 of 2025), modifying existing hunting rules under Title 34 of Pennsylvania’s statutes.

Maddy summaryHB 1709 amends the Public School Code of 1949 to require institutions of higher education to provide employment certification for adjunct and part-time faculty. This bill directly affects part-time and adjunct professors at colleges and universities, who often lack formal job security documentation. The key provision mandates that schools issue written certification confirming employment terms, such as hours and contract duration, for these faculty members. The bill aims to create clearer employment records for part-time educators under the state's higher education framework. It was referred to the Education committee on July 9, 2025.

Maddy summaryThe provided context does not include details about the specific changes made by HB 956 to Pennsylvania's aggravated assault laws. While the bill's title indicates it amends Title 18 regarding aggravated assault, the context lacks the concrete policy provisions, definitions, or affected groups necessary to describe what the bill actually does. Without this information, a factual summary of its mechanisms or direct impact cannot be provided. Legislative actions (like passage and referral) are noted but do not describe the bill's content.

Maddy summaryHB 1234 amends Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to require public assistance programs to cover the cost of blood pressure monitors for eligible recipients. This change directly affects individuals enrolled in state public assistance programs who need blood pressure monitoring for health management. The bill adds blood pressure monitors to the list of covered medical equipment under the public assistance program, ensuring these devices are provided without cost to recipients. It does not change eligibility requirements but expands existing coverage to include this specific monitoring tool. The bill passed final passage on July 1, 2025, and was referred to the Health & Human Services committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's child custody law by requiring all custody orders to include notice of relocation obligations (replacing the repealed Section 5337). It repeals detailed existing relocation rules, including the 60-day notice requirement, specific information that must be included in relocation notices, and the 30-day objection window for non-relocating parents. The change directly affects parents or custodians seeking to relocate with children under existing custody arrangements. It simplifies the process by embedding relocation notice requirements into custody orders rather than maintaining separate procedural rules.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates September 2025 as "International Underground Railroad Month" in Pennsylvania. It is a commemorative measure with no binding legal effect, intended to honor the historical significance of the Underground Railroad network. The resolution does not create new programs, alter laws, or directly affect any individuals or entities. It was adopted by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives on July 7, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1590 removes specific regulatory requirements that clinics must meet to receive payment for services provided within their own facilities under public assistance programs like Medicaid. This change directly affects clinics offering on-site care covered by these programs, simplifying their billing process. The bill amends the Human Services Code to eliminate the need for clinics to comply with certain prior payment rules when services occur inside their physical premises. It focuses solely on modifying reimbursement procedures without altering eligibility or funding levels.