Rep. Ben Waxman

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new regulatory framework in Pennsylvania to manage water use by large commercial entities, specifically targeting data centers and other facilities that consume significant amounts of water without returning it to natural sources. It requires these "extraordinary" nonmunicipal users to register with the state and submit detailed reports on their water consumption, while also imposing a new fee on their usage. The collected fees will be placed into dedicated funds to support watershed monitoring, critical water planning areas, and environmental restoration projects, and the bill establishes a process to ask voters if the state should be allowed to take on debt for water-related environmental initiatives. Additionally, the Department of Environmental Protection will be given specific duties to enforce these rules, including requiring preconstruction notifications from major water users, and the act includes penalties for non-compliance.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution urges the U.S. Congress to pass the Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act of 2026 to protect Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits from theft and fraud. The bill proposes requiring all states to upgrade to more secure chip-enabled EBT cards and mandates that federal security regulations be updated at least every five years. It directly affects the millions of low-income individuals and families in Pennsylvania and across the country who rely on SNAP for food assistance. The measure aims to address rising instances of benefit theft through methods like card skimming and cloning, which have left many residents without food.

Maddy summaryHB 2535, known as the Commercial Data Center Public Safety Act, regulates large data centers in Pennsylvania that consume 25 megawatts or more of power. To receive a certificate of occupancy, these facilities must submit detailed emergency plans and inventories listing battery types, cooling agents, and fire suppression systems to local fire officials. The bill also mandates annual updates to these documents and restricts access to the information to authorized safety and law enforcement personnel to protect confidential security details.

Maddy summaryHB 2219 prohibits the use of devices that obscure or alter license plates on vehicles, including manual or electronic "flipping" devices and tinted covers. It specifically bans devices designed to hide plates from view, switch between plates, or interfere with traffic enforcement systems like red light cameras and electronic toll systems. Violating this law carries a $2,000 fine for possession, operation, or distribution of such devices. The bill directly affects drivers who use these devices to avoid traffic enforcement or tolls, and it prevents double-charging for the same offense under related vehicle registration laws. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 2083 updates Pennsylvania's hotel tax rules for third through eighth class counties, requiring hotels and booking agents to submit monthly reports detailing room rates, discounts, and taxes collected. It mandates that counties keep these records confidential (exempt from public disclosure under the Right-to-Know Law) and allows counties to impose penalties up to $250 per day for non-compliance, with fines funding tax administration. The bill also directs the state to create uniform tax reporting forms for counties, developed with input from county associations and state agencies. This standardizes reporting while clarifying county authority over hotel tax collection.

Maddy summaryHB 2082 amends Pennsylvania's 1971 Tax Reform Code to clarify how hotel occupancy taxes are collected and distributed. It requires booking agents to collect and remit both the standard 6% state hotel tax (under Section 210(a)) and additional local taxes from specific county or authority laws (like the Community and Economic Improvement Act or county convention center taxes) when processing bookings. Revenue from the standard tax goes to the state Tourism Promotion Fund, while additional local taxes are deposited per county ordinance. The bill also mandates counties to receive monthly transaction details (including fees and taxes) from operators, with these records exempt from public disclosure under the Right-to-Know Law.

Maddy summaryHB 1123 updates Pennsylvania's 1921 Insurance Company Law to require casualty insurance policies to cover colorectal cancer screening without cost-sharing. This affects insured residents in Pennsylvania who need preventive screenings, ensuring they face no copays or deductibles for this specific health service. The key provision mandates insurers to include coverage for colon cancer screenings as a standard benefit under casualty insurance policies. The bill passed final passage on October 29, 2025, and is now pending implementation under the Banking & Insurance committee. This change directly removes financial barriers for early detection of colorectal cancer through existing insurance coverage.

Maddy summaryHB 1700 would amend Pennsylvania's vehicle laws to allow driver's licenses to include a "communication impairment designation" for individuals with conditions affecting speech or hearing, such as hearing loss or speech disorders. This designation would help drivers communicate more effectively with law enforcement during traffic stops by indicating they may need alternative communication methods. The bill also specifies penalties for violations related to this designation, such as failing to accommodate it during stops. It directly affects drivers with communication disabilities and law enforcement officers interacting with them.

Maddy summaryHB 1877 creates a Pennsylvania Seal of Biliteracy to recognize high school students who achieve proficiency in English and another language. The bill requires public school districts to establish a process for awarding this seal to eligible students who meet specific language proficiency standards. It directly affects Pennsylvania public high school students who demonstrate biliteracy skills, providing a formal credential for their language abilities. The key mechanism is the addition of this seal program to the Public School Code, mandating school districts to implement it.

Maddy summaryHB 928 amends Pennsylvania law to expand access to epinephrine auto-injectors for severe allergic reactions. It adds schools, sports organizations, and other public venues to the list of "authorized entities" allowed to store these devices and train staff. The bill clarifies who can access the injectors during emergencies and specifies training requirements for personnel. This directly affects schools, youth programs, and public facilities serving individuals at risk of anaphylaxis.