Rep. Ben Waxman

Maddy summaryHB 1487 requires county boards of elections in first-class counties to establish an additional polling place inside county prisons for individuals who register their residence at the prison. It clarifies that incarcerated people (for misdemeanor or summary offenses) in these counties may choose to register and vote at the prison or use absentee ballots, without changing voting eligibility. The bill does not alter who can vote but adds a new in-person voting option for eligible incarcerated individuals. The changes take effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1484 increases Pennsylvania jury compensation to a flat $40 per day for all days jurors serve, replacing the previous tiered rate ($9 for first three days, $25 after). It also sets a travel allowance of 17¢ per mile circular (with no allowance in the first judicial district) and allows county commissioners to choose how jurors receive payments (e.g., check, debit card), without changing the compensation amount. The bill directly affects all Pennsylvanians summoned to serve on juries statewide. It makes no changes to eligibility or jury service requirements, only to payment structure and methods.

Maddy summaryHB 789 amends Pennsylvania's Property Assessed Clean Energy Program to include electric vehicle charging infrastructure as a qualifying project for financing. It defines "electric vehicle charging infrastructure project" as equipment for charging electric vehicles and expands the program to cover such installations alongside energy efficiency, renewable energy, and water conservation projects on commercial, agricultural, and industrial properties. The bill requires local governments to notify the Department of Revenue upon project completion, providing details and property owner contact information to ensure proper tax collection for electric vehicle charging. This update aims to streamline financing access for clean energy improvements while clarifying administrative requirements for local and state agencies.

Maddy summaryHB 820 creates Pennsylvania's "Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit," which provides a state tax credit equal to 30% of a taxpayer's federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for the same year. This credit directly affects low-to-moderate income Pennsylvania residents who qualify for the federal EITC, applying it against their state tax bill. The credit is refundable, meaning taxpayers receive a cash refund if the credit exceeds their state tax liability. The bill takes effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

Maddy summaryHB 630 amends Pennsylvania's Equal Pay Law to strengthen protections against wage discrimination based on sex, race, or ethnicity. It adds definitions for "comparable work" (requiring similar skill, effort, responsibility, and working conditions) and clarifies that "wages" include all compensation like fringe benefits. The bill explicitly bans employers from requiring employees to refrain from discussing wages, using salary history to set pay, or asking about prior wages during hiring. It also establishes an Equal Pay Enforcement Fund to support enforcement efforts and clarifies that job titles alone cannot determine if jobs are comparable.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1469 amends the Health Care Facilities Act to establish requirements for hospital price transparency. It mandates that hospitals publish a comprehensive list of their standard charges for all items and services on their public websites in a readable digital format. This list must include gross charges, discounted cash prices, and various negotiated rates with third-party payors. The bill also provides for a prohibition on debt collection action against patients by hospitals that do not comply with these requirements, aiming to give patients clearer access to pricing information.

Maddy summaryHR 60 is a resolution directing Pennsylvania's Joint State Government Commission to study the state's sports betting and online gambling industry. The study will examine marketing tactics like ads during sports broadcasts, bonus promotions, and celebrity endorsements, and assess their impact on problem gambling, gambling debt, and children's exposure to betting ads. It will also review current regulations and propose specific recommendations for new rules to address these concerns. The findings will inform future legislative decisions without immediately changing existing laws.

Maddy summaryPennsylvania would officially recognize the first day of the Islamic lunar month of Shawwal as Eid al-Fitr Day annually. This designation applies to all Pennsylvanians celebrating the holiday, which marks the end of Ramadan and includes prayer, charity, and community gatherings. The bill clarifies that this recognition does not require employers to grant paid leave or treat the day as a legal holiday. It takes effect immediately upon enactment, focusing on symbolic acknowledgment without imposing new obligations on businesses or government.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1456 establishes a statewide, toll-free telephone number for reporting suspected animal abuse or neglect in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) will operate this 24/7 hotline and maintain a database of all reported cases. The PSP will refer these reports to local law enforcement or humane society police officers for investigation. Additionally, the bill mandates that convicted animal abuse offenders pay an extra fine, with these funds going towards maintaining the reporting telephone number.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week of May 18-24, 2025, as "Public Works Week" in Pennsylvania. It honors public works professionals - including engineers, contractors, and municipal staff - who maintain essential infrastructure like roads, water systems, and emergency services, recognizing their role in community safety and quality of life. The resolution is ceremonial and does not create new laws or funding.