Rep. Ben Waxman

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 167 recognizes May 9-18, 2025, as "Go Public Gardens Days" in Pennsylvania. The resolution highlights the economic and community benefits of public gardens, including supporting over 2,000 jobs, contributing more than $500 million to the state economy, and welcoming 4.2 million annual visitors. It emphasizes public gardens' roles in conservation, education, and promoting health through outdoor engagement. This symbolic resolution does not create new laws or obligations but aims to raise awareness of these institutions' value.

Maddy summaryThis resolution directs Pennsylvania's Joint State Government Commission to study the feasibility of developing offshore wind, solar, and hydropower projects on Pennsylvania's portion of Lake Erie. The study will examine potential job creation (including construction, maintenance, and manufacturing roles), economic impacts, environmental benefits like reduced emissions, and the projected electricity generation capacity. It requires the Commission to consult with energy experts, environmental groups, labor leaders, and surrounding states before submitting a report to relevant legislative committees within 12 months. The resolution does not authorize actual projects but aims to inform future policy decisions about renewable energy development in the region.

Maddy summaryHR 97 is a resolution designating the week of May 4-10, 2025, as "Career and Technology Week" and May 7, 2025, as "National Skilled Trades Day" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically recognizes the role of career and technical education programs and skilled trades professions in supporting Pennsylvania's economy and workforce development. The resolution highlights how these fields prepare students for high-demand careers in healthcare, manufacturing, construction, and technology while addressing workforce shortages. This non-binding resolution does not create new laws or allocate funds but aims to raise awareness and honor contributions to Pennsylvania's economic growth.

Maddy summaryHB 1289 establishes a 2026 adjustment for retired municipal police officers and firefighters who retired before January 1, 2016, and have been retired for at least 10, 15, or 20 years as of January 1, 2026. Eligible retirees will receive monthly payments of $250, $375, or $500 based on their retirement duration, with reductions for prior benefits received and caps if multiple retirement systems apply. Municipalities must certify these payments and will receive full reimbursement from the Commonwealth for the 2026 costs. This extends a similar state reimbursement program previously used for 2002 adjustments.

Maddy summaryHB 1413 amends Pennsylvania's Liquor Code to update definitions for restaurants, hotels, and eating places serving alcohol. It requires these establishments to provide "substantial food offerings sufficient to constitute a meal," defined as having at least two entrée and two side menu options available for at least 30 people simultaneously when alcohol is served, and prohibits relying solely on sealed prepackaged food. This rule applies directly to all licensees under the Liquor Code, including restaurants and hotels that serve alcohol alongside food. The bill also includes other licensing changes, such as requiring applicants to provide tax identification numbers and waiving confidentiality for tax status reviews, but the food requirement is the central new policy.

Maddy summaryHB 1400 modifies Pennsylvania's film production tax credit by requiring productions employing children to have adults in direct contact with children submit documentation proving compliance with child safety rules. The Department of Revenue will review credit applications, considering the anticipated number of employees under 18, and set application periods of up to 90 days. Taxpayers claiming the credit who fail to meet the expense requirements or this new child contact rule must repay the credit. This bill directly affects film producers in Pennsylvania seeking the tax credit for productions involving children.

Maddy summaryHB 1399 expands Pennsylvania's mandatory child abuse reporting requirements to include film industry workers. It adds to the list of mandated reporters any adult (paid or unpaid) reasonably expected to have direct contact with children during film production, as defined under the Tax Reform Code of 1971. The bill also requires these individuals to submit specific documentation to employers or supervisors before working with children on film sets, aligning them with existing requirements for other child-contact roles. This amendment applies to all film productions in Pennsylvania and takes effect 180 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 921 establishes Pennsylvania's Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program to help residents with overdue water or wastewater bills after the federal program ends. It requires the Department of Human Services to create the program by July 1, 2026, with eligibility based on income, owning/renting a home in PA, and having overdue bills (including termination notices). Water or wastewater utility companies can apply for grants on behalf of eligible customers to prevent service termination, pay past-due bills, or restore services. The program mandates annual reports to the Governor and legislative committees detailing grant recipients, amounts, and expenditures. This policy directly affects low-income households facing water service disruptions and utility providers serving them.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1397 amends Pennsylvania law to allow individuals to use media devices to record, transmit, or broadcast images, video, or audio of judicial proceedings without needing court approval. This change directly affects attendees of court proceedings and the judiciary by altering rules for public access and recording. However, the bill specifies several exceptions where this permission does not apply, including proceedings related to sexual abuse, domestic violence, protection from abuse, sexual violence or intimidation, and testimony from child witnesses or confidential informants.

Maddy summaryHB 1372 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to update rules for charter and cyber charter schools. It prohibits public school entities from paying for or accepting sponsorship for public events (Section 134(a.1)), and adds definitions for terms like "family member," "school district of residence," and "emergency" to clarify enrollment and operational requirements. The bill revises charter school accountability standards, requiring them to participate in state assessments, maintain nonsectarian operations, and follow specific enrollment rules (Section 1715-A). These changes directly affect charter school operators, school districts, and students by setting clearer financial limits, enrollment criteria, and operational expectations.