Rep. Ben Waxman

Maddy summaryHB 502 establishes the Reliable Energy Siting and Electric Transition Board within the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. This board is tasked with creating a statewide process for siting large-scale electric generation and energy storage facilities (25+ megawatts for generators, 10+ megawatts for storage). Companies proposing such facilities can seek a "certificate of reliable energy supply" from the board. This certificate aims to ensure efficient development of new energy resources while protecting human health, safety, and the environment. The board comprises representatives from state agencies, labor, and industry, and has the authority to approve or deny applications for these certificates.

Maddy summaryHB 503 establishes the Pennsylvania Climate Emissions Reduction (PACER) Program, creating a state-run "cap-and-invest" system to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the power sector. The program requires the Department of Environmental Protection to conduct Pennsylvania-run auctions for CO2 allowances, with specific rules for eligible participants, such as electricity generators and financial institutions. Revenue from these auctions will be directed into several designated accounts, including those for consumer protection, energy transformation, workforce enhancement, and low-income support. Upon the program's establishment, Pennsylvania would cease participation in other carbon auction programs related to the electric generation sector.

Maddy summaryHB 1223 amends Pennsylvania's Podiatry Practice Act to remove a specific citizenship requirement from the application process for podiatry licenses. The bill deletes language requiring applicants to prove U.S. citizenship or intent to become a citizen, while keeping all other requirements intact (such as graduation from an accredited school, age, moral character, and residency). This change directly affects future applicants seeking podiatry licensure in Pennsylvania by simplifying one part of their application documentation. The amendment modifies Section 4 of the existing law without altering practice standards or patient care requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1281 establishes clear duties for Pennsylvania law enforcement, prosecutors, and courts (referred to as "certifying agencies") when processing certification forms required for U visas. The bill directly affects crime victims seeking U visas (which require certification that they were helpful to investigations), their legal representatives, and the agencies handling these requests. Key provisions require certifying officials to respond to petitions, develop and publicly post a detailed processing protocol (including online), and maintain records of all certifications. This bill does not change U visa eligibility but standardizes how Pennsylvania agencies handle the certification process for victims of qualifying crimes.

Maddy summaryHB 1284 amends Pennsylvania's Insurance Company Law of 1921 to expand dental coverage for uninsured children. The bill requires that frenectomies and other surgical procedures to treat lip-ties or tongue-ties be included as part of the minimum emergency, preventive, and routine dental care package for eligible children. It also mandates that dental providers contracting with insurers for these services offer frenectomies as a covered routine dental service. This legislation directly affects uninsured children receiving care through state contracts and the dental providers who serve them.

Maddy summaryThis bill, HB 1287, updates Pennsylvania's personal income tax provisions for low-income individuals and families. It increases the income threshold for full tax forgiveness or a refund from $6,500 to $10,000 for individuals and from $13,000 to $20,000 for married couples. The bill also introduces an annual cost-of-living adjustment for these poverty income amounts, based on the regional Consumer Price Index. This mechanism ensures that the eligibility thresholds for tax relief can increase over time, reflecting changes in the cost of living.

Maddy summaryHB 1285 prohibits Pennsylvania Commonwealth government entities, law enforcement agencies, peace officers, and political subdivisions from cooperating with out-of-state investigations related to abortion. These entities are forbidden from providing information or using resources to assist investigations that seek to impose civil or criminal liability for abortion services or related activities that are legal in Pennsylvania. This includes actions like providing, seeking, receiving, or assisting with abortion or related inquiries. The bill does not apply if the out-of-state investigation itself would violate Pennsylvania law.

Maddy summaryHB 1229 amends Pennsylvania's 1931 Barbers' License Law to add citizenship and residency requirements for members of the State Board of Barber Examiners. Specifically, it requires that all six professional barber board members must be U.S. citizens and Pennsylvania residents, in addition to already needing to be registered barbers with five years of practice. This change affects the composition of the board that oversees barber licensing and regulation, not the licensing process itself. The bill is a minor procedural update to board membership qualifications and has not yet been enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 1230 amends Pennsylvania's Real Estate Appraisers Certification Act to require that all members of the State Board of Certified Real Estate Appraisers have resided in Pennsylvania for at least two years prior to appointment. This change directly affects the board's membership selection process, which oversees the certification of real estate appraisers. The bill does not alter the board's composition (six appraisers, two evaluators, and two public members) but adds the residency requirement and clarifies that a member can serve as both an appraiser and evaluator if their appointment specifies the role. The amendment takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1226 amends Pennsylvania's Massage Therapy Law (2008) by adding a citizenship requirement for members of the State Board of Massage Therapy. The bill changes Section 3(a) to specify that board members must be "citizens of the United States" in addition to being Pennsylvania residents for at least five years. This procedural update modifies the eligibility criteria for the 11-member board that oversees massage therapy licensure and discipline. The change directly affects who can serve on the board but does not alter licensing fees, practice standards, or disciplinary procedures. The bill requires board members to meet this new citizenship requirement upon appointment.