Rep. Ben Waxman

Maddy summaryHB 337 requires Pennsylvania's Department of General Services to provide free menstrual hygiene products (such as tampons and pads) in at least half of all bathrooms across state-owned buildings, including government offices and courthouses. The bill mandates installation of dispensers and disposal bins, along with public signage, to ensure accessibility without cost to users. Exceptions apply to buildings without bathrooms or those not regularly occupied, such as storage facilities, maintenance sheds, or unoccupied structures. This policy change directly affects the general public using state buildings and the Department of General Services, which must implement the requirements within 60 days.

Maddy summaryHB 1155 establishes a legal framework for community solar programs in Pennsylvania, allowing multiple subscribers (including renters and low-income households) to share ownership of solar facilities and receive bill credits for the electricity generated. The bill requires electric distribution companies to implement these programs, mandates prevailing wage standards for solar installation workers, and sets protections to ensure subscribers receive guaranteed savings. It directly affects utility companies, community solar organizations, and subscribers - particularly those who cannot install rooftop solar due to housing constraints or income limits. Key provisions include preventing single subscribers from owning over 50% of a facility, requiring at least 50% of capacity to serve small subscriptions (25 kW or less), and ensuring ratepayer costs are managed responsibly.

Maddy summaryHB 109 creates a new permit review process for specific industrial facilities in Pennsylvania's designated "environmental justice areas" - communities with high pollution burdens and vulnerable populations (low-income, communities of color). It requires the Department of Environmental Protection to consider cumulative environmental and public health impacts when reviewing permits for facilities like large wastewater plants (50,000+ gal/day), major air polluters, waste sites (25+ tons/month), mining operations, and certain landfills. The bill mandates that permits in these areas must address disproportionate environmental impacts, as defined by demographic, economic, health, and environmental data. This directly affects developers and operators of industrial facilities seeking new or expanded permits in designated communities.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's vehicle code to strengthen window tinting regulations. It requires vehicles with tinted windows to pass a safety inspection using a tint meter, failing if they violate existing tint limits (67 Pa. Code Ch. 175). Additionally, it prohibits tinting businesses from failing to inform customers that modifications may violate these limits, classifying such omissions as deceptive under consumer protection law. The bill directly affects vehicle owners seeking tinted windows, tinting businesses, and inspection stations. It implements concrete policy changes by integrating tint compliance into safety inspections and enforcing consumer transparency.

Maddy summaryHB 1146 allows second-class counties in Pennsylvania to generate local funding for public transportation and transportation infrastructure by imposing specific taxes, including on liquor sales, rental vehicles, real estate transfers, income, and vehicle registrations, each with maximum rates defined by existing state law. Revenue from these taxes must be deposited into a restricted county account dedicated exclusively to transportation projects. The bill also establishes administrative procedures for collecting and reporting these taxes, ensuring compliance with state tax codes and enabling counties to implement the funding mechanisms without creating new statewide programs.

Maddy summaryHB 1122 amends Pennsylvania's Unfair Insurance Practices Act to explicitly prohibit insurance companies from discriminating against applicants or policyholders based on protected characteristics. The bill adds specific language banning unfair discrimination in underwriting and eligibility decisions due to race, religion, nationality, ethnicity, age, sex, family size, occupation, residence, marital status, or criminal history. This directly affects insurers (who must comply with these rules) and applicants/policyholders (who gain protections against such discrimination). The key change clarifies that insurers cannot deny coverage, adjust rates, or impose terms based on these factors, except where rates are set through proper regulatory processes. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1109 would establish a legal process for "compassionate aid in dying" in Pennsylvania, allowing terminally ill adults to request medication to end their life under strict safeguards. To qualify, patients must be 18 or older, under the care of a healthcare provider, have a terminal illness confirmed by a consulting provider, and be deemed capable of making an informed decision after counseling. The process requires a written request, a waiting period, and detailed documentation to ensure the decision is voluntary and informed, while protecting healthcare providers from forced participation. Violations of the law would be subject to penalties as outlined in the bill.

Maddy summaryHB 1150 raises Pennsylvania's minimum wage to $15 per hour starting January 1, 2026, with annual increases thereafter. It also establishes a phased timeline for tipped employees: requiring higher base cash wages starting in 2025 (e.g., $5.00/hour after June 2025) and mandating that by July 1, 2029, employers must pay the full minimum wage without relying on tips. The bill ensures all tips received by employees remain their property and cannot be used by employers to meet minimum wage requirements. This directly affects most private-sector employers and tipped workers in Pennsylvania, particularly in hospitality and service industries.

Maddy summaryHB 832 requires hospitals planning to close all or most units (general hospital closure) or critical departments like emergency or maternity units (significant impact closure) to follow specific steps. Hospitals must submit a detailed closure plan for approval by the Department of Health or local health authorities at least 180 days before closing, include a health equity impact assessment, and hold two public hearings in the affected community. The bill mandates public notice, comment periods via phone and website, and ensures hospitals address community health needs before proceeding. This directly affects hospitals seeking to close operations and the communities relying on their services, aiming to prevent abrupt healthcare disruptions.

Maddy summaryHB 1078 updates Pennsylvania's school health requirements to strengthen vision screening and eye health examinations for students. It mandates annual vision screenings by trained school personnel for all school-aged children, with comprehensive eye exams by licensed professionals required if screenings fail. The bill specifies that students must receive eye health exams upon school admission, in fourth grade, and eighth grade, and adds requirements for exams related to special education evaluations. Schools must notify parents of failed screenings and provide resources, but are not responsible for covering exam costs or treatment. This directly affects all public and nonpublic school students in Pennsylvania.