Rep. Ben Waxman

Maddy summaryHB 974 amends Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law to clarify how agencies assess the specificity of written public records requests. It requires agencies to consider three factors when determining if a request is specific enough: the burden on the agency to locate records within time limits, potential privacy or proprietary harm to third parties, and compliance with federal or state disclosure laws. This change directly affects agencies handling public records requests and requesters seeking information under the law. The bill does not alter who can request records or basic submission methods, but refines the process for evaluating request clarity. The amendment takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHR 133 is a procedural resolution directing Pennsylvania's Joint State Government Commission to study problem-solving courts in the Commonwealth. It does not create new laws or directly affect individuals, but mandates a comprehensive analysis of existing courts (nearly 150 operate statewide). The study will examine court types, accreditation processes, case referrals, defendant demographics, funding comparisons to traditional courts, recidivism outcomes, and alignment with national best practices. The Commission must report findings on these key aspects by a specified deadline.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 17, 2025, as "Bayard Rustin Day" in Pennsylvania. It honors Bayard Rustin, a key organizer of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom and a prominent civil rights leader who advocated for nonviolent activism, racial equality, and LGBTQ+ rights. The resolution does not create new laws or policies; it is a ceremonial designation to recognize Rustin's historical contributions. It directly affects Pennsylvania residents through official recognition of this date in state government communications and public events.

Maddy summaryHB 971 prohibits vehicles from stopping, standing, or parking in designated bicycle lanes, with an exception for temporarily stopping to avoid emergency vehicles. This rule directly affects drivers who might park or stop in bicycle lanes, such as in urban areas or near bike paths. The bill amends Pennsylvania's vehicle code (Title 75) by adding this specific prohibition to the existing "rules of the road" section. The amendment takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 964, the Victims of Violence Safe Employment Act, provides eligible Pennsylvania employees with up to 160 hours of protected leave when they or a defined family member experience a "qualifying act" of violence - including domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking, or abuse of a vulnerable adult. Employers cannot retaliate against employees for taking this leave, and employees can sue if they face adverse actions like termination or demotion for using it. The bill defines "family member" broadly to include domestic partners, caregivers, and others with significant emotional ties, and "qualifying acts" cover both criminal and non-criminal violent conduct. It requires employers to allow the leave without penalty, with penalties for violations including fines and legal liability.

Maddy summaryHB 620 increases the recycling fee for waste processing facilities in Pennsylvania from $2 to $5 per ton. The bill directly affects operators of municipal waste landfills and resource recovery facilities, requiring them to pay this fee on all solid waste processed at their facilities or disposed of at landfills (excluding certain residues). The key provision amends Section 701(a) of the 1988 Municipal Waste Planning Act to set the new fee amount. The change takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 362 amends Pennsylvania's 1929 Administrative Code to authorize the Energy Development Authority to administer federal funds from the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 for the Solar for All Program. It directs the Authority to distribute funds for residential solar installations, storage, and upgrades to qualifying households across all Pennsylvania counties, prioritizing rural, suburban, and urban communities. The bill specifically prohibits using funds for solar panels or parts made with forced labor (defined as work performed under threat of penalty without voluntary consent) and requires the Public Utility Commission to protect non-participating ratepayers from cross-subsidization. This creates a clear administrative framework for implementing the federal program while adding labor and ratepayer safeguards.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates April 29, 2025, as "22nd Amendment Day" in Pennsylvania. It commemorates Pennsylvania's ratification of the 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution on April 29, 1947, which established presidential term limits. The resolution has no legal effect and serves only as a ceremonial observance. It does not alter any laws or impact any individuals or groups.

Maddy summaryHB 917 repeals Chapter 33 of Pennsylvania's Insurance Code, which previously required insurers offering plans through the state's health insurance exchange to follow specific federal health care law rules regarding abortion coverage. The repealed provisions included a ban on abortion coverage in most plans (except for complications or miscarriage treatment) and an opt-out option for abortion coverage. This bill directly affects insurers and health plans sold through Pennsylvania's health insurance exchange by removing these specific federal compliance requirements. The change eliminates the state's prior restrictions on abortion coverage within qualified health plans.

Maddy summaryHB 914 amends Pennsylvania's Landlord and Tenant Act to limit annual rent increases for regulated rental units, directly affecting tenants and landlords in these properties. It establishes an annual rent increase allowance calculated as the lesser of CPI-U plus 3% or 6% of base rent (excluding discounts), effective July 1-June 30 each year. Landlords may not exceed this allowance plus any unused "banked amount" when raising rent on lease renewals or new leases, with a 10% cap on increases. For capital improvements costing 40%+ of a unit's value, landlords can petition courts for additional rent increases to cover actual costs, but only if proven necessary for a "fair return" on investment. The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency administers the annual allowance calculation and public publication.