Rep. Ben Waxman

Maddy summaryHB 837 limits handgun purchases and sales in Pennsylvania to one per person within any 30-day period, applying to most individuals but excluding licensed dealers, collectors, law enforcement, correctional facilities, security companies, antique firearms, and documented cases of stolen or lost handguns (with specific reporting requirements). It establishes the Violence Prevention Account, funded by fines from violations, to support youth violence prevention programs and law enforcement training grants. Sellers must conduct a purchase history check and inform buyers about the 30-day limit and penalties. Violations are misdemeanors for first offenses and felonies for repeat offenses.

Maddy summaryHB 835 would allow Pennsylvania's Board of Probation and Parole to shorten an offender's parole supervision period by 90 days if they earn a high school diploma, college degree, or approved vocational certificate while on parole and stay in compliance with release terms. This applies to most parolees but excludes those convicted of violent crimes as defined under state law (42 Pa.C.S. § 9714(g)). The bill creates a direct incentive for parolees to pursue education and job training during supervision. It would take effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis resolution directs Pennsylvania's Joint State Government Commission to study Housing First programs across the U.S. and their potential application in Pennsylvania. The study must examine program costs, effectiveness in reducing homelessness (especially among chronically unhoused individuals and veterans), comparisons with traditional shelter models, and impacts of recent events like the pandemic. The commission will compile a report within 18 months covering specific aspects, including Pennsylvania's homeless population demographics and academic effects on unhoused children. This study aims to inform future housing policy decisions without mandating program implementation.

Maddy summaryHB 827 creates a state-mandated Cross-age Tutoring Program within Pennsylvania's public schools. It requires the Department of Education to publish evidence-based guidelines enabling 11th and 12th grade students (under teacher supervision) to volunteer as tutors for younger students. The program must include tutor qualifications, tutee eligibility, academic credits for tutors, training, and session structure, while ensuring tutoring supplements - rather than replaces - existing instructional services. This directly affects all Pennsylvania public school entities (districts, charter schools, etc.) and students in grades 11-12 who participate as tutors or receive tutoring.

Maddy summaryHB 823 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to replace annual fire drills with "school security drills" in all public school buildings. It requires schools to conduct one security drill per year (after the first 90 days of school), with specific rules: drills must be age-appropriate, avoid violent simulations (like fake weapons or injuries), include mental health professionals, and require 7 days' advance notice to parents. Schools must also hold a debriefing period with mental health support immediately after each drill. This bill directly affects all Pennsylvania public schools and their students, shifting focus from fire safety to comprehensive security planning.

Maddy summaryHB 824 amends Pennsylvania's Conservation and Natural Resources Act to require the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to prioritize grant applications for playgrounds, playground equipment, and recreation areas that address accessibility for people with disabilities. The bill specifies that projects must include features like ramped play areas, accessible swings, wheelchair-friendly tables, and adaptations for blind or visually impaired individuals to receive priority. It mandates that the department favor universally designed recreation areas - where all equipment and the space itself are fully accessible - over projects with only partial accessibility. This change directly affects communities applying for state grants to build or improve local playgrounds, ensuring new facilities meet inclusive design standards from the start.

Maddy summaryHB 821 amends Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to require the Department of Human Services to add assisted living services and supplemental health care services to the Community HealthChoices Medicaid program within 60 days. This change directly affects licensed assisted living residences, allowing them to become certified as medical assistance providers for these services. The bill mandates that the department submit necessary documentation to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to implement the expansion. The policy change will enable these facilities to participate in the state's Medicaid program for covered services. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 815, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, requires employers with 50+ full-time equivalent employees to provide 90 days' written notice before mass layoffs or business closings affecting 30+ employees at a single site. It directly affects large employers in Pennsylvania, mandating notification to affected employees, the Department of Labor and Industry, and local municipalities. The bill specifies that notices must be delivered to employee representatives or employees directly, and includes exceptions for unforeseeable circumstances or natural disasters. Violations may result in civil penalties enforced by the Department of Labor and Industry.

Maddy summaryHB 814 creates a tax credit for Pennsylvania residents who are spouses of first responders (including police, firefighters, EMTs, or emergency rescue personnel) killed while performing their duties. The credit equals 100% of the real property tax paid on the couple's primary residence, up to the amount of personal income tax due for the year. Spouses who remarry after their partner's death or who claim other property tax rebates are ineligible. The Department of Revenue may require documentation to verify the residence qualifies as the principal home. This bill directly affects surviving spouses of eligible first responders by reducing their state income tax liability.

Maddy summaryHB 812 establishes a grant program to fund security improvements protecting hospital and emergency care workers from workplace violence. It directly affects hospitals and freestanding emergency medical facilities in Pennsylvania, which can apply for grants to implement violence prevention projects. The bill requires applicants to submit detailed plans with timelines, budgets, and measurable goals for reducing verbal/physical violence, with priority given to innovative, sustainable approaches. The Department of Health will administer the program, accept applications starting March 1, 2025, and manage the dedicated grant fund.