Rep. Ben Waxman

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's domestic relations laws to redefine marriage as a civil contract between two individuals, removing the previous legal requirement that it be between one man and one woman. It directly affects couples by eliminating state barriers to same-sex marriage and repeals the specific provision that declared such unions void within the Commonwealth. The legislation also updates the statutory definition of marriage to reflect this inclusive language while removing the section that stated it was public policy to restrict marriage to opposite-sex couples.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Keystone Fresh Program to increase the amount of locally grown food served in Pennsylvania school meals. It establishes a grant system administered by the Departments of Education and Agriculture to reimburse school districts for purchasing local fruits, vegetables, grains, and other minimally processed foods. The program prioritizes funding for schools that source from veteran farmers, socially disadvantaged groups, new farmers, or those using sustainable agriculture techniques. A separate fund is also created to support the administration of these initiatives, aiming to improve child nutrition and provide economic benefits to local producers.

Maddy summaryHB 2491 amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to exempt sales and use taxes on building materials, supplies, and services purchased by construction contractors for affordable housing projects. This change directly affects contractors working on projects that meet the state's legal definition of affordable housing, allowing them to avoid paying sales tax on these specific items. The bill does not alter tax rates or create new taxes but instead clarifies and expands existing exclusions to support the construction and maintenance of designated affordable housing.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws to require public utilities to give customers at least 60 days' notice before changing their rates. Under the new rules, companies must send clear, plain-language notices to customers and other interested parties, highlighting proposed changes on the outside of mailings. The bill also mandates that utilities file updated rate schedules with the state commission and allows the commission to grant exceptions to the notice period for good cause.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Pennsylvania public utilities to provide customers with clear instructions on how to submit comments regarding proposed rate changes or system acquisitions. Under the new rules, the Public Utility Commission must accept these consumer comments via mail or through an accessible online platform. The legislation aims to streamline the process for utility customers to participate in regulatory decisions affecting their services. It applies to all public utilities operating in the state and will become effective 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Pennsylvania Artist Fellowship Grant Program to provide financial support to artists living in the state. To qualify, applicants must be at least 18 years old, reside in Pennsylvania, actively practice in visual, media, film, or performing arts, and not be currently enrolled in school. The program awards up to 25 grants of $100,000 each annually, which recipients can use for a wide range of expenses including housing, studio rentals, materials, travel, and student loans, provided the funds are not used for political campaigns or regular employment. The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts is responsible for managing the application process and administering the program, which is funded by a $2.5 million appropriation for grants and an additional $250,000 for administrative costs.

Maddy summaryThis resolution directs the Joint State Government Commission to study the financial impact on Pennsylvania taxpayers of state police services provided to municipalities without their own local departments. The bill requires the commission to form an advisory committee including representatives from revenue, transportation, and law enforcement sectors to analyze costs and tax burdens associated with these services. Key findings must include the per capita cost of coverage, the effect on local millage rates, and an estimate of fees needed to fund these services if the state mandated a direct charge to municipalities. The commission is tasked with submitting a report with these recommendations to the House of Representatives within one year of the resolution's adoption.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a non-binding resolution that formally recognizes June 2024 as "LGBTQ+ Pride Month" within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It directly affects state government agencies and officers by encouraging them to acknowledge the historical significance of LGBTQ+ contributions and the ongoing struggle for equality. The text cites specific local milestones, such as the 1965 sit-in at Dewey's lunch counter in Philadelphia and the establishment of early support organizations, to highlight the state's role in LGBTQ+ history. Ultimately, the measure serves as a symbolic gesture of solidarity and does not create new laws, funding, or enforceable policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's procurement laws to allow state agencies to purchase supplies and services from organizations employing people with disabilities without requiring competitive bidding. It mandates that these organizations make a significant contribution to production and prohibits the use of subminimum wage certificates for new contracts, with a complete ban on such certificates planned within two years. Additionally, the law requires work environments to become integrated, meaning employees with disabilities must interact with non-disabled coworkers, customers, and the public, and sets up a system for the state to review compliance and determine fair market prices.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution officially designates November 5, 2024, as Jason Kelce's birthday and December 13, 2024, as Fletcher Cox's birthday. The measure honors the careers of these two former Philadelphia Eagles players, who are recognized for their contributions to the team's success and their extensive charitable work in the community. By formally acknowledging their achievements and retirement, the resolution aims to celebrate their impact on the state and the city of Philadelphia.