Rep. Ben Waxman

Maddy summaryHB 2184 amends Pennsylvania's public utilities law to define "public interest" and require the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to consider eight specific factors when making utility decisions. These factors include residential rate affordability, energy strategy (renewables, distributed generation, energy efficiency), grid modernization, environmental protection, economic growth (jobs, tax revenue), reliability, and environmental justice. The bill updates existing provisions about "just and reasonable" rates (Section 1301), mandatory 60-day notice for rate changes (Section 1308), and complaint-based rate investigations (Section 1309). It directly affects all utility companies operating in Pennsylvania and the PUC, which must now document how decisions align with these public interest factors. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis resolution directs Pennsylvania's Joint State Government Commission to study how private equity ownership affects child care services. The study will examine impacts on costs, quality, and access for families, then propose recommendations to limit negative effects. It directly affects child care providers operating under private equity ownership and families using these services. The Commission must complete this work and report findings to the legislature.

Maddy summaryHB 462 amends Pennsylvania law to extend time limits for filing lawsuits involving minors, individuals with mental incapacity, or those imprisoned. It also clarifies when government units (like cities or counties) can be sued by specifying exceptions to sovereign immunity. The bill directly affects citizens seeking legal action against government entities and the government units themselves, by changing deadlines and liability rules. Key provisions include updating filing deadlines for specific vulnerable groups and defining clearer scenarios where governments lose immunity from lawsuits. This is a substantive policy change to court procedures, not a procedural or commemorative measure.

Maddy summaryHB 464 is a constitutional amendment proposal that would ensure Pennsylvania courts remain open for lawsuits against the state government (the "Commonwealth"). It directly affects residents, businesses, and local governments who may need to sue the state for issues like contract disputes or government actions. The key provision would amend the state constitution to guarantee access to courts for such cases, removing potential barriers to filing suit. This is a procedural change to constitutional access, not a new law with specific funding or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow Pennsylvania to regulate virtual currency kiosks by requiring most businesses to obtain a license from the Department of Banking and Securities, while exempting existing banks and credit unions. To operate legally, applicants must meet specific financial standards and use a centralized online system for registration, and the kiosks must provide clear information to customers about the exchange process. The legislation also creates a dedicated fund to support public education efforts regarding virtual currency and establishes penalties for operating without a license or violating other rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new program within the Pennsylvania Department of Education to fund school districts that adopt evidence-based staffing models designed to improve student learning. The legislation allows districts to receive grants to expand advanced teaching roles where effective teachers lead teams, share leadership responsibilities, and receive additional compensation tied to measurable student outcomes. Key provisions require that these staffing changes include protected time for collaboration, flexible scheduling, and alignment with other state education priorities like structured literacy. Ultimately, the bill aims to support districts in implementing innovative compensation and organizational structures that replicate successful teaching practices across the Commonwealth.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the legal definition of an emergency vehicle in Pennsylvania's vehicle code to include a wider range of specific vehicles and personnel. It clarifies that the term covers various types of response vehicles, such as those used for hazardous materials, blood delivery, and prisoner transport, as well as privately owned cars driven by top-ranking officials like police chiefs and fire captains during emergencies. The changes aim to ensure these specific vehicles have the same legal protections and rights as standard emergency vehicles when responding to urgent situations. The new definitions will officially take effect 60 days after the bill is signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Covered Device Recycling Act to update definitions and strengthen recycling requirements for manufacturers and retailers. It clarifies which electronics count as covered devices, such as computers, smartphones, and printers, while explicitly excluding items like landline phones and devices built into other appliances. The legislation also introduces a sales prohibition mechanism, requiring the Department of Environmental Protection to maintain a list of non-compliant brands that cannot be sold in the state. Additionally, the bill mandates stricter registration, reporting, and enforcement duties for companies involved in the sale of covered devices.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Insurance Company Law to update definitions and provisions related to health insurance coverage. It clarifies how certain government health programs are defined for insurance policies, specifically regarding prescription drug coverage and continuation of coverage for employees who lose their jobs. The legislation also updates the legal definition of a hospital to include facilities operating alcoholism or drug addiction treatment programs and establishes a Long-Term Care Partnership Program to help individuals manage future long-term care costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new funding mechanism for Pennsylvania school districts and charter schools to cover extraordinary special education expenses for students with disabilities. It allocates one percent of the state special education appropriation annually from 2016-2017 through 2025-2026, then increases this to two percent starting in 2026-2027, with specific rules for how funds are distributed based on student enrollment duration and expense levels. The legislation covers costs for specialized services including transportation, therapy, and mobility training, while establishing caps and prioritization rules to ensure equitable distribution across districts.