Rep. Zach Mako

Maddy summaryThis bill (HB 2024) requires Pennsylvania's Office of the Deputy Adjutant General for Veterans' Affairs to create a mandatory training program for county veterans affairs directors. The program must cover specific topics like trauma-informed care, military sexual trauma, PTSD, and traumatic brain injury, developed in collaboration with the State Association of County Directors of Veterans Affairs. It directly affects county-level veterans' service staff who assist veterans across Pennsylvania. The training program becomes effective 180 days after the bill's passage.

Maddy summaryHB 2229 amends Pennsylvania's Solid Waste Management Act to clarify and expand the Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) authority. It requires the DEP to propose a state fund funded by facility surcharges if federal hazardous waste cleanup funding proves inadequate, targeting abandoned or closed hazardous waste sites. The bill also establishes new regulations for the "beneficial use" of municipal and residual waste, including mandatory monitoring for waste stored longer than one year and requiring facilities to report changes in waste properties. Additionally, it mandates that the DEP forward EPA violation notices to affected municipalities and allows municipalities to opt out of receiving these notices. These changes directly affect waste management facilities, municipalities handling residual waste, and the DEP's enforcement processes.

Maddy summaryHB 1261 bans PFAS chemicals (harmful substances linked to health risks) in firefighting protective gear, requiring safer alternatives for all new equipment. It creates grant programs to help fire companies replace PFAS-containing gear and mandates that state-funded equipment purchases must be PFAS-free. The bill also imposes penalties on entities failing to comply with the PFAS restrictions. These changes directly protect firefighters and guide fire companies' equipment procurement under Pennsylvania law.

Maddy summaryHR 384 is a resolution directing Pennsylvania's Joint State Government Commission to study whether implementing statewide and precinct-level ballot rotation systems would be feasible. The study would examine how rotating candidate order on ballots (to address "ballot order effects" where position may create unfair advantages) could work under state law, including costs, legal constraints, and operational impacts on election offices. It would analyze different rotation approaches for various election types and offices, and produce a report with recommendations for potential future policy changes. The resolution itself does not change election rules but would inform future legislative decisions if the study finds implementation feasible.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's sales and use tax law to temporarily exempt soccer cleats, gloves, balls, and related accessories from tax. The exemption applies only to individual buyers purchasing these items for personal use during a six-month window starting when the law takes effect. To ensure clarity, the Department of Revenue must publish online guidance explaining how to apply this temporary exclusion.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution designates May 4, 2026, as "Aerospace Day" to recognize the state's growing aerospace industry. The measure highlights Pennsylvania's skilled workforce, proximity to federal agencies, and educational institutions as key assets for the sector. It calls for public exhibitions and a legislative hearing in Harrisburg on that date to educate residents and lawmakers about the industry's economic potential. The bill does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to promote awareness of aerospace opportunities within the Commonwealth.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Public School Code of 1949 to update definitions for the Grow Pennsylvania Scholarship Grant Program. It clarifies what counts as an "approved course of study" and "in-demand occupation" for scholarship recipients. The updated definitions include specific fields such as agriculture, computer science, nursing, and trades, while also requiring that occupations provide family-sustaining wages and high skill levels. These changes affect students using the scholarship program and the institutions offering eligible courses. The bill takes effect 60 days after passage.

Maddy summaryHB 2232 amends Pennsylvania law to give law enforcement officers a formal process to challenge inaccurate background records maintained by their agencies. Specifically, it adds Section 7308(c)(1.1), allowing officers to appeal an agency's refusal to correct or remove disputed information under Pennsylvania's judicial review procedures (2 Pa.C.S. Ch. 7). This directly affects current and former law enforcement officers whose employment records contain errors. The bill does not change background investigation standards but establishes a new appeal pathway for record accuracy disputes. It takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 2231 (Pennsylvania House Bill 2231) creates a new misdemeanor offense for intentionally aiming laser pointers or other light-emitting devices at occupied aircraft when the person knows the aircraft is occupied. This directly affects individuals who point lasers at planes (e.g., during flights or takeoffs), while exempting authorized aircraft manufacturers, law enforcement during official duties, and emergency signaling devices. The bill defines key terms like "laser pointer" and "light-emitting device" to clarify what constitutes the offense. It becomes effective 60 days after enactment, adding specific criminal penalties for conduct that could endanger aircraft operations.

Maddy summaryHR 340 is a procedural resolution that removes Senate Bill 186 from the Committee on Environmental and Natural Resource Protection, requiring the committee to cease further consideration of the bill. This allows Senate Bill 186 to move directly to the full House for debate and a vote. The resolution was placed on the calendar under Rule 53 on October 8, 2025, as part of the legislative process to advance stalled bills. It does not change policy but addresses a procedural delay in the committee.