Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler

Maddy summaryHB 2061 amends Pennsylvania's tax code to add new requirements for data center owners seeking tax incentives under the computer data center equipment program. It requires applicants to submit an affirmation that all contractors and subcontractors for construction, renovation, demolition, or similar work (starting July 1, 2025) will pay workers at least the Pennsylvania prevailing wage rate, as defined by the state's prevailing wage law. This applies regardless of whether the project would otherwise qualify for prevailing wage coverage under existing law. The bill directly affects data center developers planning major construction or renovation projects after July 2025 to qualify for tax incentives.

Maddy summaryHB 439 amends Pennsylvania's Human Relations Act to explicitly define "race" as including hair texture and protective hairstyles (such as locs, braids, or afros), and "religious creed" as including head coverings or hairstyles tied to religious practice. Employers cannot prohibit these features unless they prove the rule is necessary for health/safety, non-discriminatory, job-specific, and applied equally. The law does not prevent employers from enforcing general safety rules or anti-harassment policies that apply fairly across all employees. This directly affects employers and employees in Pennsylvania workplaces by clarifying protections against discrimination related to appearance.

Maddy summaryHB 2043 would prohibit the possession, sale, and transfer of specific assault weapons under Pennsylvania law. It directly affects individuals who own or attempt to purchase these firearms, as defined by the bill. The key provision creates a new criminal ban on the targeted weapons, making their possession unlawful without specified exceptions. The bill is currently under review by the Judiciary committee.

Maddy summaryHB 1385 amends Pennsylvania's juvenile justice laws to clarify definitions and update how courts handle cases involving young people who commit offenses. It directly affects juvenile offenders, courts, and child welfare agencies by standardizing terms like "delinquent child" and specifying court procedures for dispositions. Key provisions include revising legal definitions to reduce ambiguity and establishing clearer guidelines for court decisions on supervision, treatment, or other outcomes for minors. The bill aims to create more consistent and transparent processes within the juvenile justice system. (Note: The bill is currently "laid on the table" and not actively moving forward in the legislative process.)

Maddy summaryHB 2041 amends Pennsylvania's Childhood Blood Lead Test Act to require health care practitioners to ensure children receive at least one blood lead test by 12 months of age and a second test by 24 months of age, with additional testing mandated between 24 and 72 months if not tested by age 2. The bill also requires blood lead testing for pregnant women who have at least one identified lead exposure risk factor. It clarifies that health insurance must cover these tests without cost-sharing, as defined in the bill. This law directly affects children under 72 months, pregnant women, and health care providers in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryHB 2009 would amend Pennsylvania law to establish rules for utility reconnection fees charged by municipal authorities. The bill requires that fees for reconnecting electricity, water, or gas services after disconnection be reasonable and prohibits excessive or unfair charges. It directly affects residents and businesses that have had utility services disconnected, as well as municipal authorities managing those services. The key provision creates a clear standard to prevent municipalities from imposing unreasonable fees during reconnection.

Maddy summaryHB 2004 creates a special account to hold emergency funds for SNAP benefits, which provide food assistance to low-income residents. The bill requires the Department of Human Services, the Secretary of the Budget, and the State Treasurer to transfer these funds to pay SNAP recipients. This establishes a dedicated funding mechanism specifically for emergency SNAP benefit payments. The bill directly affects SNAP recipients by ensuring a streamlined process for receiving benefits during emergencies.

Maddy summaryHB 1924 requires Pennsylvania's Public Utility Commission (PUC) to oversee utilities' electricity demand forecasts (load forecasting) and mandates that utilities provide the PUC with access to confidential contracts and information. It also requires utilities to submit annual reports detailing their forecasting methods and data. The bill directly affects electric and gas utilities operating in Pennsylvania by increasing PUC transparency and oversight of their planning processes. These provisions aim to ensure accurate forecasting and accountability in utility operations without specifying cost impacts or outcomes.

Maddy summaryHB 1971 amends Pennsylvania's public utilities law to restructure the electric utility industry and establish a legal framework for portable solar generation systems. The bill would directly affect electric utility companies and consumers who use or wish to install portable solar systems, including residential and small commercial users. Key provisions involve updating definitions within the public utilities code and creating new regulatory pathways for portable solar systems, though specific implementation details are not provided in the context. Without the full bill text, the exact mechanisms of the restructuring or solar system regulations cannot be detailed.

Maddy summaryThe bill title contains a factual inconsistency: Pennsylvania's criminal code (Title 18) does not govern animal welfare practices like declawing. Declawing prohibitions are typically addressed in animal welfare statutes (e.g., Title 34), not criminal offenses. The title incorrectly lists "prohibition on declawing cats" under a criminal code amendment, which would be legally inaccurate. Therefore, a meaningful summary of the bill's actual provisions cannot be provided based on this erroneous title description.