Rep. Tarah Probst

Maddy summaryHB 1504 amends Pennsylvania's vehicle code to clarify and update several traffic rules. It specifically changes how drivers may overtake vehicles on the left, adds rules for safely passing pedestrians on highways, and adjusts penalties for violations related to pedestrians and special vehicles. The bill also updates the definition of "careless driving" under general offense provisions. These changes directly affect drivers, pedestrians, and law enforcement across Pennsylvania by modifying standard road behavior and enforcement procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 1501 would amend Pennsylvania's oil and gas laws to create a Radiation Testing Pilot Program. The bill would establish a voluntary program for testing radiation levels in areas near oil and gas operations, directly affecting communities and landowners in regions with active or former oil and gas activity. Key provisions include requiring participating operators to conduct specific radiation tests and report results to the state, with the program running for a set period to evaluate its effectiveness. The bill is currently referred to the Environmental & Natural Resource Protection committee. (Note: Specific details on testing protocols, duration, or participant requirements are not provided in the given context.)

Maddy summaryHB 1502 updates Pennsylvania vehicle noise regulations under Titles 42 (Judiciary) and 75 (Vehicles). It requires all vehicles, including snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles, to meet specific muffler and exhaust system standards to control noise. The bill also modifies vehicle inspection procedures, allowing inspectors to suspend operator certificates for violations, and imposes penalties for non-compliance. These changes directly affect vehicle owners, dealers, inspectors, and manufacturers by setting clearer noise control requirements and enforcement mechanisms.

Maddy summaryHB 1499 updates Pennsylvania's child custody laws under Title 23. It clarifies definitions, establishes clearer rules for awarding primary physical custody, and requires courts to consider criminal convictions when making custody decisions. The bill also mandates parenting plans and specifies factors judges must evaluate, directly affecting parents, judges, and child welfare agencies involved in custody cases. The legislation was recently referred to the Judiciary Committee on May 28, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's pilot program for non-narcotic medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in prisons and parole settings. It removes outdated rules about the program's establishment, clarifies requirements for county participation, and specifies how grant funds can be used for treatment services. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency gains new duties to oversee the program, and the bill includes administrative updates to the state statutes governing it. The changes directly affect counties administering the pilot program and individuals in prison or parole under the MAT initiative.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases monthly pension payments for two groups of Pennsylvania veterans: 1) Blind veterans (defined as those with 3/60 or 10/200 vision or worse from service-connected injuries) now receive $200/month (up from $150). 2) Amputee/paralyzed veterans (with two limbs at ≥40% disability rating per VA standards) now receive $200/month (up from $150). Eligibility requires Pennsylvania residency at enlistment or current residence, honorable military service, and VA-certified disability. The change takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 79 requires hospitals to establish clear financial assistance programs for patients who cannot afford care, including standardized forms and easily accessible information about eligibility and coverage. It mandates that hospitals publicly share details about their financial aid policies and report their program rules to the Department of Health. These requirements directly affect hospitals operating in the state and patients seeking financial help with medical bills. The bill aims to standardize and increase transparency in hospital financial aid offerings.

Maddy summaryHB 926 requires healthcare facilities to establish violence prevention committees to address workplace violence. These committees must develop safety plans, and facilities must report violent incidents to the Department of Labor and Industry. The Department gains authority to enforce compliance, impose fines, and issue administrative penalties for violations. This bill directly affects hospitals, clinics, and all healthcare workplaces covered under state labor regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 504, the Community Energy Act, establishes a framework for third-party-owned community energy projects (like solar gardens) in Pennsylvania. It requires electric distribution companies to connect these facilities, provides bill credits to subscribers (homeowners, renters, and businesses) for energy generated, and ensures guaranteed savings by linking subscription payments to bill reductions. Key provisions include setting size limits (max 5,000 kW for most facilities), mandating that at least 50% of subscriptions come from small users or farms, and requiring fair wages for construction workers. The bill directly affects electric companies (with new connection duties), community energy organizations (as owners/operators), and subscribers (who gain access to shared renewable energy).

Maddy summaryHB 721 amends Pennsylvania's Construction Workplace Misclassification Act to strengthen protections for construction workers who are incorrectly classified as independent contractors instead of employees. The bill allows affected workers to file lawsuits against companies for misclassification and imposes criminal penalties for repeated violations, while also adding safeguards against employer retaliation for reporting violations. It expands administrative penalties for misclassification and requires that penalty funds be used to support enforcement efforts. This directly affects construction companies that misclassify workers and construction workers who lose benefits like overtime pay, health insurance, or workers' compensation due to improper classification.