Rep. Tarah Probst

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution designates April 12, 2025, as "Volunteer Firefighter Day" in Pennsylvania to honor volunteer firefighters who protect communities without pay. It recognizes their service through a ceremonial designation only, with no new policies, funding, or legal requirements. The resolution references Pennsylvania's historical ties to volunteer firefighting, including Benjamin Franklin's 1736 fire company and the state's current volunteer force of 36,000-38,000 members. It does not affect any individuals or create new obligations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally recognizes May 2025 as "Older Americans Month" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new programs, allocate funds, or change existing laws; it is a symbolic gesture honoring older Pennsylvanians. The resolution references the 60th anniversary of the Older Americans Act and the 2025 observance theme, "Flip the Script on Aging," but contains no binding policy requirements. It is a non-binding declaration by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

Maddy summaryHB 1449 amends Pennsylvania law regarding the expenses paid by the Office of the Court Administrator of Pennsylvania (OCAP). It increases the annual registration fee OCAP pays to the Special Court Judges Association of Pennsylvania from $200 to $400 for each magisterial district judge and Philadelphia Municipal Court Judge position. The bill clarifies that OCAP directly funds a monthly journal for legal updates, while other expenses, such as the registration fee, are covered by the annual appropriation for magisterial district judges.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1456 establishes a statewide, toll-free telephone number for reporting suspected animal abuse or neglect in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) will operate this 24/7 hotline and maintain a database of all reported cases. The PSP will refer these reports to local law enforcement or humane society police officers for investigation. Additionally, the bill mandates that convicted animal abuse offenders pay an extra fine, with these funds going towards maintaining the reporting telephone number.

Maddy summaryHB 1457 amends Pennsylvania's Public Utilities code regarding how utility rates are set. The bill specifically prohibits public utilities from using alternative rate mechanisms that are based on expected temperatures, such as weather normalization adjustments. If such a mechanism was previously approved, it would become unenforceable, requiring utilities to apply the standard base rate to affected customers. This change directly impacts how utilities calculate customer bills in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week of May 18-24, 2025, as "Public Works Week" in Pennsylvania. It honors public works professionals - including engineers, contractors, and municipal staff - who maintain essential infrastructure like roads, water systems, and emergency services, recognizing their role in community safety and quality of life. The resolution is ceremonial and does not create new laws or funding.

Maddy summaryHR 225 is a resolution that officially designates May 13, 2025, as "Cancer Action Day" in Pennsylvania. It aims to raise awareness about the impact of cancer on Pennsylvanians and encourages the advancement of legislation supporting cancer prevention, detection, and treatment across the Commonwealth.

Maddy summaryHB 1452 amends Pennsylvania's Military Affairs statutes to update provisions for the veterans registry and the PA VETConnect Program. The bill requires the veterans registry forms to include options for requesting information on support resources for military sexual trauma. Additionally, it mandates that the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs coordinate with organizations that provide military sexual trauma support resources as part of the PA VETConnect Program. These changes are intended to improve access to specific support services for veterans.

Maddy summaryHB 813 amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code of 1971 to exempt certain student loan discharges and employer educational assistance from personal income tax. Specifically, it excludes from taxation: (1) the discharge of eligible student loans under qualified federal forgiveness programs, and (2) employer-paid educational assistance that meets federal exclusion rules under Section 127 of the Internal Revenue Code. These exemptions apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025. The bill directly affects Pennsylvania taxpayers who qualify for these specific student loan forgiveness or employer education benefits under federal programs.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 2025 as "Menstrual Health Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically recognizes the importance of menstrual health, highlighting issues like limited access to education and hygiene products, stigma, and health disparities affecting women and girls. The resolution does not create new laws, funding, or requirements; it is a formal acknowledgment by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to raise awareness about these issues. It directly affects Pennsylvanians by designating a month for community education and discussion around menstrual health.