Rep. Tarah Probst

Maddy summaryHB 531 establishes Pennsylvania's Older Adult Cable TV Rebate Program, providing annual rebates of up to $300 to eligible seniors (65+ with household income ≤150% of federal poverty guidelines) for basic tier cable TV service. The program requires applicants to submit proof of service, residency, and that basic cable is the only available service in their municipality. The Department of Community and Economic Development administers applications, verifies eligibility within 30 days, and disburses rebates directly to cover cable service costs. This policy specifically excludes streaming services and caps rebates at $300 per year for qualifying low-income older adults.

Maddy summaryHB 324 amends Pennsylvania's 1956 Poultry Technician Licensure Law to modernize requirements for professionals collecting poultry samples and conducting disease surveillance. It expands technicians' duties to include "regulatory sampling and testing procedures" for poultry diseases (beyond just pullorum testing), requires applicants to prove legal work authorization in the U.S. (replacing citizenship requirements), increases the license fee from $5 to $10, and allows Spanish-language training via quarantine orders. The bill directly affects poultry technicians seeking or renewing licenses to legally collect samples or conduct on-site disease monitoring. Key provisions update eligibility, fees, and the Secretary of Agriculture's authority to oversee licensing and enforce standards.

Maddy summaryHB 495 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to change enrollment rules for charter schools and cyber charter schools. It prohibits school boards from imposing enrollment caps on these schools, except as explicitly agreed upon in the school's written charter. For charter schools located in a specific district, the bill allows a limited cap on students residing within that district, but only with approval from the local school board. This cap does not prevent charter schools from enrolling students from outside their district.

Maddy summaryHB 512 amends Pennsylvania law to set a clear maximum for veterans' temporary financial assistance. The bill specifies that payments cannot exceed $2,500 or the veteran's documented need, whichever is less. This change directly affects Pennsylvania veterans eligible for temporary financial aid under Title 51. The key provision simplifies the existing rule by removing outdated language and establishing a fixed cap, ensuring assistance aligns with actual documented need.

Maddy summaryHB 511 proposes a constitutional amendment to expand Pennsylvania's real estate tax exemption for veterans who served in a war or armed conflict, were honorably discharged, and have a disability rated at 100% by the U.S. Veterans Administration. It would exempt their primary residence from real property taxes if the State Veterans' Commission determines they need the exemption, and extend this benefit to the unmarried surviving spouse of an eligible veteran under the same conditions. This amendment requires approval by the General Assembly and a vote by Pennsylvania voters in a statewide election. The change would directly affect veterans with qualifying disabilities and their surviving spouses who own homes in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryHB 508 establishes the Wildlife Rehabilitation Grant Program, providing financial support to nonprofit wildlife rehabilitators in Pennsylvania based on their previous year's animal intake. The Pennsylvania Game Commission administers the program, awarding grants ranging from $2,500 (for 1-100 animals) up to $75,000 (for over 2,500 animals) to cover rehabilitation services, facility improvements, or related activities. Grants are distributed on a first-come basis until the Wildlife Rehabilitation Grant Fund is exhausted, with each rehabilitator limited to one grant per office location annually. This program directly supports organizations that care for and release injured, sick, orphaned, or displaced wildlife back into natural habitats.

Maddy summaryHR 12 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing February 2025 as "Black History Month" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or policies but formally acknowledges the month through the House of Representatives. The resolution highlights the historical origins of Black History Month, including Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson's founding of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, and notes the 2025 theme focused on African Americans and labor. This resolution directly affects Pennsylvania residents by designating the month for commemoration, without altering any legal rights or obligations.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates March 9, 2025, as "Charter Day" and Pennsylvania's 344th birthday, commemorating the 1681 charter granted to William Penn by King Charles II. It urges residents, schools, and historical organizations to participate in existing events hosted by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and other state heritage institutions. The resolution has no binding legal effect and does not create new policies or obligations; it solely recognizes a historically observed date through ceremonial designation.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution (HR 39) is a symbolic tribute honoring former President Jimmy Carter following his death on December 29, 2024, at age 100. It commemorates his life, presidency, and humanitarian work - including the Camp David Accords, founding The Carter Center, and efforts to eradicate Guinea worm disease - through a series of historical "whereas" statements. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws, allocate funds, or directly affect any individuals or policies. The resolution serves only to formally extend the Pennsylvania General Assembly's condolences and recognize Carter's legacy. It is purely ceremonial, with no legislative or policy impact.

Maddy summaryHB 524 requires new child-care centers (those starting operations after the law takes effect) that care for seven or more children who are not relatives of the provider to install and maintain video camera surveillance systems meeting Department of Human Services standards. The Department of Human Services will create specific rules for the camera systems and may inspect centers to ensure compliance. This law applies only to newly established centers, not existing ones, and takes effect 60 days after enactment. It directly affects new child-care providers operating larger facilities, mandating camera systems for oversight while defining the department's regulatory role.