Rep. Tarah Probst

Maddy summaryHB 233 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to change rules for charter school board membership. It prohibits local school board members from serving on charter school boards in their district (Section 1716-A(b)) and bars individuals receiving compensation from local school boards from serving on charter school boards if they were involved in the charter's approval (Section 1716-A(b.1)). The bill also requires local school boards to appoint a member to each charter school board (Section 1716-A(b.4)). These changes directly affect charter school boards, local school board members, and employees involved in charter school oversight. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryHB 231 amends Pennsylvania's election code to allow nomination petitions for candidates to be printed on multiple sheets, with each sheet used for signers from different counties. The sheets must be bound together, numbered consecutively, and include a circulator's statement verifying signers' qualifications, residences, and party registration (with exceptions for certain local offices like school boards). This change directly affects candidates seeking nomination and the people collecting signatures for petitions across Pennsylvania. The bill streamlines the petition process without altering voter requirements or eligibility standards. It takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 268 amends Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to require that individuals determined eligible for home- and community-based waiver services must be offered those benefits within 90 days of eligibility determination. The bill directly affects Pennsylvanians applying for medically needy assistance through home-care waiver programs. Its key provision (Section 442.1(d)) establishes a strict 90-day timeline for offering waiver benefits after eligibility is confirmed, aiming to streamline access to community-based care. This is a procedural change to eligibility processing, not a new benefit or funding measure.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Election Code to set annual contribution limits for political campaigns. It caps individual donations to a single candidate at $10,000 per calendar year and limits political action committee (PAC) contributions to $20,000 per candidate annually. These restrictions apply directly to donors and PACs supporting candidates for any office within Pennsylvania. The changes take effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 275 establishes the Pennsylvania Affordable Homeownership Subsidy Program to help low-to-moderate-income households buy homes. It provides grants (capped at $125,000 per county applicant) for specific projects like homebuyer assistance, property acquisition, and homeownership education, targeting households earning 60%-120% of the area median income (as defined by HUD). The Department of Community and Economic Development will administer the program, set application guidelines, and submit annual reports to the General Assembly on program outcomes. The bill requires sufficient state funding to activate the program, with an effective date 180 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 215 requires every public school in Pennsylvania to employ at least one certified professional librarian. The bill amends the Public School Code of 1949 to mandate that each school must have a librarian certified under Pennsylvania law (24 Pa.C.S. § 9319). This directly affects all public schools statewide by establishing a new staffing requirement for library professionals. The provision takes effect 60 days after the bill is enacted, with no exemptions specified. The change applies uniformly to all public schools, regardless of size or location.

Maddy summaryHB 281 requires health insurance policies in Pennsylvania to cover prostate cancer screenings with no out-of-pocket costs for men aged 40+ who are at high risk. High-risk individuals include those with a family history of prostate cancer, genetic factors, or physician-determined medical need. The law mandates annual coverage for screenings like PSA tests and digital rectal exams, eliminating deductibles or copays. It applies to all health insurance policies issued or renewed 180 days after enactment, with full implementation in 60 days. This directly affects insurers, healthcare providers, and Pennsylvania residents meeting the specified risk criteria.

Maddy summaryHB 272 establishes a grant program to help Pennsylvania municipalities and emergency service facilities (like fire stations, police departments, and ambulance services) install solar energy systems. The Department of Environmental Protection will administer the program, awarding competitive grants to cover eligible costs such as solar equipment, installation, permits, and site assessments. Applicants must submit a site assessment and verify contractors meet licensing, safety, and legal requirements through an affidavit. The program also requires the department to provide technical assistance and educational resources about solar energy projects.

Maddy summaryHB 203 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to require public schools to close on Veterans' Day, adding it to the list of fixed holidays (alongside Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, and Christmas) when schools must be closed. It also allows school districts to designate up to five additional local holidays for closures and permits canceling these holidays during weather emergencies. The bill further mandates that schools hold special exercises on Veterans' Day as part of required observances. These changes apply directly to all public schools in Pennsylvania, affecting school calendars and holiday closures.

Maddy summaryHB 212 amends Pennsylvania's 1990 Charitable Solicitations Act by clarifying the definition of "contribution." It explicitly excludes membership fees for bona fide benefits (like dues for actual membership rights), payments for performances/events, and government grants from being counted as contributions. This change directly affects charitable organizations, fundraisers, and regulators by reducing the scope of activities requiring registration under the law. The bill makes no new requirements but clarifies what is legally considered a "contribution" for regulatory purposes.