Rep. Keith Harris

Maddy summaryHB 1713 amends the 1995 Economic Development Agency, Fiduciary and Lender Environmental Liability Protection Act by clarifying specific definitions within the law. It directly affects economic development agencies, fiduciaries, and lenders operating under this environmental liability protection framework. The bill's key mechanism is updating terminology to improve clarity and consistency in how environmental liability protections apply. This procedural amendment focuses on refining the legal language rather than changing substantive protections. The bill passed final passage on November 19, 2025, and was referred to the Urban Affairs & Housing committee.

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 1980 amends the MCare Act to update administrative rules related to continuing medical education (CME) requirements for licensed healthcare professionals. It directly affects doctors, nurses, and other medical practitioners who must complete CME to maintain their licenses. The bill changes how these education requirements are administered, though specific procedural details aren't provided in the context. This amendment focuses on streamlining or clarifying the CME process within the existing MCare framework.

Maddy summaryHB 1811 sets a $400 per acre maximum limit for the Pennsylvania Game Commission when purchasing land for game conservation in counties classified as sixth, seventh, or eighth class. This directly affects the Game Commission’s land acquisition costs for wildlife management in smaller counties. The bill clarifies that this price limit applies exclusively to these specific county classifications, ensuring purchases align with local market values while controlling expenses.

Maddy summaryHB 1233 requires battery manufacturers and retailers in Pennsylvania to create and implement plans for managing used portable batteries (like those in electronics and tools). It directs the Department of Environmental Protection to review these plans and enforce compliance, imposing fines for violations. The bill directly affects businesses that sell or produce portable batteries by mandating their responsible collection and recycling. If passed, it would establish new statewide requirements for handling battery waste, aiming to reduce environmental harm from improper disposal. The bill is currently pending in the Environmental Resources & Energy committee.

Maddy summaryHB 1894 amends Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to update the LIFE Program, which supports aging residents. The bill specifically addresses provisions related to the "aged" (seniors) and includes a repeal provision, though the exact nature of the repeal is not detailed in the provided context. It directly affects seniors enrolled in or eligible for the LIFE Program under Pennsylvania's human services system. The bill passed final passage on November 17, 2025, and was referred to the Aging & Youth committee for further consideration. (Note: Specific mechanisms or policy changes beyond the title's reference to "further providing for LIFE Program" are not described in the provided context.)

Maddy summaryHB 1787 amends Pennsylvania laws governing financial reporting for boroughs and cities. It requires local elected officials to complete, file, and publish annual auditor's reports and financial statements, and mandates that these reports be submitted to the Department of Community and Economic Development. The bill also establishes penalties for failure to meet these reporting deadlines. These changes directly affect borough and city governments across Pennsylvania by increasing transparency requirements for their financial operations.

Maddy summaryHB 1995 amends Pennsylvania's unemployment compensation law to adjust benefit calculations based on a trigger percentage tied to state unemployment conditions. If the trigger percentage remains below 250% as of July 1, 2027, then for 2028 and later, the highest quarterly wages used to calculate benefits will be determined by averaging the highest quarter wage and 130% of the second highest quarter wage (capped at the highest amount). If the trigger reaches or exceeds 250% on July 1, 2028, the standard calculation method reverts to the prior formula. This change directly affects unemployed workers in Pennsylvania who receive unemployment benefits under the state's program.

Maddy summaryHB 1359 amends Pennsylvania's entertainment tax incentive program by updating its definitions, procedures, and limitations, directly affecting entertainment businesses seeking tax benefits. It also adds new regulatory requirements for self-service storage facilities, including operational standards. The bill clarifies how the entertainment program operates while creating a new framework for overseeing storage facility safety and business practices. These changes became law on November 24, 2025, after approval by the governor. The legislation focuses on administrative updates and new oversight without altering tax rates or funding levels.

Maddy summaryHB 923 amends the State Lottery Law to redirect lottery revenue toward providing pharmaceutical assistance for elderly residents. It directly affects seniors who qualify for prescription drug aid under state programs by modifying eligibility determination procedures. The key provision updates how income and asset thresholds are calculated to determine who qualifies for this assistance. The bill became law on November 24, 2025, after approval by both legislative chambers and the governor.