Rep. Keith Harris

Maddy summaryHB 1946 amends Pennsylvania's oil and gas regulations to establish new restrictions on where wells can be located. It directly affects oil and gas operators and landowners near proposed well sites by limiting placement near certain sensitive areas. The bill specifies required distances from properties like homes, schools, or water sources, though exact distances aren't detailed in the provided context. It is currently referred to the Environmental & Natural Resource Protection committee for further review. Without additional details on the specific restrictions or distances in the bill text, a full description of its mechanisms cannot be provided.

Maddy summaryHB 1954 temporarily halts the privatization of public water and wastewater systems owned by municipalities. It creates a Water Utility Reform Working Group to develop long-term solutions for public water management. The bill also repeals a specific rule about valuing water systems acquired by public entities. This directly affects cities and towns operating public water services, preventing private companies from taking over these systems while the working group develops reforms.

Maddy summaryHB 1702 amends Pennsylvania's Liquor Code to clarify definitions and update rules for retail liquor licensees. It defines "ready-to-draft pre-mixed keg cocktail" as a beverage prepared on-site by mixing nonalcoholic base (like juices or syrups) with liquor in a sealed container for on-premises dispensing via gas systems. The bill specifies that retail licensees may blend and store such pre-mixed cocktails overnight without it being considered "manufacture" under the code. Additionally, it revises prohibitions on decanters, allowing kegs used for the defined pre-mixed cocktails while otherwise restricting decanter use for alcoholic beverages.

Maddy summaryHB 1937 requires specific Pennsylvania government agencies to provide voter registration services during routine interactions. It mandates that offices offering public assistance, county clerk services (including marriage licenses), disability programs, hunting/fishing license applications, and military recruitment centers must offer voter registration forms or assistance. The bill expands existing voter registration opportunities by adding these service points to the list of locations where citizens can register or update their voter information. This directly affects Pennsylvanians visiting these agencies, making voter registration more accessible during existing government interactions. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1931 proposes to establish a specialized judicial forum within the state court system to handle legal claims for damages caused by climate-related events. It directly affects individuals, businesses, and communities harmed by climate disasters (like floods or wildfires), extreme weather linked to climate change, and long-term climate shifts (such as sea-level rise). The bill creates a dedicated process for filing and resolving these claims, streamlining access to courts without requiring plaintiffs to navigate complex general jurisdiction rules. This would allow affected parties to seek compensation through a focused legal pathway rather than standard civil courts. The bill is currently pending referral to the Judiciary committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HB 1893) proposes amendments to Pennsylvania's tax levy provisions for boroughs and incorporated towns under Title 8 of the Consolidated Statutes. The title indicates it relates to municipal taxation and finance procedures, but the provided context does not specify the exact changes to tax rates, exemptions, or levy mechanisms. Without details on the proposed amendments (e.g., new tax brackets, relief programs, or administrative changes), a substantive summary of its provisions cannot be created. The bill was referred to the Local Government committee and later laid on the table, indicating it has not advanced further. Specific policy changes or affected groups cannot be identified from the available information.

Maddy summaryHR 201 is a ceremonial resolution designating September 29, 2025, as "VFW Day" in Pennsylvania. It formally recognizes the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) organization and its contributions, without creating new laws or altering policies. The resolution was adopted by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives on October 7, 2025, as a symbolic gesture honoring veterans' service. This type of resolution does not affect individuals, provide funding, or change legal requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 589 creates a state-run insurance program and dedicated fund to cover property damage from landslides and sinkholes. It directly affects property owners in high-risk areas by providing a new insurance option when private coverage is unavailable or unaffordable. The bill establishes a Landslide and Sinkhole Insurance Board to manage the fund and program, while requiring the Auditor General to oversee financial accountability. It also includes a penalty provision for non-compliance and specifies fund transfers to support the program's operations. The bill passed final passage on September 29, 2025, and is now under review by the Community, Economic & Recreational Development committee.

Maddy summaryThis resolution directs the Joint State Government Commission to study the nutritional quality of food and nutrition-related health outcomes for incarcerated individuals in state correctional facilities. It requires the Commission to produce a report with findings and recommendations for the House of Representatives. As a procedural resolution (not a law), it does not enact policy but seeks to inform future legislative action on prison nutrition standards. The bill was referred to the Judiciary Committee and later laid on the table, halting further progress.

Maddy summaryHR 280 is a resolution requiring Pennsylvania's Department of Corrections to conduct environmental studies at all state correctional facilities. The studies must identify health hazards like poor air quality, mold, pests, or unsafe water, and assess their impact on both incarcerated individuals and staff. The resolution mandates the Department to collaborate with environmental and health agencies, estimate repair costs, and provide improvement recommendations. The Department must submit a final report to legislative leaders within 24 months. This resolution directly affects all individuals housed in Pennsylvania's state correctional institutions by addressing environmental conditions they currently face.