Rep. Keith Harris

Maddy summaryThis resolution directs Pennsylvania's Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study whether pooling all school district property tax revenue at the regional education agency level and distributing funds based on student enrollment would affect school district finances. The study would assess potential impacts on funding stability and resource allocation for school districts across the state.

Maddy summaryHB 1427 repeals the Pennsylvania Crime Commission Act of 1978, which established a state commission to investigate organized crime and public corruption. The repeal formally ends the legal authority of the Pennsylvania Crime Commission, which had already been scheduled to expire under its own sunset provision in 1994. This bill removes the commission from state statutes as a routine technical correction, eliminating an obsolete law that no longer had operational effect. The repeal does not create new policies or affect current operations, as the commission ceased functioning decades ago.

Maddy summaryHB 1416 would create a new criminal offense for interfering with the operation or movement of public transit vehicles, such as buses or trains. It directly affects individuals who physically block doors, assault drivers or passengers, or otherwise disrupt transit service. The bill establishes specific penalties for these actions under Pennsylvania's vehicle laws, treating interference as a criminal violation. This change aims to clarify legal consequences for behaviors that endanger transit operations and passenger safety. The bill is currently stalled, having been "laid on the table" in September 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 179 would allow Pennsylvania schools to provide or sell milk produced within the state for meals and snacks. It directly affects school districts and Pennsylvania dairy farmers by enabling them to use locally produced milk in school food programs. The bill removes current restrictions that prevent schools from prioritizing Pennsylvania milk in procurement. This policy change aims to support the state's dairy industry through school contracts.

Maddy summaryHB 1848 requires casualty insurance policies to cover physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy for injury-related care. This directly affects insured individuals, particularly families with children needing these therapies for accidents or injuries. The bill also establishes a state-administered Children's Therapies Medical Assistance Savings Account to help families pay for therapy costs not covered by insurance.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates August 8, 2025, as "Brain Aneurysm Awareness Day" within Pennsylvania. It is a symbolic measure to recognize and promote awareness of brain aneurysms, primarily targeting public health education efforts in the state. The resolution does not create new laws or allocate funding; it serves as a formal observance. It was referred to the Health committee for further consideration.

Maddy summaryHB 1838 amends Pennsylvania's vehicle code to clarify and expand the authority of state and local transportation departments to install traffic-control devices like signs, signals, and barriers. It directly affects state agencies (such as PennDOT) and municipal governments managing roadways. The key provision streamlines the process for erecting these devices by updating statutory language governing their installation. This is a procedural change focused on administrative clarity, not new safety requirements or funding. The bill is currently referred to the Transportation committee.

Maddy summaryHB 1850 amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code of 1971 to create a new tax credit for teachers. The bill directly affects eligible K-12 teachers by allowing them to reduce their state income tax liability. Its key provision establishes a specific dollar amount credit for teachers meeting certain criteria, such as years of service or teaching in designated subjects. This change would lower the taxable income for qualifying educators under Pennsylvania's tax system. The bill is currently in the Finance Committee for review.

Maddy summaryHB 257 updates Pennsylvania laws across multiple transportation and gaming areas. It creates new rules for minor driver licensing (including junior licenses and learners' permits), adds penalties for drug delivery on transit, and allows operating controlled substance injection sites near public transit infrastructure. The bill also adjusts interactive gaming taxes, establishes a new highway funding account for state routes, and defines terms for sustainable mobility programs. These changes directly affect drivers (especially minors), transit operators, gaming businesses, and local transportation authorities.

Maddy summaryHB 1817 would amend Pennsylvania's criminal code to create a specific offense for interfering with or impeding first responders - such as police, firefighters, or paramedics - while they are performing emergency duties. The bill would add this as a new provision under the section on obstructing governmental operations, defining prohibited actions like physically blocking, threatening, or hindering emergency personnel. This change would make such interference a distinct criminal violation, potentially subjecting offenders to penalties under state law. The bill is currently under review by the Judiciary committee.