Rep. Keith Harris

Maddy summaryHB 1809 changes Pennsylvania's vehicle law to require motorcycle riders to wear protective helmets and eye protection while operating their vehicles. This directly affects all motorcycle riders in Pennsylvania who operate on public roads. The bill imposes penalties for failing to comply with these new safety equipment requirements. It aims to improve rider safety through mandatory protective gear, with enforcement handled through standard traffic violation procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 1799 amends Pennsylvania's 1992 Tuition Account Programs law to create the Keystone Scholars Grant Program, which provides financial assistance to students attending eligible postsecondary institutions. It establishes a dedicated Keystone Scholars Grant Program Account to fund this new scholarship initiative, directly affecting students and families participating in tuition savings programs. The bill updates existing program definitions, governance structures, and federal tax provisions while adding this new grant option to support educational access. This change expands the state's existing tuition savings framework without altering current program requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1794 creates a Waterfront Redevelopment Fund to provide grants for revitalizing waterfront areas across the state. It requires the Department of Community and Economic Development to manage the fund and distribute grants to eligible local projects, such as public access improvements or environmental upgrades. This bill directly affects municipalities, community groups, and developers working on waterfront sites by providing dedicated funding for redevelopment initiatives. The program establishes clear administrative procedures for grant applications and disbursement under the department's oversight.

Maddy summaryHB 1796, the Confidential Insurance Communications Protection Act, requires insurers to keep certain health insurance communications confidential for people who fear safety risks (like domestic violence survivors). It allows "protected individuals" to request alternative communication methods (e.g., separate mailing addresses or secure emails) without needing to prove abuse, and insurers must comply within 10 business days. Insurers cannot disclose these requests to policyholders or third parties, deny coverage for making such requests, or require policyholder authorization. Violations would be enforced under Pennsylvania’s Unfair Insurance Practices Act, with potential fines or corrective orders.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a symbolic resolution designating June 24, 2025, as "Universal Day of the Romanian Blouse" in Pennsylvania. It directly affects Pennsylvania residents by encouraging community recognition of Romanian cultural heritage through the traditional blouse, which is described as a symbol of Romanian identity and craftsmanship. The resolution has no binding legal effect - it serves solely to commemorate cultural diversity, building on a prior 2013 designation by an online group. The bill was referred to the Tourism committee and is currently laid on the table, indicating no further action is pending.

Maddy summaryHB 1786 updates Pennsylvania's unclaimed property procedures under the Fiscal Code. It requires finders of unclaimed property to register certificates and mandates clearer notice and publication of property lists held by the Commonwealth. The bill clarifies how the state manages and disposes of abandoned property, directly affecting property finders and the state treasury. These changes aim to improve transparency and efficiency in returning unclaimed assets to rightful owners.

Maddy summaryHB 1791 would create two new state programs: a Climate Emergency Basic Income Program to provide direct financial assistance to individuals affected by climate-related disasters, and an Emergency Stabilization Fund to support community recovery efforts. The bill requires the Department of Labor and Industry to administer the basic income program and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency to manage the stabilization fund. These programs would activate during declared climate emergencies to provide immediate economic relief and community stabilization. The legislation outlines specific duties for both agencies to ensure timely implementation of these support measures.

Maddy summaryHB 1774 modifies Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to allow the Department of Revenue to review refund requests for overpaid taxes submitted more than three years after payment. It directly affects taxpayers who paid excess taxes years ago and seek refunds beyond the standard three-year window. The key provision grants the Department discretion to approve refunds for "the number of years of overpayment as the department deems necessary." This changes the process by giving the Department authority to grant refunds for older overpayments, rather than automatically denying them after three years. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1766 amends Pennsylvania's Workers' Compensation Act to require employers to reimburse qualifying patients for medical marijuana costs under the state's Medical Marijuana Act. It mandates dollar-for-dollar reimbursement for eligible medical marijuana purchases, capped at $250 per month or $3,000 annually, with patients covering costs exceeding $250 monthly. Employers must establish a system for quarterly reimbursements and cover identification card fees for patients. This directly affects workers certified to use medical marijuana under Pennsylvania law who receive workers' compensation benefits. The provision applies specifically to reimbursement through workers' compensation claims, not to changes in medical marijuana eligibility or access.

Maddy summaryHB 1767 amends Pennsylvania state statutes related to education, government, and taxation to modify retirement benefits for state employees. It establishes a supplemental retirement annuity program that will begin in 2025, affecting current and future state employees covered under the existing pension system. The bill also creates a new "Budget Stabilization Reserve Fund Interest Account" to manage specific state funds and repeals certain existing provisions. These changes primarily impact state employee retirement benefits and state fiscal management procedures.