Rep. Keith Harris

Maddy summaryHB 1778 establishes a pilot program called the Essential Energy Stability Fund to provide limited financial assistance for utility bills to eligible low-income households during off-season periods (outside regular peak billing cycles). The fund would use a dedicated state appropriation to help households manage unexpected energy costs when they might face financial strain. This temporary program is designed to test whether targeted off-season support can improve energy affordability for vulnerable residents. The bill focuses on concrete funding for direct assistance, not broader policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 564 updates Pennsylvania law to establish a new mental health crisis response system. It requires the Department of Human Services to create and operate this system, including training crisis responders and coordinating care. The bill directly affects individuals experiencing mental health crises and the state agencies responsible for emergency mental health services. Key provisions mandate specific duties for DHS to ensure timely, accessible crisis support statewide. The bill passed final passage on July 14, 2025, and is now under review by the Health & Human Services committee.

Maddy summaryHB 1424 amends Pennsylvania's Local Tax Enabling Act to prohibit local governments from taxing admission fees at recreational campgrounds. It adds a new restriction (section 18) preventing municipalities from levying amusement taxes on guest charges for campground access. The bill also clarifies that camping property rentals aren't considered "places of amusement" for tax purposes. This change affects all local authorities covered by the original tax law, including cities, towns, and school districts.

Maddy summaryHB 1093 amends Pennsylvania's vehicle safety laws to update requirements for restraint systems, directly affecting vehicle owners and drivers statewide. The bill modifies existing rules for seatbelts and child safety restraints, clarifying standards for installation and use in motor vehicles. Key provisions include updating equipment specifications to align with current safety technology and ensuring compliance for all passenger vehicles. This change aims to strengthen road safety by standardizing restraint system requirements across Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryHB 1058 amends Pennsylvania's State Lottery Law to adjust the minimum percentage of lottery revenues dedicated to senior programs. It reduces the required allocation from 20% (for fiscal years 2019-2025) to 10% for fiscal years beginning after June 30, 2025. This directly affects seniors aged 65+ who receive property tax relief and reduced-fare transit services funded by lottery revenues. The change modifies Section 303(a)(11)(iv) of the law, specifying the new funding percentage starting in 2026. The bill became law on July 21, 2025, as Act No. 37 of 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1429 requires the state agency administering public assistance programs (like food stamps or cash aid) to submit a report detailing a transition plan to replace current access cards with secure chip-enabled electronic cards. The bill directly affects recipients of public assistance and the agencies managing these programs by mandating a formal report on how the switch to chip cards will be implemented. Key provisions include specifying the report must cover timelines, costs, and how the transition will ensure continued access for beneficiaries. This is a procedural bill focused on reporting requirements, not altering benefit eligibility or funding.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 286) is a non-binding request from Pennsylvania's House of Representatives urging the federal government to address requirements under the EPA's MS4 stormwater program. It states that Pennsylvania municipalities struggle to fund federally mandated stormwater management projects without federal support, leading to increased fees for residents and businesses. The resolution specifically asks the President, Congress, and EPA to relieve this financial burden on taxpayers and update the Clean Water Act to create fairer funding solutions. It does not create new law but seeks federal action on an unfunded mandate affecting over 1,000 local stormwater systems in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryHB 1574 creates a new loan program and fund to help local redevelopment authorities start community renewal projects. It establishes a Redevelopment Authority Startup Fund to provide low-interest loans for initiatives like rebuilding neighborhoods or revitalizing downtown areas. This directly affects cities and towns with active redevelopment agencies, giving them a new way to finance early-stage projects. The bill amends the Fiscal Code to set up this funding mechanism, changing how these local agencies access capital for urban renewal efforts.

Maddy summaryHB 20 legalizes adult cannabis use in Pennsylvania for individuals aged 21 and older, replacing current medical-only rules with a new regulatory system. It creates the Keystone Cannabis Authority to license businesses, enforce rules for product safety and advertising, and establish the Community Opportunity Fund to support equity programs in communities disproportionately impacted by past cannabis enforcement. The bill imposes new sales and excise taxes on cannabis products and creates a Cannabis Regulation Fund to manage revenue. It also includes provisions for expunging certain past cannabis convictions ("Cannabis clean slate") and consolidates medical and recreational cannabis regulations under the new authority.

Maddy summaryHB 1575 creates a new tax credit program to revitalize vacant industrial properties in Pennsylvania. It directly affects building owners of pre-1973 factories or mills that have been at least 75% vacant for 24 months and are designated by their municipality for rehabilitation. The bill establishes a credit equal to 20% of qualified renovation costs (like structural repairs or equipment upgrades) that meet specific value thresholds, applied against certain business taxes. To qualify, properties must be rehabilitated for mixed commercial/residential use, and the program is administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development.