Rep. Keith Harris

Maddy summaryHB 1532 updates Pennsylvania's Municipalities Planning Code to allow municipalities to create more tailored "specific plans" for defined areas (like downtowns or industrial zones), beyond general comprehensive plans. It clarifies definitions, streamlines the process for local governments to develop these targeted plans, and improves coordination for shared planning between municipalities and counties. This directly affects Pennsylvania towns and cities managing land use and development, giving them greater flexibility in planning for specific neighborhoods or projects. The bill passed in July 2025 and is now law.

Maddy summaryHB 129 updates specific definitions within Pennsylvania's Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law (enacted in 1968). It clarifies terms used in the law to improve consistency in how consumer protection rules are applied. This change directly affects businesses operating under the law and consumers seeking to understand their rights under the statute. The bill focuses solely on refining terminology, not altering substantive consumer protections or enforcement mechanisms.

Maddy summaryHB 1719 creates the Individual Property Disaster Assistance Fund to help Pennsylvania residents and municipalities repair property damage from disasters not covered by federal aid. The fund provides grants for individuals (with restrictions for flood-prone properties without required insurance) and municipalities affected by declared local or state disasters. Applicants must submit detailed requests through the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, including property damage dates and eligibility verification. Funds operate on a first-come, first-served basis with potential caps or usage restrictions set by the agency. This replaces the previous Public Disaster Assistance Grant Program and specifically targets unmet needs where federal disaster declarations are absent.

Maddy summaryHB 1709 amends the Public School Code of 1949 to require institutions of higher education to provide employment certification for adjunct and part-time faculty. This bill directly affects part-time and adjunct professors at colleges and universities, who often lack formal job security documentation. The key provision mandates that schools issue written certification confirming employment terms, such as hours and contract duration, for these faculty members. The bill aims to create clearer employment records for part-time educators under the state's higher education framework. It was referred to the Education committee on July 9, 2025.

Maddy summaryThe provided context does not include details about the specific changes made by HB 956 to Pennsylvania's aggravated assault laws. While the bill's title indicates it amends Title 18 regarding aggravated assault, the context lacks the concrete policy provisions, definitions, or affected groups necessary to describe what the bill actually does. Without this information, a factual summary of its mechanisms or direct impact cannot be provided. Legislative actions (like passage and referral) are noted but do not describe the bill's content.

Maddy summaryHB 1553 requires banks and credit unions in Pennsylvania to provide clear notices when charging overdraft or nonsufficient funds fees, including details like transaction date, type, and balance impact. It caps overdraft fees at $15 (or the transaction cost, whichever is lower) and limits customers to no more than three such fees per calendar day. The law also prohibits additional charges beyond standard fees and bans fees for declined transactions. These protections apply directly to bank customers and credit union members, with rules taking effect 180 days after enactment. The bill mandates fee transparency by requiring institutions with websites to publicly list all fees.

Maddy summaryHB 1507 allows college students enrolled at Pennsylvania institutions to qualify for a resident hunting license. To be eligible, students must provide valid college ID showing enrollment, apply through an issuing agent, and pay standard resident license fees (though they avoid non-resident fees). The exemption applies only for up to four consecutive years of enrollment. This bill directly affects undergraduate and graduate students attending Pennsylvania colleges or universities.

Maddy summaryHB 799 requires businesses with more than 50 full-time employees (working 40+ hours weekly) in Pennsylvania to display or provide online a standardized workplace posting about veteran resources. The posting must include contact information for state and federal veteran benefits, the VA Crisis Line, and local county veterans affairs offices. Employers can meet this requirement by placing the posting in a visible location or on an employee-accessible company website. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry will create and maintain this standardized posting on its public website. The law took effect on July 7, 2025, with specific provisions requiring the posting to be implemented within 180 days.

Maddy summaryHB 865 amends Pennsylvania's military education benefit programs to clarify definitions, eligibility rules, and procedures for recovering funds. It directly affects Pennsylvania military service members and their families who use the Educational Assistance Program and Military Family Education Program for education expenses. Key changes include updating eligibility criteria and establishing clearer processes for recouping grant payments if recipients no longer meet requirements. The bill, now Act No. 32 of 2025, was signed into law on July 7, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 354 requires Pennsylvania school entities to implement "What Is Your Pennsylvania Story" guidelines, a program designed to collect and share student and community narratives about Pennsylvania's history and culture. The bill directly affects all public and nonpublic schools, including charter schools, by mandating participation in this storytelling initiative. The Department of Education must develop and enforce these guidelines, including standards for content and submission processes. The bill became law on July 7, 2025, after receiving final approval from the governor.