Rep. Keith Harris

Maddy summaryHR 217 is a resolution that formally recognizes May 7, 2025, as "Philadelphia Eagles Day at the Capitol" in Pennsylvania. It also honors the 2024 Philadelphia Eagles for their victory as the Super Bowl LIX Champions.

Maddy summaryHB 1426 amends Pennsylvania's Crimes and Offenses statute to increase the penalties for scattering rubbish. This bill directly affects individuals convicted of littering or illegal dumping by raising the potential fines. For a first offense, the maximum fine increases from $300 to $2,000. More serious and subsequent offenses will also see significantly higher maximum fines, ranging up to $20,000 for repeat severe violations. The bill maintains existing provisions for community service, such as picking up litter, and potential imprisonment.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 9-15, 2025, as "Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Week" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically recognizes FBLA, a nonprofit organization that prepares students for business leadership through career-focused education and activities. The resolution does not create new laws, funding, or obligations - it simply honors FBLA’s mission and history in Pennsylvania, including its long-standing presence in schools since 1943. It directly affects Pennsylvania by encouraging public acknowledgment of FBLA’s role in student development.

Maddy summaryHB 1269 establishes the Brain Injury Advisory Board within Pennsylvania’s Department of Health. The board will consist of 25 voting members appointed by the Governor, including brain injury survivors, family caregivers, disability advocates, rehabilitation providers, injury prevention groups, and veterans with brain injuries. It also creates 9 non-voting members representing key state agencies like Aging, Corrections, Education, and Human Services. The bill defines the board’s structure, membership requirements, and terms (4 years, no term limits), with members serving without pay but reimbursed for expenses. This is a procedural change to create an advisory body, not a policy shift affecting health services or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 1289 establishes a 2026 adjustment for retired municipal police officers and firefighters who retired before January 1, 2016, and have been retired for at least 10, 15, or 20 years as of January 1, 2026. Eligible retirees will receive monthly payments of $250, $375, or $500 based on their retirement duration, with reductions for prior benefits received and caps if multiple retirement systems apply. Municipalities must certify these payments and will receive full reimbursement from the Commonwealth for the 2026 costs. This extends a similar state reimbursement program previously used for 2002 adjustments.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates April 2025 as "Sikh Awareness and Appreciation Month" in Pennsylvania. It directly affects all Pennsylvania residents by promoting public awareness of the Sikh faith, recognizing the community's contributions to the state, and aiming to combat anti-Sikh bigotry. The key mechanism is the official symbolic recognition through a state resolution, which does not create new laws or allocate funds. It follows Pennsylvania's tradition of honoring cultural and religious diversity, referencing the Sikh community's historical presence and ongoing positive impacts in areas like agriculture, technology, and community service. The resolution emphasizes education to address discrimination, including statistics on anti-Sikh bias and school bullying faced by Sikh youth.

Maddy summaryHB 1408 amends Pennsylvania's 1929 Administrative Code to require all Commonwealth government materials and services - such as printed documents, websites, and public services - to be exclusively in English. This applies to state agencies and local political subdivisions, mandating English as the sole language unless federal law specifically requires otherwise. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment, establishing a clear policy that eliminates the use of non-English materials in official government communications.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1397 amends Pennsylvania law to allow individuals to use media devices to record, transmit, or broadcast images, video, or audio of judicial proceedings without needing court approval. This change directly affects attendees of court proceedings and the judiciary by altering rules for public access and recording. However, the bill specifies several exceptions where this permission does not apply, including proceedings related to sexual abuse, domestic violence, protection from abuse, sexual violence or intimidation, and testimony from child witnesses or confidential informants.

Maddy summaryThis resolution directs Pennsylvania's Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study implementing location-based pay for state government employees. It requires the committee to examine cost-of-living differences across counties and metro areas, assess how uniform pay affects hiring/retention, evaluate implementation methods (like by county or metro), and analyze fiscal impacts. The study must include specific data points and issue a report to the House within one year. This resolution does not change pay policies but seeks recommendations for potential future adjustments affecting all state employees.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 224 designates May 2025 as "Month of May (MOM) Mom Month" in Pennsylvania. This resolution aims to recognize the important role mothers play in society and encourages them to focus on their own health and well-being.