Rep. Keith Harris

Maddy summaryHB 924 amends Pennsylvania's Public Utility Code to establish internet neutrality protections for residents. It prohibits internet service providers (ISPs) from blocking lawful content, impairing traffic based on content, engaging in paid prioritization, or using deceptive marketing practices. The bill defines key terms like "broadband Internet access service" and requires ISPs to clearly disclose service details to customers. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission will enforce these rules, and violations would be considered unfair trade practices under existing consumer protection law. This applies to all ISPs operating broadband services in Pennsylvania, directly affecting how they manage internet traffic for consumers.

Maddy summaryHB 33 amends Pennsylvania's Medical Marijuana Act to clarify definitions and strengthen oversight of testing labs and practitioners. It defines key terms like "independent laboratory" (requiring no ties to marijuana businesses) and "approved laboratory" (testing medical marijuana samples under department approval). The bill gives the Department of Health new authority to impose conditions on medical practitioners, such as limiting certifications or requiring supervision, to protect patient safety. These changes directly affect medical marijuana patients, healthcare providers who certify them, and labs testing products for quality and safety. The updates aim to improve accountability in the program through clearer rules for lab accreditation and practitioner oversight.

Maddy summaryHB 895 establishes a process for Pennsylvania citizens to report specific federal consumer protection violations to the Office of Attorney General through a public website, email, or phone line. The bill requires the Attorney General to create this system and assign each citizen a unique identifier and password, along with collecting contact details for potential testimony. If the Attorney General secures a monetary recovery based on a citizen's information about violations like fraud, privacy breaches, or consumer credit issues, a witness award must be requested. This law directly affects citizens with knowledge of the listed federal offenses and the Office of Attorney General.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires employers in Pennsylvania's meat packing and food preparation industries to verify the work authorization status of their employees using the federal E-Verify system. It applies specifically to businesses with 100 or more employees at a single facility or those licensed under state food safety and meat hygiene laws. Employers must keep verification records for the duration of employment or three years, whichever is longer, and the Department of Labor and Industry will be authorized to investigate complaints and inspect business records for compliance. The legislation prohibits knowingly hiring unauthorized employees and establishes a formal complaint process for individuals alleging violations. Penalties for non-compliance are imposed through existing state legal frameworks.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill requires hotels and lodgings with at least 150 rooms to verify the work authorization status of all employees through the federal E-Verify system and maintain verification records for at least three years or the duration of employment. The law prohibits employers from knowingly hiring individuals who lack legal permission to work in the United States and applies to staffing agencies supplying workers to the hotel industry. The Department of Labor and Industry will be tasked with investigating complaints about violations, conducting inspections of employer records, and interviewing relevant personnel. Employers who violate the prohibition face penalties, while individuals who knowingly submit false information in complaints could face criminal charges.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to exclude sales and use taxes on firefighting equipment purchased by paid or volunteer firefighters using their own money. To qualify for this tax exemption, firefighters must present a department-issued identification card at the time of purchase, which the Department of Revenue will issue to individuals holding approved certifications. The legislation defines firefighting equipment as items designed to extinguish, control, or stop fires or protect users and property from fire hazards. This change directly affects individual firefighters and retailers selling firefighting gear, while establishing new administrative procedures for identification card issuance.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the CareerBound Program to connect Pennsylvania students with high-priority job opportunities through school-to-work partnerships. It establishes a formal framework where schools, local workforce boards, and businesses collaborate to provide career exploration, relevant curriculum, and workplace exposure for students. The legislation also creates a tax credit program to encourage businesses to participate in these partnerships by offering financial incentives for hiring students in high-demand occupations. State agencies including the Department of Labor and Industry and the Department of Community and Economic Development will administer the program and oversee its implementation.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 18, 2025, as "National Transit Worker Appreciation Day" in Pennsylvania. It recognizes the work of approximately 16,800 public transit employees (including bus/train operators, drivers, and maintenance staff) who support over 237 million annual trips for Pennsylvania residents. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but encourages the public to thank transit workers for their role in connecting communities to jobs, healthcare, and education. It specifically highlights concerns about safety risks transit workers face, including recent incidents of violence. The resolution is symbolic and non-binding, limited to Pennsylvania's House of Representatives.

Maddy summaryHB 833 proposes a constitutional amendment to add a 4% tax on Pennsylvania residents with annual taxable income exceeding $1 million. This tax would apply only to income above the $1 million threshold, directly affecting high-income earners in the state. The amendment includes an annual cost-of-living adjustment for the income threshold, aligning it with federal tax bracket methodology. This is a policy change to the state constitution, not an immediate law, requiring approval through the constitutional amendment process.

Maddy summaryHB 177 creates "Keystone Opportunity Dairy Zones" in Pennsylvania to support the state's dairy industry. It provides tax benefits - including exemptions, deductions, and credits - for businesses processing at least 75% Pennsylvania milk into dairy products within designated zones. To qualify, businesses must be located in a zone, process Pennsylvania milk locally, and meet specific requirements under the act. The bill directly affects dairy farmers, processors, and local governments by offering financial incentives to boost economic development in the sector.