Rep. Bob Merski

Maddy summaryHB 788 amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code of 1971 to adjust tax rates for mutual thrift institutions (like credit unions and mutual banks) operating in the state. It gradually reduces their annual tax rate from 8.99% in 2025 down to 4.99% by 2033, with specific rates set for each year through 2033. The bill also extends the period for carrying forward net losses from three to ten years when calculating tax deductions. This directly affects mutual thrift institutions by lowering their tax burden over time and changing how they can offset past losses against current income.

Maddy summaryHR 328 is a procedural resolution designating October 5-11, 2025, as "Fire Prevention Week" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or allocate funds; it solely recognizes this week for public awareness about fire safety. The resolution directly affects Pennsylvania residents by highlighting fire prevention efforts during the designated dates. This is a symbolic gesture with no concrete policy changes, as confirmed by its referral to the Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness committee.

Maddy summaryHB 2180 requires Pennsylvania's Department of Corrections to notify counties when land containing a permanently closing state correctional facility is offered for sale. The bill mandates that 2% of the facility's total acreage (including road access) be reserved for transfer to the county at no cost, solely for developing affordable housing. Counties must accept this offer within 60 days by submitting a resolution and development plan, and must begin constructing affordable housing units within five years, with units available for lease within ten years of the land transfer. If counties fail to meet these deadlines, the land reverts to the Commonwealth. This bill directly affects counties where correctional facilities are closing, the Department of Corrections, and future affordable housing projects on former prison land.

Maddy summaryHB 1304 requires Pennsylvania to conduct annual stress tests on state pension systems for both education and state government sectors. The bill mandates that relevant boards submit test results - including scenario and sensitivity analyses - to the Governor, General Assembly, and Independent Fiscal Office by April 1 (education) or October 1 (state government). The Independent Fiscal Office must then produce a summary report by June 1 (education) or December 1 (state government), including a calculation of projected pension contributions relative to state revenues. This directly affects state pension systems, covering public employees and retirees, by establishing regular, transparent assessments of pension fund financial health.

Maddy summaryHB 2148 requires Pennsylvania school entities (including school districts, charter schools, and cyber charters) to adopt policies ensuring all students, parents, guardians, and school personnel can access school property regardless of immigration status. Specifically, schools must develop and publicly adopt inclusive policies within 90 days of the bill’s effective date, requiring school boards to approve these policies via public resolution with 45 days’ notice. Policies must be published in all languages spoken by students at home and reviewed quarterly to maintain accessibility. The bill explicitly prohibits immigration or law enforcement officials (including ICE, Customs, and local agencies acting under federal immigration authority) from restricting access to school zones without proper legal process. This directly affects all Pennsylvania public and private schools serving students, mandating concrete procedural changes to protect school access.

Maddy summaryHB 1881 updates Pennsylvania's Pharmacy Act to modernize requirements for pharmacy technicians and trainees, including new registration qualifications and supervision rules by licensed pharmacists. It adds specific protocols for pharmacies administering injectable medications, biologicals (like vaccines), and immunizations, while requiring detailed reports on vaccine administration. The bill also establishes new standards for clinical laboratory certificates and repeals outdated sections of the original 1961 law. These changes directly affect pharmacies, pharmacy technicians, trainees, and pharmacists who oversee vaccine and medication administration.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates September 2025 as "Prostate Cancer Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or obligations but formally recognizes the month for public awareness efforts related to prostate cancer. The resolution directly affects Pennsylvania residents and organizations focused on prostate cancer education and support. It serves as a symbolic measure to encourage community engagement during that month.

Maddy summaryHR 154 is a state resolution designating October 6, 2025, as "German American Day" in Pennsylvania. It formally recognizes the cultural heritage and contributions of German Americans within the state through official acknowledgment, without creating new laws or funding. The resolution directly affects Pennsylvanians by highlighting this community's historical and cultural impact at the state level. As a procedural resolution, it serves a symbolic purpose rather than implementing policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 370) formally recognizes November 29, 2025, as the "50th Anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act" within Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or affect any individuals or programs, as it is a symbolic commemorative measure. The bill was referred to the Education committee on November 17, 2025, for further consideration. It serves solely to acknowledge the anniversary of the federal IDEA law through a state-level observance.

Maddy summaryHR 256 is a Pennsylvania state resolution designating September 2025 as "Childhood Cancer Awareness Month" within the state. This symbolic measure aims to promote public attention and education about childhood cancer issues. It does not create new laws, allocate state funding, or impose requirements on any entity. The resolution was referred to the Children & Youth committee and reported as committed in September 2025.