Rep. Chris Rabb

Maddy summaryHB 1539 creates a new grant program to help school districts purchase electric school buses, funded through a dedicated "Electric School Bus Grant Program Fund." It directly affects public school districts seeking to replace diesel buses with electric models by providing financial assistance for vehicle purchases and related infrastructure. The bill requires the Department of Education to administer the program, including setting eligibility rules and distributing funds. The bill is currently pending in the Energy committee after being re-referred there from Education.

Maddy summaryHR 254 is a resolution directing the Joint State Government Commission to study the feasibility and costs of burying electrical power lines underground instead of keeping them overhead. It does not change current laws or require immediate action, but mandates the Commission to examine potential benefits like reduced storm damage and aesthetic improvements. The study would provide factual information to inform future legislative decisions about infrastructure investments.

Maddy summaryHB 1095 modifies Pennsylvania court records to limit public access to eviction information in dockets and indices. It directly affects tenants, landlords, and court clerks by restricting how eviction history is shared while requiring the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts to process these records under the new rules. The key provision creates a "limited access" system for eviction data, meaning the public cannot freely view these records as they currently can. This change applies specifically to eviction-related court documents within the state's judicial system. The bill passed the House on June 23, 2025, and was referred to the Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 1498 creates a new legal process for dividing "heirs property" in Pennsylvania - real estate owned by multiple family members through inheritance without clear ownership agreements. It directly affects families holding such property (often rural or minority-owned land), requiring courts to apply specific rules when dividing it, including a right of first refusal for relatives if a cotenant receives an outside purchase offer. Key mechanisms include mandatory settlement conferences before court decisions, defined valuation procedures, and prioritizing family members over outsiders for buying shares. The law replaces older rules for partitioning property and applies automatically to eligible cases unless all owners agree otherwise.

Maddy summaryHB 1635 amends Pennsylvania's State Lottery Law to protect the privacy of large lottery winners. It requires that personal details (like name and address) of anyone winning $1 million or more remain confidential and not part of public records. However, basic information such as the winner's city/township, county, and prize amount must still be publicly disclosed. Winners can also choose to voluntarily waive this confidentiality if they wish. The Department of Revenue will create rules to implement these new privacy protections.

Maddy summaryHB 734 amends Pennsylvania's 1951 Landlord and Tenant Act to update landlord responsibilities in tenement and multiple-dwelling buildings. It specifically adds new requirements for landlords when relocating tenants, such as providing relocation assistance during building repairs or renovations. The bill directly affects landlords in older apartment buildings and tenants who may need to move due to property improvements or maintenance. These changes clarify and strengthen existing protections for renters in multi-unit housing.

Maddy summaryHB 1622 would amend Pennsylvania's criminal code to allow civil lawsuits against firearm owners who fail to secure their guns properly, leading to loss or theft. This bill directly affects gun owners who do not take reasonable steps to prevent unauthorized access or theft of their firearms. The key provision creates a legal pathway for victims of gun-related harm to seek compensation from the owner if the gun was lost or stolen due to inadequate security. The bill is currently pending in the Judiciary Committee after being referred on June 17, 2025, and has not yet been voted on or passed.

Maddy summaryHB 1621 amends Pennsylvania's Workers' Compensation Act to require that informational materials about workers' compensation procedures be provided in multiple languages. This directly affects non-English speaking workers and employers who need to understand claim processes, injury reporting, and benefits. The key provision mandates adding multilingual versions of standard informational documents to ensure accessibility. The bill focuses on improving communication clarity within the existing workers' compensation system without changing benefit amounts or eligibility rules.

Maddy summaryHB 1607 amends Pennsylvania's child protective services laws to clarify definitions, reporting procedures, and investigation responsibilities for child welfare agencies. It updates requirements for handling complaints, accessing the state's confidential database, and releasing information in protective reports. The bill directly affects child welfare professionals, social workers, and agencies managing abuse reports under Pennsylvania's domestic relations code. (3 sentences)

Maddy summaryHB 1602 amends Pennsylvania's Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Screening Act to update the program's short title, definitions, and administrative structure. It clarifies operational details without changing the core screening services provided to patients. The bill directly affects the Pennsylvania Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Screening Program, healthcare providers offering screenings, and patients seeking preventive care. The bill was referred to the Insurance committee on June 16, 2025, for further review.