Rep. Stephen Kinsey

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Pennsylvania State Police to report to the Attorney General and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement when a background check reveals that a person attempting to buy a firearm is unlawfully present in the United States. Additionally, it mandates that judges inform the State Police about individuals who have been found incompetent, involuntarily committed, or treated for mental health issues, as well as those with drug use or addiction problems. These changes aim to improve the sharing of critical information between state authorities and federal immigration officials regarding firearm eligibility. The law will become effective 60 days after it is signed into legislation.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Pennsylvania's existing rules on firearm possession by clarifying the responsibilities of individuals who are legally prohibited from owning guns. It mandates that people facing certain disabilities must surrender their firearms, ammunition, and licenses to law enforcement or transfer them to eligible buyers within a specific timeframe, with stricter requirements for those subject to abuse protection orders. The legislation also introduces new penalties for failing to comply with these surrender orders and for knowingly accepting or returning weapons to prohibited individuals before a court order allows it. Additionally, the bill outlines duties for the Office of Attorney General and establishes procedures for handling firearms in community and municipal courts.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's corporate tax code to create a specific tax deduction for medical cannabis businesses, allowing them to claim ordinary business expenses that were not deducted on their federal tax returns. It also updates the procedures for taxpayers to request tax reassessments and board reviews, extending the deadline for these petitions to 90 days for corporate taxes instead of the standard 60 days. Additionally, the legislation establishes a new settlement conference process where independent attorneys appointed by the tax board can help resolve disputes between taxpayers and the Department of Revenue. These changes directly affect medical marijuana organizations and other corporations subject to state net income tax by altering how they calculate deductions and how they appeal tax assessments.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Underground Utility Line Protection Law by adding specific definitions and clarifying the responsibilities of facility owners, designers, excavators, and project owners. It also establishes duties for damage prevention committees, outlines procedures for issuing compliance orders, and sets administrative penalties for violations. Additionally, the legislation provides a legal mechanism for recovering penalties or forfeitures and includes provisions for the act's expiration.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the text of House Bill 1371 to correct specific errors in the language regarding how certifying officials and agencies process petitions. The changes include updating references to federal definitions, adjusting section numbers, and clarifying that agencies must provide specific details when denying a petition due to a petitioner's failure to provide requested information. These amendments refine the procedural rules for handling certification forms without altering the core purpose of the original legislation.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to hire a private company to design, market, and sell custom vehicle license plates. Under the new rules, the state would sign a multi-year contract with a vendor who manages online sales, handles plate manufacturing, and collects fees for both the plates and any personalized text added to them. The law specifies that these custom plates are only available for motorcycles and standard passenger vehicles weighing 14,000 pounds or less, while also requiring the vendor to pay a guaranteed minimum amount of revenue to the state. All money collected from these sales and fees would be deposited into the state's Motor License Fund, and the vendor would be prohibited from unreasonably limiting their marketing plans or the variety of designs offered.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands workers' compensation coverage to include post-traumatic stress injuries sustained by active volunteer emergency medical services personnel. It specifically defines eligible EMS providers as those designated by a municipality as its primary responder or dispatched via public safety answering points and mutual aid agreements. The legislation also clarifies that compensation is not required to be filed within a specific timeframe and broadens the list of qualified medical professionals who can evaluate these claims to include psychologists and psychiatrists. Finally, the bill sets an immediate effective date for most provisions while delaying the implementation of new sections regarding specific act amendments for one year.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that designates May 11, 2024, as "National Train Day" within the state of Pennsylvania. It does not create any new laws, regulations, or funding but instead serves to honor the historical significance of rail travel and its role in the state's development. The measure encourages residents to learn more about the history of trains and their positive impact on transportation and the environment.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes specific Pennsylvania cities to regulate shared electric low-speed scooters by creating local programs and ordinances. It defines these scooters as two- or three-wheeled devices with a maximum speed of 20 mph and sets rules for where they can be ridden, such as prohibiting use on freeways or sidewalks in business districts. The legislation requires companies operating these scooters to carry substantial liability insurance and establish complaint hotlines for reporting abandoned vehicles or safety violations. Additionally, the bill mandates that riders be at least 16 years old and equipped with proper lighting when riding between sunset and sunrise.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania laws to update definitions and policies regarding utility customer protection programs for residential electricity, natural gas, and water services. It clarifies who qualifies as a customer or applicant for assistance, establishes specific income thresholds for determining financial hardship, and expands the scope of these protections to include water and sewer authorities in second-class cities. The legislation also standardizes terms related to complaints, payment arrangements, and service termination to ensure consistent application across different utility types.