Rep. Anthony Bellmon

Maddy summaryHR 226 is a resolution by the House of Representatives honoring the memory of the Honorable Isabella V. "Izzy" Fitzgerald, a former member who passed away on December 6, 2024. This resolution formally acknowledges her service in the General Assembly and her contributions to her community, with a copy being transmitted to her family.

Maddy summaryHB 1413 amends Pennsylvania's Liquor Code to update definitions for restaurants, hotels, and eating places serving alcohol. It requires these establishments to provide "substantial food offerings sufficient to constitute a meal," defined as having at least two entrée and two side menu options available for at least 30 people simultaneously when alcohol is served, and prohibits relying solely on sealed prepackaged food. This rule applies directly to all licensees under the Liquor Code, including restaurants and hotels that serve alcohol alongside food. The bill also includes other licensing changes, such as requiring applicants to provide tax identification numbers and waiving confidentiality for tax status reviews, but the food requirement is the central new policy.

Maddy summaryHR 114 is a resolution that recognizes the week of March 10 through 14, 2025, as "Civic Learning Week" in Pennsylvania. It highlights the importance of civic education for an informed and engaged citizenry.

Maddy summaryHB 1349 requires Pennsylvania's Department of Transportation to establish a project labor agreement for highway construction projects (including federally funded ones) when it determines such agreements promote labor stability, cost efficiency, and quality. The bill mandates that contractors and subcontractors on these projects must agree to the agreement, which includes requirements for 10% of the workforce to come from local hiring halls, goals for apprenticeship hours (including underrepresented groups), and guarantees against strikes. It directly affects highway construction contractors, subcontractors, and labor organizations involved in state or federally funded projects. The department must publicly notify about the agreement during bidding and submit annual reports tracking project usage and workforce statistics.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 5, 2025, as "Youth Advocacy Day" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes and honors youth-led advocacy efforts across the state. The resolution highlights young people's historical and ongoing role in movements addressing issues like social justice, environmental protection, and civic engagement, without imposing any requirements or funding on state agencies.

Maddy summaryHB 1297 amends Pennsylvania's Real Estate Appraisers Certification Act to require bias and discrimination training for appraisers before certification or renewal, covering topics like housing discrimination history, fair housing laws, and implicit bias. The bill prohibits appraisers from basing property valuations on protected characteristics such as race, gender, disability, or source of income, with penalties including voided appraisals, license suspension, and fines. It also mandates an annual statewide audit of appraisal practices to identify discrimination patterns and requires the board to report findings to the legislature and state agencies. This directly affects licensed real estate appraisers and aims to address systemic bias in property valuation.

Maddy summaryHB 1317 increases Pennsylvania's annual cap on entertainment production tax credits from $100 million to $125 million. It also establishes new rules allowing the Department of Revenue to carry forward unused credits: up to 30% for the next fiscal year, 20% for the year after, and 10% for the third year. This directly affects film and entertainment producers seeking tax credits under the Tax Reform Code of 1971. The changes apply to fiscal years beginning July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 110) formally recognizes April 2025 as "National Poetry Month" in Pennsylvania. It is a non-binding ceremonial resolution, not a law, and does not create new policies or affect any specific group. The resolution acknowledges the Academy of American Poets' established observance of National Poetry Month and highlights poetry's role in education and community culture, as noted in the resolution's preamble. It has no funding, regulatory, or enforcement mechanisms.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 120) recognizes April 2025 as "Financial Literacy Month" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or allocate funds, but symbolically encourages state-level awareness of financial education. The resolution references the national origins of Financial Literacy Month (first recognized in 2004) and builds on prior federal recognition, including President Biden's 2021 proclamation. It urges continued efforts to advance financial literacy but has no binding effect on policy or programs.

Maddy summaryHB 503 establishes the Pennsylvania Climate Emissions Reduction (PACER) Program, creating a state-run "cap-and-invest" system to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the power sector. The program requires the Department of Environmental Protection to conduct Pennsylvania-run auctions for CO2 allowances, with specific rules for eligible participants, such as electricity generators and financial institutions. Revenue from these auctions will be directed into several designated accounts, including those for consumer protection, energy transformation, workforce enhancement, and low-income support. Upon the program's establishment, Pennsylvania would cease participation in other carbon auction programs related to the electric generation sector.