Rep. Dan Frankel

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 993 creates an official logotype for veteran-owned businesses in Pennsylvania. The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs will develop this logotype and establish an application process and eligibility guidelines for businesses to use it. A veteran-owned business is defined as one where at least 51% of the ownership is held by a veteran. The bill also establishes a penalty for fraudulently claiming veteran status to use the logotype and creates a Veteran-Owned Business Coordinator to assist veteran entrepreneurs.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a performance audit on public school policies regarding student screen time. The audit will examine current rules in Pennsylvania schools, compare them to policies in other states, and evaluate whether existing limits achieve their intended goals. The committee is required to submit its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly within one year.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's tax incentives for computer data centers by adding new requirements for owners and operators seeking tax refunds or exemptions. To qualify, facilities must submit detailed applications including investment projections and signed affirmations from authorized executives. Additionally, the legislation mandates that certified data centers obtain an environmental certification, such as LEED Silver or Energy Star, within two years of receiving their initial certification.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates April 2026 as "National Arab American Heritage Month" to honor the state's significant Arab American community. The measure highlights the group's long history in the region, their diverse contributions to society, and their cultural traditions. It also acknowledges the challenges of discrimination faced by Arab Americans and encourages residents to celebrate their heritage.

Maddy summaryHB 2506 prevents Pennsylvania counties, municipalities, and townships from passing local laws that restrict the ownership, possession, transfer, or transportation of firearms and ammunition, as long as those items are not already banned by state or federal law. The bill also stops local governments from suing gun manufacturers or dealers for damages related to how firearms are designed, manufactured, or sold to the public. Additionally, it removes the specific authority for municipalities to regulate firearms entirely, ensuring that gun policy remains a state-level responsibility rather than a local one.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Second Class County Code to prohibit these counties from passing laws or taking actions that regulate firearms. Specifically, it removes the existing provision that allowed second-class counties to create ordinances regarding the transfer, ownership, transportation, or possession of guns. The change directly affects local governments in second-class counties by restricting their ability to implement their own gun control measures. The legislation becomes effective 60 days after it is passed.

Maddy summaryHB 2076 establishes a regulatory framework for geothermal energy development in Pennsylvania, requiring the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to create rules for project approvals, environmental safeguards, and well operations. The bill creates a Geothermal Energy Development Fund to support industry growth and imposes civil penalties for violations of the new regulations. It directly affects geothermal developers (who must comply with DEP rules) and the DEP (which must implement the regulations). Key provisions include defining geothermal resources, setting standards for well operations, and ensuring environmental protections for projects.

Maddy summaryHB 2106 amends Pennsylvania's guardianship procedures for people alleged to be incapacitated. It requires courts to provide clear, simple-language notices to the person in question about the hearing's purpose, potential loss of rights, and their rights, along with the petition details. The bill specifies who must be notified (like relatives, service providers, and others with a genuine interest in the person's well-being) and clarifies hearing procedures, including when hearings can be closed or held at the person's residence. This directly affects individuals facing guardianship proceedings, their families, and service providers.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Second Class City Firemen Relief Law to update pension eligibility rules for surviving spouses of fire department members. It modifies membership requirements for married firefighters and adjusts how pensions are calculated and provided to surviving spouses after a member's death. The changes directly affect married firefighters employed in second-class cities and their spouses who may qualify for pension benefits under this law. The bill focuses on clarifying and adjusting existing pension provisions rather than creating new benefits.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution officially designates the week of May 10 through 16, 2026, as "National Hospital Week" within the state. The measure aims to honor healthcare workers and hospitals by encouraging residents to show appreciation for their services and urging state representatives to visit local facilities. While it highlights the significant economic and community contributions of hospitals, it does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic recognition of the healthcare system's role in Pennsylvania.