Rep. La'Tasha Mayes

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 2347 rebrands Pennsylvania's Energy Development Authority as the Energy Financing Authority and updates the legal definitions of 'project' and 'cost' within the state's Administrative Code. The bill clarifies that the authority can fund specific energy initiatives, such as renewable energy projects, infrastructure resilience improvements, and research into new energy technologies, provided these efforts cannot be adequately supported by private funding. Additionally, the legislation outlines the authority's powers and duties, establishes requirements for an annual report, and sets rules regarding the authority's ability to incur debt.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's child protective services laws to clarify which specific sexual offenses involving children must be reported and to strengthen reporting protocols for staff at schools and medical facilities. It explicitly requires mandated reporters to file a report if they suspect a child is involved in the creation, display, or possession of child sexual abuse material or artificially generated images of children, regardless of whether the minor created the content. Additionally, the legislation mandates that institution staff notify their supervisor immediately after making a report and ensures that institutions cooperate fully with subsequent investigations. The changes will not take effect until one year after the bill is passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires electric distribution companies in Pennsylvania to evaluate and use advanced transmission technologies when proposing new transmission lines. The law mandates that any proposed transmission project must incorporate all technically feasible and cost-effective advanced technologies to achieve at least two benefits, such as avoiding new construction, increasing system capacity, reducing congestion, or minimizing environmental impacts. Electric distribution companies must submit evidence of their evaluation to the state commission, and any additional costs for implementing these technologies can be recovered through approved tariffs. The bill defines advanced transmission technologies to include tools like dynamic line rating systems, advanced power flow controllers, and high-performance conductors that improve grid efficiency and reliability.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's existing Crane Operator Licensure Act to expand its scope and create a unified regulatory framework for both crane operators and well drillers under the State Board of Crane Operators and Well Drillers. The legislation establishes new definitions for various types of wells, including environmental, geotechnical, and geothermal wells, and introduces requirements for well driller licensure, examinations, bonding, insurance, and continuing education. It also mandates registration for drilling companies and rigs, adds reporting and sampling requirements, and includes provisions for license identification and exemptions for agricultural operations. The bill further outlines enforcement mechanisms, including procedures for license suspension or revocation for violations of the act.

Maddy summaryHB 1752 requires the Pennsylvania Department of Education to conduct a feasibility study on alternatives to the Keystone Exams, which are standardized tests students must pass to graduate high school. The study will evaluate whether other assessment methods could replace the current exam system for graduation requirements. This bill does not change existing testing rules but mandates a review process to inform potential future policy decisions. The findings must be reported to the Pennsylvania legislature for consideration.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes an amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution to clarify how the General Assembly conducts its annual sessions. It mandates that the legislature must meet at noon on the first Tuesday of January each year and requires the Governor to call a special session if a general appropriation bill is not passed by the end of the fiscal year. The measure also outlines the specific steps needed to put this change on the ballot for voter approval after it passes both houses of the General Assembly.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Administrative Code to establish a specific rule for enacting the state budget. It directly affects the General Assembly and the Commonwealth's fiscal operations by requiring lawmakers to remain in session on weekdays until a general appropriation bill is passed if one is not completed by the end of the current fiscal year. The key provision mandates continuous legislative activity to prevent a lapse in funding for the upcoming fiscal year, ensuring that state operations can continue without interruption. This change formalizes the process for budget enactment to address potential delays in passing necessary financial legislation.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Local Tax Enabling Act to increase the maximum allowable rate for local services taxes from $52 to $156 per year. It also grants political subdivisions the authority to exempt residents with low income from this tax, requiring exemptions for those earning under $12,000 if the tax rate exceeds $10, and for those earning under $15,600 if the rate exceeds $52. The changes directly affect cities, boroughs, townships, school districts, and other local governments that levy these taxes, as well as the residents who pay them. The legislation is set to take effect 60 days after it is passed.