Rep. Tim Brennan

Maddy summaryHB 879 would change Pennsylvania law to allow both state and local prosecutors to pursue charges for riot, disorderly conduct, and related offenses that currently fall under state jurisdiction alone. This bill directly affects law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and individuals charged with these specific offenses by expanding who can bring legal action. The key provision establishes "concurrent jurisdiction," meaning local district attorneys and the state attorney general could both prosecute the same case without requiring state involvement. The bill aims to streamline enforcement for these offenses but does not alter the penalties or definitions of the crimes themselves.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania election laws to streamline how votes are counted and how disputes are handled in primaries and general elections. It requires the Secretary of the Commonwealth to immediately tabulate and certify election results, while also mandating that courts resolve election appeals within seven days. Additionally, the legislation allows for a rapid appeal to the Supreme Court within one day of a lower court's decision, ensuring a final ruling is issued before the meeting of presidential electors. These changes aim to accelerate the certification of election outcomes and provide a faster legal process for challenging election results.

Maddy summaryHB 1800 would repeal the current legal provisions in Pennsylvania that recognize marriage between people of the same sex by removing specific sections from the domestic relations code. The bill directly affects same-sex couples currently married in Pennsylvania, as it would eliminate the statutory basis for their marriages. Key provisions include amending definitions in the preliminary sections of the code and striking down existing language that addresses same-sex marriage. The bill is currently referred to the Judiciary committee and has not been enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill would create a state-funded paid family and medical leave program for eligible workers needing time off for health issues, childbirth, or family care. It establishes a dedicated state fund to cover leave costs, creates an advisory board to guide implementation, and assigns oversight to the Department of Labor. The program would directly affect employees in the state who qualify for these leave types, requiring employers to provide the benefits. The bill also specifies penalties for businesses failing to comply with the new requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1834 requires commercial data centers in Pennsylvania to pay fees to the state. These fees fund a new Data Center LIHEAP Enhancement Fund, which boosts assistance for low-income households struggling with energy costs. The bill also mandates that data centers meet specific renewable energy targets and allows them to recover certain operational costs through regulated rates. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) and Department of Human Services are tasked with implementing these requirements and managing the fund.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a tax credit for Pennsylvania educators who purchase instructional materials or supplies for classroom use. Professional employees in public, charter, cyber, and nonpublic schools can claim a credit equal to the amount they spent on qualifying expenses, up to a maximum of $500 per year. The Department of Revenue will establish rules to determine which expenses qualify and must publish guidelines online while submitting annual reports on program usage. The credit applies to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2025, and cannot be carried forward, carried back, sold, or assigned.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution that designates May 8, 2026, as Child Care Provider Appreciation Day in Pennsylvania to honor the work of child care providers. The resolution does not create new laws or change any policies; it is a symbolic gesture to recognize and thank caregivers, teachers, nannies, and daycare workers who support children and families. The bill is sponsored by multiple representatives and referred to the Committee on Children and Youth for consideration. It aligns with a national tradition of celebrating child care workers annually in May.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Pennsylvania vehicle owners to choose a two-year registration option instead of renewing annually. Under the new provision, drivers can pay a fee equal to twice the standard annual rate, reduced by at least 10% of the total registration fee excluding local use charges. The option applies to most motor vehicles but excludes those registered under the International Registration Plan, seasonal registrations, and circus or carnival plates. The change would take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 1260 would allow businesses owning warehouses or distribution centers to install solar energy systems by providing tax exemptions for "solar-ready" projects. It directly affects commercial property owners in the state by reducing their tax burden for qualifying solar installations. Key provisions include authorizing special tax breaks, requiring the Department of Environmental Protection to establish guidelines for these projects, and imposing fines for non-compliance with solar-ready construction standards. The bill aims to incentivize renewable energy adoption in large commercial facilities through concrete tax policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill, known as the Ghost Job Postings Prevention Act, requires employers with 50 or more employees to include specific details in public job postings and prohibits keeping filled positions open indefinitely. Key provisions mandate that job ads disclose whether the role is existing or anticipated, provide salary ranges and funding status, state how long the posting will remain active, and inform applicants about AI use in hiring decisions. Employers must also remove filled job postings within two weeks, notify job boards of closures, and send status updates to applicants within set timeframes after interviews. Violations could result in fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 per violation, with higher penalties up to $25,000 per applicant for data mining or selling applicant information.