Rep. Tim Brennan

Maddy summaryHB 371 amends Pennsylvania's Keystone Opportunity Zone Act to add new requirements for businesses seeking tax exemptions, deductions, or credits. It directly affects businesses operating within designated Keystone zones that make capital investments exceeding $25,000 for construction, reconstruction, or facility repairs. The key provision mandates that 70% of workers on such projects must be "skilled craft laborers" (defined as those with relevant training or apprenticeship completion), and all workers must receive the state-mandated prevailing wage rate. Businesses must verify these requirements annually through the Department of Labor and Industry, enforcing existing Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Act standards for qualifying projects.

Maddy summaryHB 358 requires newly constructed apartment buildings and condominiums that are at least two stories above grade to have a minimum of two elevators within one year of the regulations taking effect. Owners must ensure at least one elevator remains operational unless the outage was beyond their control. The law applies only to buildings constructed on or after the effective date of the new regulations, affecting developers and property owners of new multi-story residential projects. The bill defines "apartment building" as a structure housing three or more separate households and references existing condominium definitions in Pennsylvania law.

Maddy summaryPennsylvania House Resolution 27 urges the U.S. President and Congress to reexamine U.S. foreign policy toward Ethiopia. It cites concerns about Ethiopia's democratic backsliding, ethnic conflict, and human rights violations - including arbitrary arrests, civilian attacks, and restrictions on freedoms like speech and religion. The resolution calls for U.S. policy reassessment to support democratic institutions, protect human rights, and end violence against civilians. As a non-binding resolution, it does not change policy but formally expresses Pennsylvania's position to federal leaders.

Maddy summaryHB 332 requires Pennsylvania public schools (K-12) to incorporate media literacy education into their curriculum starting the school year after the law takes effect. The state Department of Education must develop an age-appropriate model curriculum within six months, covering skills like identifying bias, recognizing misinformation, understanding media influence, and evaluating messages. School districts must adopt this curriculum, and the state will provide free resources and teacher training through public websites. This law directly affects all Pennsylvania public school students and educators by mandating concrete media literacy instruction.

Maddy summaryHB 290 prohibits food establishments in Pennsylvania from dispensing prepared food in polystyrene containers (like foam cups, bowls, and plates) or selling polystyrene utensils starting July 1, 2025. It directly affects restaurants, cafes, grocery stores, and other food service businesses, while allowing retailers to still sell polystyrene meat trays, egg cartons, and packing materials. Violations carry civil penalties of $500 for a first offense, increasing to $2,000 for subsequent violations. The bill aims to reduce environmental harm from single-use polystyrene and preempts conflicting local ordinances.

Maddy summaryHB 117 requires insurers to include a clear, separate notice with reimbursement payments for emergency medical services provided by non-network EMS agencies. This notice must explain the service details (date, agency), clarify that the recipient is responsible for the EMS bill, and detail payment options - including whether the insurer already paid the agency or if the recipient owes copays/deductibles. The notice must be printed on red paper with "STOP" in 24-point bold and "Read this notice before depositing payment" in 18-point bold, using at least 10-point font size. The bill directly affects insurers sending such payments and the covered persons receiving them, ensuring transparency about billing responsibilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Public School Code to require schools to notify parents when a student is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. It mandates that schools provide education about the condition and ensures parents are informed of any medical treatments or care plans involving their child. The legislation also clarifies that these requirements apply to both public and nonpublic schools, including those that operate health units. By making these changes, the law aims to improve communication between schools and families regarding diabetes management.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the ability for various organizations in Pennsylvania, such as colleges, sports leagues, restaurants, and law enforcement agencies, to legally obtain and use epinephrine auto-injectors for people experiencing severe allergic reactions. It allows health care providers to prescribe these devices to these entities and designates specific staff members who have completed required training to store and administer them. The legislation also provides legal protection from liability for these organizations and trained individuals who use the devices in good faith, while clarifying that administering the medication does not constitute the practice of medicine. Additionally, the bill mandates that day-care facilities provide informational materials to parents about allergy symptoms and the new rules regarding auto-injectors.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Vital Statistics Law to clarify the fees charged for certified copies of vital records. It ensures that no fees are required for these copies when requested by active-duty military personnel, their dependents, or the families of service members who died or were honorably discharged. The change specifically applies to members of the armed forces, including the National Guard, and their eligible family members. The new fee exemption takes effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes tourism improvement districts and management associations to allow counties to create special zones for funding tourism-related projects. It outlines how these districts can be formed, how they operate, and how they can be dissolved, with a focus on ensuring transparency through open meeting laws and direct mail notifications to affected businesses. The legislation also details how special assessment fees are collected and used, requiring that these funds be spent on activities specified in an approved plan. Additionally, the bill clarifies the roles of counties and district management associations, including provisions for annual audits and reports.