Rep. Tim Brennan

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Public School Code of 1949 to require schools to identify the September 11 anniversary as a day for a moment of silence. The change directs the Department of Education to specify how this observance should be integrated into the school curriculum. By updating the statutory language, the legislation ensures that the moment of silence is formally recognized within the state's educational framework.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's tax code to create a new tax credit program designed to help beginning farmers acquire land from existing owners. Under the proposed changes, both the seller of agricultural assets and the new beginning farmer would receive a tax credit equal to five percent of the sale price or fair market value, capped at $50,000 per farm. To qualify, individuals must apply to the Department of Agriculture for certification as a beginning farmer, which requires submitting financial projections and proof of agricultural experience. The legislation also updates definitions to clarify which government department oversees the program and specifies the documentation needed to verify eligibility for the credit.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new grant program called the Municipal Police Enhancement Consolidation Grant Program to help Pennsylvania municipalities improve their local police departments. Administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, the program provides funding for specific goals such as merging small police departments, achieving professional accreditation, officer training, and community outreach. Grants range from $5,000 to $100,000 depending on the purpose, with smaller departments receiving extra points for consolidation or accreditation efforts. The legislation establishes a dedicated fund to finance these awards and sets specific deadlines for publishing program details and accepting applications starting in fiscal year 2025.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution expresses support for a proposed U.S. Constitutional amendment that would allow both state and federal governments to regulate election spending. The bill argues that current legal interpretations equating campaign money with free speech can silence ordinary residents and threaten democratic self-governance. If adopted, the amendment would explicitly permit laws to limit how money is used to influence elections while distinguishing between individual citizens and corporate or other legal entities.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Pennsylvania municipalities to create and enforce a registration system for vacant and blighted properties within their borders. Under the new rules, property owners of such sites would be required to pay a fee to the local government, which can also hire outside companies to manage the registry and collect payments. The legislation includes exemptions for properties owned by federal, state, or local governments and outlines a process for owners to have their properties removed from the registry once they meet specific improvement standards. Municipalities that choose to adopt this program must clearly inform owners of the listing requirements and the steps needed to resolve the status of their property.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's personal income tax law to introduce tax incentives for 529 savings accounts and tuition programs. It allows employers to claim a tax credit for matching employee contributions to 529 accounts, with a limit of $500 per employee per year, provided the employee also contributes to the account. Additionally, the bill updates tuition account rules to prevent fees from being charged when an account is closed due to the beneficiary's death or disability and ensures such payments are not taxed as income. These changes aim to encourage education savings while clarifying tax treatment for specific account events.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill, known as the Contract Automatic Renewal Act, requires vendors to clearly disclose and notify consumers about contract terms that automatically renew for more than six months. The law mandates that these renewal clauses be highlighted in bold text and that consumers receive written notice at least 30 days before the renewal takes effect, along with specific instructions on how to cancel the agreement. If a business or contract is sold, the new owner must inform the customer within 60 days and provide an opportunity to opt out of the automatic renewal. Contracts that fail to meet these disclosure and notification standards will be considered void and unenforceable in the state. The legislation applies to most consumer service contracts but excludes specific industries such as insurance, utilities, and banking.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency to create a tracking system for publicly financed housing across the state. The agency must establish an online database that lists property addresses, owner information, and the anticipated dates when affordability restrictions on these homes may expire. Additionally, the database will include details on whether owners can extend these restrictions and any modifications made to them. The agency is required to update this information quarterly and submit annual reports to the Governor summarizing the status of these properties.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a grant program to provide menstrual hygiene products to students in Pennsylvania public schools without charge. It directs the Department of Education to award funding to school districts that have at least 50% of their students eligible for free or reduced-cost lunch, allowing recipients to purchase items like tampons and pads or install dispensing machines. The program requires that these products be accessible to all students regardless of their gender identity and mandates that schools report how the funds are spent. A total of $100,000 is appropriated from the state's General Fund to support this initiative.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill amends state insurance laws to update definitions and clarify the responsibilities of the health insurance exchange authority. It establishes a framework for collecting fees from insurers to fund either a reinsurance program, an affordability assistance program, or both, with a cap of 3.5% on total monthly premiums. The legislation also directs the state to apply for a federal waiver to allow the creation of a reinsurance program and to maximize federal funding for it. Additionally, the bill outlines how an affordability assistance program would work in 2025 to provide financial benefits to consumers based on income or other eligibility criteria without creating a permanent entitlement.