Rep. Perry Warren

Maddy summaryHB 1179, the Genetic Materials Privacy and Compensation Act, requires genetic testing entities (including medical facilities, genealogy services, and law enforcement) to clearly disclose to individuals what genetic data they collect, how it may be used, and with which third parties it will be shared. The bill mandates "prominent disclosure" in plain language before data collection, prohibiting misleading claims about data privacy or usage. It specifically requires testing entities to obtain explicit consent before sharing genetic material with third parties. The law directly affects individuals using genetic tests and the companies providing those services, focusing on transparency rather than compensation mechanisms.

Maddy summaryHB 32 amends Pennsylvania's Taxpayer Relief Act to clarify income definitions for senior citizens' property tax and rent rebate programs. It specifically adds a temporary exception: seniors who were already eligible for rebates as of December 31, 2012, may retain eligibility if their household income limit is exceeded solely due to Social Security cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs). This exception applies only to income increases from Social Security COLAs, not other income sources, and expires on December 31, 2016. The change directly affects seniors whose rebate eligibility was previously jeopardized by automatic Social Security payment increases.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Pennsylvania to join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, an agreement where participating states award their electoral votes to the candidate who wins the national popular vote. If the compact reaches 270 electoral votes (a majority), Pennsylvania would allocate its electoral votes to the national popular vote winner instead of the candidate who wins Pennsylvania's popular vote. The bill requires Pennsylvania to continue holding its usual statewide popular election for president, but the state's electors would be appointed based on the aggregated national vote totals across all compact states. This change would only take effect once the compact is operational with enough states to control a majority of electoral votes.

Maddy summaryHR 113 is a resolution recognizing April 26, 2025, as "Diabetic Eye Screening Day" in Pennsylvania. It highlights diabetic retinopathy - a diabetes complication causing vision loss - and encourages free eye screenings by ophthalmologists on that date to raise awareness. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but symbolically supports early detection efforts for Pennsylvanians with diabetes. It directly affects residents at risk of vision loss from untreated diabetic eye disease by promoting accessible screenings. The bill was adopted by the House on April 7, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1155 establishes a legal framework for community solar programs in Pennsylvania, allowing multiple subscribers (including renters and low-income households) to share ownership of solar facilities and receive bill credits for the electricity generated. The bill requires electric distribution companies to implement these programs, mandates prevailing wage standards for solar installation workers, and sets protections to ensure subscribers receive guaranteed savings. It directly affects utility companies, community solar organizations, and subscribers - particularly those who cannot install rooftop solar due to housing constraints or income limits. Key provisions include preventing single subscribers from owning over 50% of a facility, requiring at least 50% of capacity to serve small subscriptions (25 kW or less), and ensuring ratepayer costs are managed responsibly.

Maddy summaryHB 541 amends Pennsylvania's vehicle registration law to expand who can verify lost, stolen, damaged, or illegible license plates. It allows trained staff in state legislators' district offices (after department-approved training) and contracted messenger service employees to serve as authorized representatives for this purpose. The bill directly affects vehicle owners needing to replace plates by adding these new verification options. It does not change fees, timelines, or the core registration process, only specifying who may complete the verification step.

Maddy summaryHB 1153 amends Pennsylvania's Vital Statistics Law to waive fees for certified birth records for individuals aged 65 or older. It specifically eliminates charges when seniors request revised birth records to meet requirements under Pennsylvania's REAL ID Compliance Act (2017). The bill directly affects older Pennsylvanians needing birth certificates for REAL ID-compliant identification. This change simplifies access to a key document for this group without altering REAL ID standards or creating new administrative requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1150 raises Pennsylvania's minimum wage to $15 per hour starting January 1, 2026, with annual increases thereafter. It also establishes a phased timeline for tipped employees: requiring higher base cash wages starting in 2025 (e.g., $5.00/hour after June 2025) and mandating that by July 1, 2029, employers must pay the full minimum wage without relying on tips. The bill ensures all tips received by employees remain their property and cannot be used by employers to meet minimum wage requirements. This directly affects most private-sector employers and tipped workers in Pennsylvania, particularly in hospitality and service industries.

Maddy summaryHB 1097 creates a new minor criminal offense in Pennsylvania for organizing or operating events where live pigeons are used as targets for shooting contests, either for amusement or skill testing. This applies to anyone who willfully runs such events at a designated location, including using mechanical aids to present pigeons to shooters. The bill explicitly excludes legal hunting under state game laws, dog training activities, or permitted special events. It takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1064 amends Pennsylvania's Health Care Facilities Act to require all health care facilities - including hospitals, clinics, mental health centers, urgent care centers, and dental offices - to establish and publicly share written policies regarding firearms on their premises. The bill mandates that facilities either permit firearms with safety procedures (e.g., storage guidelines) or outline specific steps for staff if someone enters with a firearm. These policies must address both permitted and prohibited firearm scenarios, applying to all locations providing medical services as defined by Pennsylvania law. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.