Rep. Abigail Salisbury

Maddy summaryHB 1650 establishes Pennsylvania's Home Preservation Grant Program, administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development. It provides grants to local governments (counties, cities, townships) to fund repairs and improvements on existing owner-occupied homes, targeting households earning 80-120% of the area median income. Grants can cover up to $50,000 per unit for habitability fixes, energy/water efficiency upgrades, or accessibility modifications, with local governments allowed to use up to 10% of funds for administration. Applications must demonstrate experience in housing rehabilitation and include plans for using funds per the bill's requirements, with priority given to projects leveraging additional funding sources.

Maddy summaryHR 173 is a non-binding resolution urging Congress to establish a National Infrastructure Bank. It does not create new laws or funding but formally requests Congress take action to create this bank, which would provide financing for infrastructure projects. The resolution directly affects Congress itself, as it calls on the legislative body to initiate this specific action. This is a procedural measure with no immediate policy impact, as it only expresses a recommendation.

Maddy summaryHB 1318 amends Pennsylvania's laws governing county and regional associations of boroughs, clarifying their structure and operations. It updates specific provisions in Title 8 of the state statutes to provide clearer rules for how these associations can function and collaborate. This bill directly affects boroughs and the county/regional groups that represent them, ensuring consistent governance for local municipal cooperation.

Maddy summaryHB 994 bans the commercial trade of parts or products from specific endangered species (like elephants, rhinos, sharks, and pangolins) in Pennsylvania, affecting businesses and individuals involved in buying, selling, or possessing these items with intent to sell. Key exceptions include government law enforcement activities, antique items over 100 years old (under 200 grams), musical instruments (under 200 grams), and educational/scientific use with proper permits. Violations face civil fines up to $20,000 based on item value and repeat offenses, with seized items potentially used for education or destroyed. The law targets wildlife trafficking while allowing limited, regulated exceptions for cultural, historical, or research purposes.

Maddy summaryHB 1610 amends Pennsylvania's corporate tax rules to change how businesses with multiple related entities (unitary businesses) calculate their state tax liability. Starting in 2026, these businesses will determine Pennsylvania tax based on their total sales within the state relative to their nationwide sales, using a new "water's-edge" apportionment method. The bill specifically revises definitions and tax calculation rules for corporations, including adjustments to how income from intercompany transactions is treated and how nonbusiness income is allocated. This primarily affects large corporations operating across state lines as unified business groups. The changes aim to align Pennsylvania's tax calculation with federal reporting requirements for such entities.

Maddy summaryHB 1669 requires Pennsylvania public schools serving kindergarten through grade five to provide at least 30 minutes of daily supervised, unstructured free-play recess for all students. This means students cannot replace recess with extra classwork, and schools cannot withhold recess as punishment for behavior or missed assignments. The bill mandates that recess occur outdoors when weather and facilities permit, while allowing exceptions based on medical advice or a student's individualized education plan. It defines "free-play recess" as time away from structured learning for physical activity or social play, excluding scheduled physical education classes. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 506 amends Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to establish a state-funded Child Care Staff Recruitment and Retention Program. It directly affects licensed child care providers and their staff by creating a new program to address staffing shortages. The key mechanism provides state funding for recruitment incentives and retention support, such as signing bonuses or professional development, for child care workers. The bill passed final passage on June 25, 2025, and was referred to the Health & Human Services committee.

Maddy summaryHR 254 is a resolution directing the Joint State Government Commission to study the feasibility and costs of burying electrical power lines underground instead of keeping them overhead. It does not change current laws or require immediate action, but mandates the Commission to examine potential benefits like reduced storm damage and aesthetic improvements. The study would provide factual information to inform future legislative decisions about infrastructure investments.

Maddy summaryHB 1048 allows Pennsylvania municipalities to replace or fix private sewer and water lines (connecting homes to public systems) if it benefits public health or infrastructure. It directly affects property owners whose private lines require repair, as municipalities may use public funds or employees for these projects after assessing competing needs. The bill requires municipalities to prioritize using U.S.-made supplies for repairs, with exceptions only if such supplies are unavailable, and mandates documentation of any waiver. It also clarifies that municipalities cannot claim ownership of repaired lines and must comply with existing competitive bidding laws.

Maddy summaryHB 811 would create civil liability for political candidates who make false statements about themselves or others during campaigns. It allows affected individuals or entities to sue for damages if a candidate knowingly makes a fraudulent misrepresentation. The bill directly affects candidates running for office and voters who may be misled by false claims. Key provisions establish a legal pathway for civil lawsuits rather than criminal penalties, requiring proof of intentional falsehoods. This bill is currently in the Communications & Technology committee after passing final passage.