Rep. Dan Goughnour

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Temporary Budget Continuity Act, allows Pennsylvania state agencies to continue operating if the legislature fails to pass a new budget by the start of the fiscal year. It authorizes the State Treasurer to spend up to 85% of the funding levels from the previous year for existing programs and services. Any money spent under this temporary authority will be subtracted from the final budget amounts when the new appropriation act is eventually passed. The law ensures that government functions can continue without interruption while maintaining strict limits on spending to prevent budget overruns.

Maddy summaryHB 2360 creates the Chesapeake Bay Grant-Only Compliance Program to help Pennsylvania municipalities meet environmental rules for stormwater and the Chesapeake Bay without charging property owners fees. The bill prohibits local governments from levying charges to comply with these requirements and preempts any existing rules that allow such fees, while directing the Department of Environmental Protection to offer grants funded by federal, state, or other sources to cover compliance costs. Additionally, the state cannot enforce these environmental requirements against a local government unless there is enough grant money available to pay for 100% of the compliance expenses.

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 summaryThis Pennsylvania bill requires the Department of Labor and Industry to investigate warehouse distribution centers that report an annual employee injury rate 30% or higher than the state average. The law defines warehouse distribution centers using specific industry classification codes and gives the department authority to enter facilities, review records, interview workers, and consolidate complaints during investigations. Employers found with injury rates at or above the threshold face escalating civil penalties, starting at $6,250 for the first violation and increasing to $25,000 for subsequent violations. The bill also mandates that employers notify their employees when an investigation is underway and allows the Attorney General's office to pursue civil or criminal actions for violations.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill, known as the Warehouse Worker Protection Act, requires warehouses with 100 or more employees to provide written and verbal notice of employment quotas to workers upon hiring or within 30 days. The law defines quotas as specific production standards tied to time periods where failure to meet them could lead to disciplinary action, and mandates that employers explain these quotas, potential consequences, and any associated bonuses in a language the employee understands. Additionally, the bill prohibits employers from taking adverse employment actions against workers if they fail to provide adequate notice of quotas as required, while also requiring employers to notify employees of any quota changes at least five business days before enforcement. The Department of Labor and Industry gains authority to enforce these requirements and impose penalties on non-compliant employers.

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 1750 regulates cremation services for deceased pets and companion animals. It requires service providers to disclose details about cremation processes, maintain facility standards, keep records, and provide notices to pet owners. The bill also establishes enforcement mechanisms and penalties for non-compliance. This directly affects pet cremation businesses and pet owners who use these services.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the Scarlet Tanager as Pennsylvania's official migratory bird, recognizing the species' importance to the state's natural heritage and ecosystems. The legislation formally acknowledges that Pennsylvania supports 17% of the global Scarlet Tanager population during breeding season and provides critical habitat in mature oak forests across the Commonwealth. By establishing this official designation, the bill aims to promote awareness of the bird's habitat needs and underscore the state's commitment to conservation and forest management. The act takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Pharmacy Audit Integrity and Transparency Act to update definitions for "specialty drug" and "spread pricing" while establishing a new role for a State pharmacy benefits manager. The updated definitions clarify which prescription medications qualify as specialty drugs based on cost, handling requirements, and patient needs, while defining spread pricing as when a pharmacy benefits manager charges more than it pays pharmacists. The bill requires the Department of Human Services to select a single third-party administrator to manage all pharmacy benefits for Medicaid recipients by July 2026, ensuring all managed care organizations contract with this designated manager. The procurement process mandates competitive selection with strict conflict-of-interest disclosures to prevent conflicts between the manager and other healthcare entities like pharmacies, drug distributors, or managed care organizations.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's tax code to establish a new licensing requirement for tobacco retailers, mandating that applicants meet specific criteria to obtain or renew their retail licenses. The law introduces a distance restriction effective January 1, 2027, prohibiting tobacco retailers from operating within 1,000 feet of any school property line, while also requiring applicants to demonstrate adequate premises for revenue protection, maintain accurate tax reporting, and have no history of tax violations. The measure directly affects tobacco retailers and applicants seeking to sell tobacco products in Pennsylvania, adding compliance steps to the existing licensing process.