Rep. John Inglis

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits payment card networks (like Visa or Mastercard) from charging fees based on the full transaction amount that includes Pennsylvania's sales tax. It specifically bans interchange fees that calculate charges using the total amount (including tax) and prevents networks from raising fees to circumvent this rule. Merchants who accept credit/debit cards and payment networks are directly affected, as they can no longer impose these tax-inclusive fees. Violations of these provisions could result in penalties under the new law.

Maddy summaryHB 2192 establishes the Commonwealth Housing Council to coordinate housing policies across Pennsylvania state agencies and local governments. The council will include 15 members: state agency secretaries, legislative appointees, mayors of major cities, county executives, and housing experts appointed by the Governor and legislative leaders. It requires the council to meet quarterly and coordinate housing strategies to improve policy implementation. This bill creates a new coordination body without altering existing housing laws or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 2191 expands workers' compensation for firefighters diagnosed with cancer by creating a new presumption that the cancer is work-related if the firefighter: (1) served at least four years continuously in firefighting, (2) provides proof of direct exposure to listed carcinogens (via Pennsylvania Fire Information Reporting System for volunteers), and (3) had no cancer at the time of a pre-employment physical exam. It extends the claim window from 300 to 600 weeks after last employment for cancer claims, though the presumption only applies within the first 300 weeks of that extended period. The bill directly affects career and volunteer firefighters in Pennsylvania who develop cancer linked to their job. This change simplifies claims for firefighters with documented occupational exposure while requiring specific evidence to establish eligibility.

Maddy summaryHB 2185 requires Pennsylvania municipalities with populations over 5,000 (or high-density areas) to allow duplex, triplex, and quadplex housing as a permitted use by right where single-family homes are allowed, without requiring additional approvals. It prohibits municipalities from applying stricter zoning, subdivision, or design rules to these multi-unit housing types than to single-family homes. Developers must demonstrate that existing infrastructure (water, sewer, roads, and emergency services) can support new developments before permits are issued. The requirements apply differently based on municipality size: duplexes for 5,000+ residents, duplexes/triplexes for 10,000+, and all three housing types for 20,000+ residents.

Maddy summaryHB 2018 requires Pennsylvania law enforcement and courts to disclose specific criminal history records and abuse-related information to the Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board and local review teams. It directly affects domestic violence fatality review boards, teams, and the individuals whose records are shared. The bill establishes a formal Domestic Violence Fatality Review Program to collect and analyze this information for improving responses to domestic violence cases. Key provisions mandate the disclosure of certain records to these review bodies, aiming to better understand factors in domestic violence fatalities.

Maddy summaryHB 2155 would prohibit Pennsylvania municipalities from requiring a minimum number of parking spaces for new developments. This affects all local governments in the state (including cities, boroughs, townships, and counties) that currently enforce parking minimums in zoning codes. The bill amends state law to remove this requirement, except where mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act. The change would take effect one year after the bill is signed.

Maddy summaryHB 2149 establishes a grant program to help Pennsylvania public schools teach students in grades 6-12 executive functioning and study skills, such as time management, stress reduction, and note-taking. The Pennsylvania Department of Education will administer annual grants for schools to implement evidence-based programs during or after school hours, focusing on skills like goal setting, organization, and memory techniques. Schools must apply yearly by December 15 with detailed plans on fund usage, and grants must supplement - never replace - existing school budgets. The Department will review applications, disburse funds, and monitor compliance to ensure proper use of resources.

Maddy summaryHB 2134 amends Pennsylvania's emergency services laws to update grant programs for fire companies and emergency medical services (EMS) providers. It creates a new "Fire Department Identification Number" (FDID) system requiring the State Fire Commissioner to assign unique five-character codes to fire departments, hazardous materials teams, and specialty teams. The bill repeals outdated COVID-19 emergency grant programs and establishes new funding streams for hazardous materials teams, specialty teams, and standard fire/EMS company grants, while clarifying how funds are allocated and requiring annual reports. These changes directly affect fire companies, EMS providers, and the State Fire Commissioner's office by modernizing administrative processes and funding mechanisms.

Maddy summaryHB 2130 renames the Fort Duquesne Bridge on U.S. Route 279 over the Allegheny River in Pittsburgh as the Franco Harris Bridge. This commemorative bill honors Franco Harris, the late Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Fame running back and community advocate, by renaming a specific bridge in his hometown. The bill does not create new policies or affect any regulations - its sole purpose is to rename the bridge. The legislation is procedural and has no direct impact on residents, businesses, or government operations.

Maddy summaryHB 2125 amends Pennsylvania's 1951 Landlord and Tenant Act to strengthen tenant protections in rental properties. It restricts evictions to four specific reasons: nonpayment of rent, a second or subsequent lease violation within six months, a change in land use, or property termination. The bill requires landlords to provide written notices via certified mail before eviction proceedings, with 20-day notice for rent nonpayment (April-September) or 30 days otherwise, and prohibits self-help evictions like lockouts. It also mandates that community rules be uniformly applied to all tenants and posted clearly, with a required "Important Notice" explaining tenant rights and eviction procedures. This bill directly affects tenants and landlords in rental properties governed by the Landlord and Tenant Act.