Rep. Andrew Kuzma

Maddy summaryHB 943 requires water and wastewater utilities planning to sell their systems to obtain and publicly share three specific analyses from Pennsylvania's Independent Fiscal Office before any acquisition proceeding begins. These analyses must cover the costs/benefits of maintaining the utility under current ownership, benefits of acquisition by a public utility under this bill, and benefits under existing Section 1327. The bill mandates that this documentation be made available both in-person and on a public website. It takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 945 repeals specific provisions in Pennsylvania law that governed how the fair market value of water and wastewater systems is calculated when one utility acquires another. The bill removes a detailed 5-step valuation process requiring two independent appraisals, standardized appraisal methods, and specific rate base incorporation rules. This directly affects water and wastewater utilities involved in voluntary acquisition transactions within Pennsylvania. The repeal simplifies the process by eliminating these valuation requirements, though it does not change how acquisition costs are ultimately handled in rate cases.

Maddy summaryHB 927 proposes a constitutional amendment to Pennsylvania that would prohibit the state from issuing driver's licenses or similar vehicle operation permits to individuals without lawful presence in the United States. This would directly affect non-citizens residing in Pennsylvania without legal immigration status, preventing them from obtaining or renewing driver's licenses under this policy. The amendment requires approval by the Pennsylvania General Assembly and subsequent voter approval at the next applicable election, as outlined in Section 2 of the resolution. If adopted, it would change the state constitution to mandate legal immigration status as a prerequisite for license issuance.

Maddy summaryHB 944 allows water and wastewater utilities acquiring other systems to include fees paid to valuation experts in their acquisition costs, with a cap of 5% of the selling utility's fair market value. Utilities must submit detailed documentation of hourly rates to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission for approval before paying these fees. The bill directly affects acquiring utilities, valuation experts, and the commission overseeing these transactions. It sets clear limits and approval steps to ensure fees are reasonable and transparent during system acquisitions.

Maddy summaryHB 931 would require applicants for most public benefits in Pennsylvania to provide proof of lawful presence in the United States, such as housing assistance, health programs, and non-excluded food aid. Applicants must submit identification and documentation confirming legal status when applying, but excludes specific programs like SNAP (food stamps) and refugee services as defined by federal law. The requirement does not apply to refugees, permanent residents, or nonimmigrants under certain visa categories. This bill affects individuals seeking state and local public benefits not covered by the exclusions.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates English as the official language of Pennsylvania and requires state and local government official documents and actions to be in English. It prohibits government policies that favor non-English languages or diminish English's role, while explicitly exempting public safety, health, and justice situations where other languages are necessary. The legislation also restricts the use of state funds to promote or demonstrate preference for languages other than English, with exceptions for foreign language instruction, Native American language preservation, and international commerce. Private businesses and individuals retain the right to use any language they choose, and the law does not apply when federal law requires otherwise.

Maddy summaryHB 897 requires Pennsylvania state agencies to prioritize purchasing "American-made" supplies, defined as goods assembled within the United States. The bill adds this definition to procurement rules and mandates agencies to incorporate prioritization into their buying policies. If an agency determines a supply isn’t American-made or unavailable in sufficient quantities, it must publish the decision in the Pennsylvania Bulletin, allowing 30 days for objections with evidence. Affirmed determinations exempt specific supplies from the prioritization requirement.

Maddy summaryHB 857 amends Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to update reimbursement rates for emergency ambulance services under Medicaid programs. It requires the state to pay ambulance providers the higher of either Medicare's 2023 rates or current Medicaid ambulance fees (as updated in 2023) for services provided to Medicaid enrollees starting January 1, 2024. For services where patients declined transport, new rates based on 2025 Medicare data or updated Medicaid fees will apply beginning July 1, 2025. This directly affects licensed emergency medical services agencies that provide ambulance transport to Medicaid beneficiaries.

Maddy summaryHB 810 amends Pennsylvania's PennWATCH Act to require state agencies to publicly disclose settlement details paid through specific programs (like employee liability claims or tort claims). It directly affects all Commonwealth agencies that pay settlements, as they must submit settlement information (including agency, claim date, legal basis, payment date, and amount) to the PennWATCH database within five business days. The bill mandates that this data be posted online within 30 days of payment and sent electronically to all state legislators every 30 days, starting January 1, 2025. The changes apply to all settlements paid under the Employee Liability Self-Insurance Program, Automobile Liability Program, Motor License Tort Claim Fund, notary bonds, and General Tort Claims Fund.

Maddy summaryHB 817 amends Pennsylvania's Taxpayer Relief Act to add a new rule for school district tax increases. It prohibits the Department of Education from approving a school district's request to raise certain taxes if that district received an exception under prior tax rules for the previous two fiscal years. This directly affects Pennsylvania school districts seeking to increase local taxes, requiring them to avoid recent exceptions to gain departmental approval. The bill modifies existing tax approval procedures without changing the public referendum requirement for tax hikes.