Rep. Andrew Kuzma

Maddy summaryHB 437 proposes a constitutional amendment to Pennsylvania's voting rules, requiring voters to present valid identification at all elections. It mandates that voters show a government-issued ID when voting in person (Section 12) and include proof of ID with mail-in ballots (Section 16). Voters without ID can request a free government-issued ID at the polling place (Section 19). This amendment would directly affect all Pennsylvania voters participating in elections, adding ID verification to existing residency and citizenship requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 403 preempts Pennsylvania municipalities from adopting policies that block law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. It prohibits local governments from restricting officers from complying with federal immigration requests, assisting ICE, allowing ICE access to county jails, inquiring about immigration status of people in custody, or sharing release information. The bill establishes an "Immigration Cooperation Fund" to support this cooperation, though specific funding mechanisms are not detailed in the provided text. This directly affects all Pennsylvania cities, towns, counties, and their law enforcement officers, judicial staff, and correctional personnel.

Maddy summaryHB 383 prevents a spouse convicted of a personal injury crime against their partner from receiving alimony, unless a court determines it is necessary to avoid manifest injustice. It also allows victims to recover alimony paid before the conviction. The bill modifies Pennsylvania's alimony guidelines by excluding marital misconduct after separation but requires courts to consider abuse during marriage (defined under state law). This directly affects divorce cases involving domestic violence convictions.

Maddy summaryHB 381 requires Pennsylvania's Department of Education to conduct an independent study evaluating whether the ACT and SAT could replace the current Keystone Exams (in literature, algebra I, and biology) for high school students. The study must assess if these college readiness tests align with state standards, provide comparable achievement data for all students (including subgroups), offer appropriate accommodations for students with disabilities and English learners, and meet federal assessment requirements. The report, due within one year, will inform potential future changes to graduation requirements. This bill directly affects Pennsylvania public high school students and the state's education accountability system, but does not implement any changes itself.

Maddy summaryHB 399 amends Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to give the Department of Human Services expanded authority to manage public assistance programs. It authorizes the department to set eligibility standards, modify benefits, establish payment rates for providers, use AI for fraud detection, prioritize job training for certain recipients (like able-bodied medical assistance users), and require data sharing between health programs. The bill also includes strict budget constraints, requiring the department to ensure program spending doesn't exceed annual appropriations and prohibiting new consulting contracts without cost-effectiveness justification. This directly affects Pennsylvania residents receiving public assistance, healthcare coverage, and job training services through state-administered programs.

Maddy summaryHB 318 amends Pennsylvania's Unemployment Compensation Law to expand ineligibility for benefits when claimants unreasonably discourage their own employment opportunities. The bill requires claimants to make a good faith effort to secure work and prohibits actions like refusing job interviews or offers without good cause before discussing job details. Employers can report such behavior using new forms the Department of Labor must create within 90 days. This change directly affects unemployed Pennsylvanians applying for or receiving unemployment benefits.

Maddy summaryHB 328 amends Pennsylvania's Dam Safety and Encroachments Act to require the Department of Environmental Protection to authorize stream clearing activities up to 250 feet from water obstructions (like dams) when issuing emergency permits during declared disasters. It directly affects Commonwealth agencies and local governments seeking emergency clearance for flood or safety risks. The bill mandates this 250-foot radius for emergency permits requested by these entities when a Federal, State, or county disaster emergency is officially declared. This change streamlines emergency response without altering standard permit requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 277 allows victims of sex trafficking to sue individuals or entities that recruit, profit from, or advertise for sex trade activities. The bill amends Pennsylvania's criminal code to create a civil legal pathway for victims to seek remedies in court, specifically targeting those who recruit victims, maintain them in sex trade acts, or cause bodily harm during such acts. It directly affects victims of sex trafficking and those who exploit them through recruitment, advertising, or financial gain. The law does not change criminal penalties but adds a civil remedy for victims to pursue compensation.

Maddy summaryHB 346 requires Pennsylvania public fund managers to assess geopolitical risks - such as those from war, terrorism, or international tensions - before investing in assets domiciled in foreign countries or with significant economic ties to them. Fund managers must adopt investment policies evaluating supply chain risks and foreign asset proportions, while coordinating with existing laws like the 2010 Protecting Pennsylvania's Investments Act. The bill mandates an annual public report listing all foreign investments as of June 30, published online by December 31 each year. This directly affects Pennsylvania’s public funds, including pension and investment accounts, by adding a standardized risk evaluation step to their investment processes.

Maddy summaryHB 353 requires Pennsylvania's public colleges and universities (including community colleges, rural regional colleges, State System universities, state-related institutions, and Thaddeus Stevens College) to adopt written policies prohibiting antisemitism among faculty, staff, and students to receive state funding. These policies must include a clear definition of antisemitism - described as "a certain perception of Jewish individuals... including rhetorical or physical manifestations" - along with examples of antisemitic activity within their existing discrimination and harassment codes. The bill defines "public institution of higher education" to specify which schools must comply. It takes effect 60 days after enactment.