Rep. Andrew Kuzma

Maddy summaryThis law prohibits people in Pennsylvania from owning, using, or selling devices that can swap or hide a vehicle's license plate. The ban covers any tool, whether manual or electric, that allows a driver to change the plate shown on their car or flip it to make the number invisible. Anyone caught with or operating such a device faces a summary offense charge and a fine of up to $2,000. The rule applies to the possession, installation, sale, or distribution of these plate-flipping tools. The law became effective 60 days after it was signed into law.

Maddy summaryHB 1409 updates the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission's authority to set fees for fishing licenses, permits, and issuing agents. The bill allows the commission to adjust specific amounts for various licenses, such as resident annual and senior resident lifetime licenses, as well as different tourist and replacement options, by referencing existing administrative rules. It also establishes fixed fees for special permits, including those for trout fishing and charter boat guides, while capping transaction costs for the automated licensing system at one dollar. This legislation directly impacts anglers and fishing businesses by defining the current fee structure and providing the legal framework for the commission to manage these costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new crime called masked intimidation in Pennsylvania, which occurs when someone wearing a facial covering intentionally harasses, intimidates, or threatens another person or group with the goal of making them fear for their physical safety. The offense is classified as a third-degree misdemeanor, but the law includes specific exceptions that allow individuals to wear masks for purposes such as costumes, religious reasons, occupational safety, weather protection, or health measures like limiting the spread of illness. The legislation explicitly states that it does not infringe upon First Amendment rights and defines key terms like harassment and intimidation to focus on conduct based on protected characteristics such as race, religion, or gender identity.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Vital Statistics Law to clarify the fees charged for certified copies of vital records. It ensures that no fees are required for these copies when requested by active-duty military personnel, their dependents, or the families of service members who died or were honorably discharged. The change specifically applies to members of the armed forces, including the National Guard, and their eligible family members. The new fee exemption takes effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Human Relations Act to explicitly prohibit discrimination against Jewish individuals based on religious creed. It achieves this by incorporating the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of antisemitism and its contemporary examples into state law. The legislation also clarifies that criticism of Israel comparable to that directed at other nations should not be considered discriminatory. These changes expand the legal protections available under the state's existing anti-discrimination framework.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution formally recognizes November 11, 2024, as Veterans Day within the state. The measure highlights the significant number of veterans living in Pennsylvania and their contributions to the community and workforce. By passing this resolution, the legislature aims to honor the service and sacrifice of these individuals without creating any new laws or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new nonpublic database registry within the Pennsylvania State Police to track individuals convicted of specific domestic violence offenses. The registry will be accessible only to law enforcement agencies and victim advocates, containing electronic records of offenders who have been convicted of crimes such as murder, aggravated assault, stalking, or strangulation committed against family or household members. Those required to register must remain on the list for varying durations depending on the severity of the crime, ranging from five years for lesser offenses to life for murder convictions. The legislation also outlines how the database will be implemented, administered, and allowed to communicate with similar registries in other jurisdictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's protection from abuse laws to allow courts to issue orders restricting a defendant's use of social media platforms. It achieves this by first defining what constitutes a social media platform and a user, then explicitly granting judges the authority to prohibit defendants from accessing or posting content on these sites to prevent abuse. The legislation directly affects individuals seeking protection orders against alleged abusers and the social media companies themselves by creating a legal framework for their exclusion from court-ordered restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's election laws to require that all voter registration applicants provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship. It specifies acceptable documents, such as a valid passport, military ID, or a birth certificate paired with other supporting evidence, and mandates that election officials verify this information during the registration process. The legislation also establishes penalties for officials who fail to perform these duties and creates a legal pathway for individuals to sue if they believe their citizenship verification rights were violated. Additionally, it updates the rules for removing voter registration records, allowing for cancellation only when an elector is confirmed to be non-citizen or has moved away.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the legal definition of intimidation in Pennsylvania to specifically include certain acts of harassment and stalking against minors by adults. It clarifies that intimidation occurs when an adult over 18 engages in prohibited harassment or stalking behavior toward a person under 18, provided the two individuals are not family or household members. The legislation amends existing state statutes to ensure these specific interactions are formally recognized as intimidation within the judicial system. The changes become effective 60 days after the law is enacted.