Rep. Jake Banta

Maddy summaryHB 1555 amends Pennsylvania's inheritance tax rules by changing when a 5% discount applies. Previously, taxpayers could claim the discount if they paid the tax within three months of the decedent's death. The bill now requires payment within three months *after receiving the tax notice* (issued under Section 2140) to qualify for the discount. This change affects estate administrators who pay inheritance tax, with the new rule applying to tax years starting after December 31, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1513 would amend Pennsylvania's criminal code to establish criminal liability for internet publishers and distributors who knowingly make material harmful to minors available online. The bill targets content such as explicit sexual material deemed harmful to minors, creating a legal framework for prosecution without requiring proof of intent to harm minors. It directly affects online platforms, website operators, and content distributors that host or share such material. The bill is currently pending in the Communications & Technology committee for further review.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases monthly pension payments for two groups of Pennsylvania veterans: 1) Blind veterans (defined as those with 3/60 or 10/200 vision or worse from service-connected injuries) now receive $200/month (up from $150). 2) Amputee/paralyzed veterans (with two limbs at ≥40% disability rating per VA standards) now receive $200/month (up from $150). Eligibility requires Pennsylvania residency at enlistment or current residence, honorable military service, and VA-certified disability. The change takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1483 amends Pennsylvania's Liquor Code to clarify employment rules for minors in alcohol distribution. It prohibits distributors and importing distributors from employing anyone under 18, with specific provisions: 16- to 17-year-olds may work on licensed premises but cannot sell malt or brewed beverages, while 18-year-olds and older may sell and deliver these products. The bill directly affects alcohol distributors, importers, and their hiring practices under the Liquor Code. This change updates Section 493(27) of the Liquor Code, overriding prior provisions in the Child Labor Act regarding minor employment in alcohol sales. The amendment takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1494 would amend Pennsylvania's Controlled Substance Act to allow ivermectin (for human use) to be sold over-the-counter without a prescription or consultation with a healthcare provider. This change directly affects consumers who can purchase ivermectin at pharmacies or stores without needing a doctor's visit, and pharmacies that would sell it. The bill specifies that ivermectin must be "suitable for human use" to qualify as an over-the-counter medication under state law. It takes effect 60 days after enactment, making this a concrete policy shift in how the medication is distributed in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates Bridge Key 48006 (on State Route 3007 over Carson Run in Knox Township, Clearfield County) as the "Sgt. Ronald Bloom Memorial Bridge." It honors Sergeant Ronald Bloom, a Clearfield County native who enlisted in the Marines in 1967, was killed in action in Vietnam at age 21, and received multiple military medals including the Purple Heart. The bill requires the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to install and maintain signs naming the bridge, effective 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a symbolic resolution designating May 20, 2025, as "Jimmy Stewart Day" in Pennsylvania. It honors the late actor Jimmy Stewart, who was born in Indiana, Pennsylvania, and had a significant film career including roles in *It's a Wonderful Life* and *Mr. Smith Goes to Washington*. The resolution highlights his birthplace, career achievements, and honorary awards like the Presidential Medal of Freedom. As a commemorative resolution, it has no legal effect or policy impact - it simply recognizes Stewart's legacy through a designated day.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution designates April 12, 2025, as "Volunteer Firefighter Day" in Pennsylvania to honor volunteer firefighters who protect communities without pay. It recognizes their service through a ceremonial designation only, with no new policies, funding, or legal requirements. The resolution references Pennsylvania's historical ties to volunteer firefighting, including Benjamin Franklin's 1736 fire company and the state's current volunteer force of 36,000-38,000 members. It does not affect any individuals or create new obligations.

Maddy summaryHB 800 amends Pennsylvania's hunting laws to prohibit specific actions that disrupt lawful wildlife activities. It directly affects hunters, trappers, and landowners by banning behaviors like disturbing wildlife to interfere with others' hunting, blocking hunters, tampering with equipment, or entering lands without permission to disrupt permitted activities. Key provisions define eight prohibited actions under Section 2302(a.1), including creating barriers, interjecting in line of fire, or altering property used for wildlife observation. Violations are punishable as summary offenses, with the most severe penalty (a one-year hunting/trapping ban) applying specifically to tampering with equipment (Section 2302(d)(2)). The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1394 proposes to repeal the inheritance tax in Pennsylvania, directly affecting estates and beneficiaries who would no longer be subject to this tax on inherited assets. The bill also modifies procedures for taxpayers to petition for a reassessment of taxes. Additionally, it updates existing provisions related to how government-issued obligations are treated for tax purposes.