Rep. Jake Banta

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates a day to commemorate America's 250th birthday by highlighting the nation's historical connection to religious principles and the Bible. The document details various historical events, such as early prayers at Jamestown and the signing of the Declaration of Independence, to illustrate a tradition of faith in American governance. It serves as a commemorative measure rather than a law that changes policy or imposes new requirements on citizens or officials.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates rye whiskey as the official state spirit of Pennsylvania to honor its historical significance and support the local distilling industry. The legislation formally recognizes the beverage's role in the state's heritage and its contribution to agriculture and small businesses. It takes effect immediately upon passage without requiring additional regulatory changes.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates September 27, 2026, as Gold Star Mother's Day within the state. The measure formally acknowledges the sacrifice of mothers who lost sons or daughters in military service and honors their ongoing contributions to their communities. By recognizing this specific date, the resolution aims to provide a day of remembrance for Gold Star Families in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Taxpayer Relief Act to change the deadline for senior citizens to apply for property tax and rent rebates. Under the new rules, eligible individuals must file their claims by December 31 of the year following the tax year, replacing the previous June 30 cutoff. The legislation also removes the requirement that late-filed claims be accepted only if funds are available, allowing the state to process applications submitted after the deadline. These changes directly affect elderly Pennsylvanians seeking financial assistance and streamline the administrative process for the state department handling these claims.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution that officially designates May 2026 as "National Bike Month" within Pennsylvania. It directly affects the state's residents and cycling community by formally acknowledging the month to promote cycling as a healthy and practical mode of transportation. The resolution highlights existing state assets, such as over 2,400 miles of trails and various cycling clubs, while encouraging the safe use of public roads and trails. As a commemorative measure, the bill does not create new laws or funding but serves to recognize and celebrate the state's cycling culture.

Maddy summaryHB 2663 amends the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act to establish specific deadlines for municipalities to review building permit applications and issue decisions. The bill requires that permits for single-family and two-family homes be decided within 15 business days, while other construction permits must be addressed within 30 business days. Additionally, the law mandates that if a permit application is denied, the code administrator must provide a written explanation citing the specific code violations. These changes aim to streamline the permitting process for homeowners, contractors, and local building officials by enforcing consistent review timelines.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates September 11, 2026, as "25th Anniversary of the Terrorist Attacks of September 11, 2001, Day" in the state. The measure formally recognizes the victims of the 2001 attacks, including civilians, military personnel, and first responders who lost their lives. It serves as a commemorative acknowledgment rather than establishing new laws or funding. The resolution aims to honor the memory of those affected and reaffirm the state's commitment to remembering the events and their legacy.

Maddy summaryHB 1135 prohibits the use of paraquat, a specific chemical pesticide, within Pennsylvania. It defines paraquat by its chemical identifier (CAS number 4685-14-7) and includes related salts, making it unlawful for farmers, agricultural businesses, or any pesticide users to apply it in the state. The bill amends Pennsylvania's 1973 Pesticide Control Act to add this prohibition, effective one year after enactment, and overrides any conflicting existing regulations. This directly affects pesticide users and applicators operating in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific bridge in Northern Cambria Borough as the Sgt. Elwood Eugene Rumbaugh Memorial Bridge in honor of a Vietnam War veteran. The legislation officially names the structure, which carries State Route 4009 over Fox Run, after Sergeant Rumbaugh, who was declared missing in action during the conflict and received the Purple Heart. To implement this change, the bill requires the Department of Transportation to install and maintain signs displaying the new name for traffic traveling in both directions. The act is set to take effect 60 days after being signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific railroad crossing bridge in Allegheny Township, Cambria County, as the Technician 5th Grade Bernard C. Strohmier Memorial Bridge. The legislation honors Bernard C. Strohmier, a local resident who served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was a prisoner of war during the Battle of the Bulge. Under the bill, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is required to install and maintain signs displaying the new name on the bridge for traffic in both directions. The act takes effect 60 days after being signed into law.