Rep. Jake Banta

Maddy summaryHB 2038 amends the Local Option Small Games of Chance Act to update definitions and set new limits on prize values for small-scale gambling activities, such as local lotteries and raffles operated under municipal authority. The bill clarifies specific terms used in the law and establishes specific caps on the maximum prize amounts that can be offered in these games. This directly affects local governments and businesses that host small games of chance, requiring them to adjust prize structures to comply with the updated limits. The bill is currently under review by the Gaming Oversight committee.

Maddy summaryHB 430 requires the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to block the construction or installation of wind turbines that interfere with military operations at nearby installations. This bill directly affects wind energy developers seeking permits near military bases and the DEP, which would enforce the prohibition. The key provision mandates the DEP to deny permits for turbines causing negative impacts - such as radar interference - without requiring new studies or cost-benefit analyses. It does not alter existing wind energy policies but adds a specific military safety requirement to DEP permitting decisions.

Maddy summaryHB 2000 designates a specific section of highway in Pennsylvania as the "Pennsylvania and National Medal of Honor Highway" to honor Medal of Honor recipients. It directly affects the highway corridor by renaming it, replacing a previous designation. The bill's key provision is the repeal of the prior highway name, formally establishing this new commemorative name through legislative action. This is a ceremonial measure with no funding or policy changes beyond the highway's official designation.

Maddy summaryHB 1994 proposes to add a new offense called "political intimidation" to Pennsylvania's criminal code under Title 18. It defines this as committing assault, property damage (except institutional vandalism), or trespass with malicious intent specifically because of someone's political affiliation - such as their party membership or expressed political views. The bill sets penalties one degree higher than the underlying offense (e.g., a misdemeanor of the third degree for a summary offense), and clearly defines "political affiliation" and "malicious intention" to require hatred toward political identity as a necessary element. This bill directly affects individuals who target others' persons or property based on political views, making such acts a separate criminal offense with enhanced penalties. The legislation is pending in the 2025 session and would take effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 414 creates the Uniform Deployed Parents Custody and Visitation Act in Pennsylvania, directly affecting military parents and their children during deployments. It updates state laws to automatically grant deployed military parents specific custody and visitation rights, ensuring these arrangements are recognized without requiring separate court orders. The bill amends Domestic Relations and Military Affairs statutes to provide clear, consistent protections for military families during active duty. Signed into law on October 27, 2025 (Act No. 40 of 2025), it standardizes these provisions across Pennsylvania courts.

Maddy summaryHB 1981 updates Pennsylvania's vehicle registration rules to expand exemptions for farm vehicles. It directly affects farmers and agricultural operations by removing registration fees for certain farm vehicles used in farming activities. The key provision modifies Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to clarify which farm vehicles qualify for fee exemptions and adjusts related registration requirements. This change aims to reduce administrative burdens for agricultural users operating on their own property.

Maddy summaryHB 1962 prohibits state agencies from providing funding or entering contracts with individuals or entities that provide or are affiliated with abortion-related activities. It requires people enrolled in medical assistance programs to certify they are not engaging in such activities. The bill also mandates the Department of Human Services to establish procedures for verifying these attestations and enforcing the restrictions. These provisions directly impact state-funded programs, healthcare providers receiving state contracts, and medical assistance beneficiaries. The bill is currently under review by the Health committee.

Maddy summaryHB 1937 requires specific Pennsylvania government agencies to provide voter registration services during routine interactions. It mandates that offices offering public assistance, county clerk services (including marriage licenses), disability programs, hunting/fishing license applications, and military recruitment centers must offer voter registration forms or assistance. The bill expands existing voter registration opportunities by adding these service points to the list of locations where citizens can register or update their voter information. This directly affects Pennsylvanians visiting these agencies, making voter registration more accessible during existing government interactions. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHR 288 is a symbolic resolution adopted by Pennsylvania's legislature to designate October 13, 2025, as the "250th Birthday of the United States Navy" within the state. This resolution serves as a ceremonial recognition of the Navy's anniversary, with no legal effect or policy changes. It does not impose obligations, allocate funds, or affect any specific group or policy. The bill was formally adopted on October 8, 2025, following committee review.

Maddy summaryHR 341 is a resolution urging the Department of Human Services to transmit Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) enrollment data to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) as legally required. It directly affects the Department of Human Services, mandating compliance with existing federal data reporting rules for SNAP. The resolution does not create new law but seeks to ensure timely submission of enrollment data to the USDA. This is a procedural measure focused on administrative compliance, not policy change.