Rep. Valerie Gaydos

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's sales and use tax law to temporarily exempt pet food from taxation. It specifically applies to individual buyers purchasing pet food for personal, non-business use during a six-month window starting on July 1, 2026. The legislation defines "pet food" broadly to include dry, wet, raw, and fresh varieties, and clarifies that the tax break applies even if the food is delivered after the six-month period ends. The Department of Revenue is tasked with publishing online guidance to help consumers understand and utilize this temporary exclusion.

Maddy summaryHB 1098 establishes a new program under Pennsylvania's Commission on Crime and Delinquency to combat internet crimes against children. It directs the Commission to provide grants to law enforcement task forces for investigating and prosecuting internet-related crimes against minors under 18, specifically violations of Pennsylvania laws covering sexual offenses, human trafficking, and child exploitation (18 Pa.C.S. §§ 30, 31, 6312, 6318, 6320). The grants will support local police teams, supplement federal child exploitation grants, and fund specialized training for investigators. This program operates alongside existing federal and state funding without replacing it, directly affecting law enforcement agencies working on these cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes an amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution to clarify how the General Assembly conducts its annual sessions. It mandates that the legislature must meet at noon on the first Tuesday of January each year and requires the Governor to call a special session if a general appropriation bill is not passed by the end of the fiscal year. The measure also outlines the specific steps needed to put this change on the ballot for voter approval after it passes both houses of the General Assembly.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to temporarily exempt specific consumer goods from sales tax for a six-month period starting July 1, 2026. The temporary exclusions apply to ceiling fans and related accessories, single-use paper or plastic tableware, and swimwear with sun protection items, provided the purchase is made by an individual for personal rather than business use. To ensure clarity, the Department of Revenue is required to publish a list of exempt items and implementation guidance on its website during this time. The tax relief is limited to the six-month window following the bill's effective date, after which the standard sales tax rules will resume for these products.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Administrative Code to establish a specific rule for enacting the state budget. It directly affects the General Assembly and the Commonwealth's fiscal operations by requiring lawmakers to remain in session on weekdays until a general appropriation bill is passed if one is not completed by the end of the current fiscal year. The key provision mandates continuous legislative activity to prevent a lapse in funding for the upcoming fiscal year, ensuring that state operations can continue without interruption. This change formalizes the process for budget enactment to address potential delays in passing necessary financial legislation.

Maddy summaryHB 2491 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to update rules regarding student transportation for public and charter schools. The bill clarifies that school districts must provide free transportation to charter school students within ten miles, mirroring the terms used for public school students, while also allowing districts to use public transit for certain routes. Additionally, the legislation restricts the use of common carriers like buses for transporting kindergarten through sixth-grade students and outlines specific conditions under which walking is permitted instead of providing a ride.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 20, 2026, as "Jimmy Stewart Day" in Pennsylvania. It honors the late actor Jimmy Stewart, who was born in Indiana, Pennsylvania, and is celebrated for his film career and contributions to American culture. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it is a ceremonial recognition of Stewart's Pennsylvania ties and legacy. No specific individuals or groups are directly affected by this designation.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Child Labor Act to clarify how minors can participate in student-learner and apprenticeship programs, allowing them to work in these roles as long as it complies with existing federal laws. It also permits high school graduates who have finished such programs to continue working in those occupations without additional restrictions beyond federal standards. To ensure consistency, the legislation cancels specific outdated regulations and requires the Department of Labor and Industry to develop new rules within a year or have the old rules expire in three years.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires electric utilities and their contractors to place automated external defibrillators at all worksites where lineworkers perform electrical tasks. It mandates that these workers and crew leaders receive basic CPR and AED training while also establishing rules for maintaining and inspecting the devices. The legislation extends legal protections to individuals who use these devices in good faith, aiming to improve emergency response capabilities for high-risk workers.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 513 directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study how outdated hospital regulations, which have not been updated in nearly 40 years, financially affect hospitals across Pennsylvania. The study will examine the number of overlapping rules, the administrative costs hospitals incur to comply, and the resources required to manage complex oversight structures. To assist with this review, the committee will form an advisory group that includes representatives from state agencies and hospitals of various types, including rural, urban, and suburban facilities. The committee is required to submit a report with its findings and recommendations within 12 months to relevant legislative leaders.