Rep. Jason Ortitay

Maddy summaryHB 528 modifies Pennsylvania's driver license application process by removing the requirement for applicants to provide personal medical information, next of kin details, or emergency contact information on their forms. It also establishes a new process allowing coroners to access, at no cost, three specific records from the Pennsylvania Justice Network: emergency contact details (if voluntarily provided), organ donor status, and a color photograph from the license. These changes apply to all individuals applying for or renewing a driver's license or learner's permit in Pennsylvania. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 190 requires Pennsylvania schools to annually provide eating disorder awareness and education materials to parents, guardians, and key school staff (like counselors and principals) for students in grades 6-12. The bill mandates that schools share this information via email, mail, or website, using materials developed by the Department of Health in collaboration with an advisory committee of experts from groups like the National Alliance for Eating Disorders and school health organizations. These materials must explain warning signs, resources, prevention, and be available in multiple languages. The law directly affects all public, charter, cyber, and nonpublic schools in Pennsylvania, aiming to improve early recognition and support for students facing eating disorders.

Maddy summaryHB 454 repeals Pennsylvania's requirement for a license to carry a firearm (openly or concealed) for most individuals, making it legal to carry without a license statewide, including in Philadelphia where previous restrictions on public streets and property are removed. The bill also repeals provisions about proof of license and related exceptions, while maintaining existing prohibitions for convicted felons and other restricted locations like schools. Additionally, it includes a new provision for a sportsman's firearm permit and specific regulations for antique firearms. The changes directly affect law-abiding Pennsylvanians who previously needed a license for general firearm carry.

Maddy summaryHB 383 prevents a spouse convicted of a personal injury crime against their partner from receiving alimony, unless a court determines it is necessary to avoid manifest injustice. It also allows victims to recover alimony paid before the conviction. The bill modifies Pennsylvania's alimony guidelines by excluding marital misconduct after separation but requires courts to consider abuse during marriage (defined under state law). This directly affects divorce cases involving domestic violence convictions.

Maddy summaryHB 382 amends Pennsylvania's tax code to create new requirements for employers seeking tax credits related to hiring disabled individuals. It defines a "hiring program for disabled individuals" as a program requiring employers to set a minimum 5% hiring goal for people with disabilities, invite employee self-identification with disabilities, reference an employment framework, and conduct annual progress reviews. Employers must implement this program to qualify for tax credits under the existing tax code, with the Department of Revenue consulting vocational rehabilitation and human services agencies to assess compliance. The bill excludes educational tax credits under the Public School Code from these requirements and would take effect 60 days after passage.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week of April 6-12, 2025, as "National Library Week" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically recognizes the role of libraries, librarians, and library workers in communities across the state. The resolution highlights libraries' contributions to promoting reading, providing technology access, and supporting programs for all ages. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no binding policy changes or direct impact on legislation.

Maddy summaryHB 381 requires Pennsylvania's Department of Education to conduct an independent study evaluating whether the ACT and SAT could replace the current Keystone Exams (in literature, algebra I, and biology) for high school students. The study must assess if these college readiness tests align with state standards, provide comparable achievement data for all students (including subgroups), offer appropriate accommodations for students with disabilities and English learners, and meet federal assessment requirements. The report, due within one year, will inform potential future changes to graduation requirements. This bill directly affects Pennsylvania public high school students and the state's education accountability system, but does not implement any changes itself.

Maddy summaryHB 385 clarifies that funds collected under Pennsylvania's Dog Law (1982 act) will continue flowing directly to the Department of Agriculture, unaffected by new accounting rules in Title 42. The bill amends a section about court deposits to explicitly exclude these specific fines and fees from being redirected by the new provisions. This is a technical correction affecting only funds from the Dog Law, not changing the law itself or creating new policies. The change takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 341 requires Pennsylvania public schools to install certified point-of-use filters on all drinking water outlets by January 1, 2027, and replace older fountains without filters with bottle-filling stations or filtered fountains (at least one per 100 students/staff). It establishes a $10 million annual Safe Schools Drinking Water Fund to provide grants for filter installation and fountain replacement, prioritizing schools built before 2014 and those serving prekindergarten students. The bill also mandates schools to publicly report their compliance plans, filter maintenance schedules, and lead risk information online, while new outlets must meet strict lead-leaching standards (NSF 61). This directly affects all Pennsylvania public school entities, focusing on reducing lead exposure in drinking water.

Maddy summaryHB 277 allows victims of sex trafficking to sue individuals or entities that recruit, profit from, or advertise for sex trade activities. The bill amends Pennsylvania's criminal code to create a civil legal pathway for victims to seek remedies in court, specifically targeting those who recruit victims, maintain them in sex trade acts, or cause bodily harm during such acts. It directly affects victims of sex trafficking and those who exploit them through recruitment, advertising, or financial gain. The law does not change criminal penalties but adds a civil remedy for victims to pursue compensation.