Rep. Eric Weaknecht

Maddy summaryHB 158, the "Fairness in Women's Sports Act," requires public schools and colleges in Pennsylvania to explicitly designate athletic teams as male, female, or coed based on biological sex. It prohibits teams designated for females from allowing male students to participate and allows students who face denied opportunities or harm due to violations to sue for damages. Schools can also sue entities that punish them for following the law. The bill applies directly to all public school districts, colleges, and athletic programs covered under Pennsylvania's Public School Code.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution honors the life of Pennsylvania State Police Corporal Timothy J. O'Connor, Jr., who died in the line of duty in March 2026, and extends condolences to his family. The document details his 15-year career, numerous awards, and community service, while formally recognizing his sacrifice as the 105th state police officer to die in service. It directs that a copy of the resolution be presented to his wife, Casey O'Connor, as a gesture of respect and support.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to temporarily exempt the sales tax on protective gear purchased by firefighters, volunteer ambulance workers, and volunteer rescue personnel. The exemption applies specifically to items such as helmets, turnout coats, boots, and respiratory protection units during a six-month period starting on July 1, 2026. To ensure clarity, the legislation requires the Department of Revenue to publish online guidance on how to implement this temporary exclusion. The law defines the equipment and purchaser terms precisely, noting that the tax break applies even if the gear is delivered after the six-month window closes.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's sales and use tax law to temporarily exempt soccer cleats, gloves, balls, and related accessories from tax. The exemption applies only to individual buyers purchasing these items for personal use during a six-month window starting when the law takes effect. To ensure clarity, the Department of Revenue must publish online guidance explaining how to apply this temporary exclusion.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to temporarily exempt specific school supplies from sales tax. The exemption applies only to individual buyers purchasing items for educational purposes during a defined three-month window each year, running from July 1 to September 30. Eligible items include common classroom materials like pens, notebooks, and art supplies, provided each item costs $50 or less. The Department of Revenue will be required to publish online guidance to help clarify how the new exclusion will be implemented.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a temporary sales tax exemption for personal hygiene products in Pennsylvania, effective for six months starting July 1, 2026. The measure directly affects individual consumers by removing the sales tax on items such as soap, toothpaste, razors, and feminine hygiene products when purchased during the specified period. To implement this change, the Department of Revenue must publish online guidance defining eligible products and clarifying that the tax exclusion applies to the purchase date rather than the delivery date. The legislation amends the existing Tax Reform Code to add these specific exclusions without altering other parts of the tax system.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates May 2026 as "Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month" to highlight the impact of ALS on patients and their families. The bill does not change laws or allocate funding; instead, it serves as a symbolic gesture to increase public understanding of the disease and support ongoing research efforts. By formally recognizing the month, the resolution aims to draw attention to the challenges faced by those living with ALS and the importance of continued medical investigation.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution honors the memory of five law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in 2025. It specifically names Patrolman Andrew Duarte and Police Officers Mark Baker, Cody Becker, Isaiah Emenheiser, and Andy Chan, listing their departments and dates of death. The measure directs the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to express sympathy to the families and friends of these fallen officers. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws or change existing policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to temporarily exempt the sales and use tax on fireworks, sparklers, and grills for individual buyers. The exemption applies only during a six-month window starting July 1, 2026, and is limited to items purchased for personal, non-business use. The legislation defines specific types of fireworks, sparklers, and grills eligible for the break while requiring the Department of Revenue to provide online guidance on the rule's implementation.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to temporarily exempt children's books, toys, and musical instruments from sales and use tax. The exemption applies only to individual buyers purchasing these items for personal use during a six-month window starting when the law takes effect. The legislation defines eligible items as those marketed for children aged 12 and under and clarifies that the tax break applies if payment is made within the six-month period, even if delivery occurs later. Additionally, the Department of Revenue will publish online guidance to help consumers understand how to claim this temporary exclusion.