Rep. Bud Cook

Maddy summaryHR 227 is a ceremonial resolution designating August 17-23, 2025, as "Little League World Series Week" in Pennsylvania. It recognizes the Little League World Series, held annually in South Williamsport, as a celebration of youth sports, community volunteers, and Pennsylvania’s historical role as the founding home of Little League (1939). The resolution encourages Pennsylvanians to observe the week by attending events, honoring volunteers, and supporting local youth sports. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but formally acknowledges the event’s cultural and economic significance to the state.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates June 14, 2025, as the "250th Birthday of the United States Army" within Pennsylvania. It commemorates the founding of the Continental Army on June 14, 1775, and recognizes Pennsylvania's historical role in the Army's formation, including its "Pennsylvania Line" units. The resolution also acknowledges Pennsylvania's large veteran population (nearly 700,000) and honors current and past Army service members. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding policy impact and serves solely to recognize this historical milestone.

Maddy summaryThis symbolic resolution designates June 2025 as "Life Month" in Pennsylvania. It calls on churches, businesses, and communities to celebrate the third anniversary of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision (June 24, 2025), which overturned Roe v. Wade. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial designation. It has no direct legal effect on individuals or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 1546 designates a specific stretch of Pennsylvania Route 164 (Cove Mountain Road) in Blair County as the "Representative Jerry A. Stern Memorial Highway." The bill honors Jerry A. Stern, a former Pennsylvania House representative who served the 80th District from 1992 to 2015 and passed away in December 2024. It directs the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to install and maintain directional signs naming the highway segment, which runs from Frederick Road in Taylor Township to Agway Road in North Woodbury Township. This is a ceremonial designation with no policy changes or direct impact on residents or legislation.

Maddy summaryHB 1514 creates a tax credit for Pennsylvania taxpayers who earn tips, allowing them to get back the income tax paid on those tips. The credit equals 100% of the tax paid on "tipped wages" (wages received as voluntary customer tips, not set by employers) and is fully refundable, meaning it can reduce tax bills or generate refunds even if no tax was owed. Taxpayers must claim the credit using their employer's statement of tipped wages (required under 34 Pa. Code § 231.36) when filing their annual tax return on the standard PA 40 form. This change applies to tax returns for years starting after December 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1499 updates Pennsylvania's child custody laws under Title 23. It clarifies definitions, establishes clearer rules for awarding primary physical custody, and requires courts to consider criminal convictions when making custody decisions. The bill also mandates parenting plans and specifies factors judges must evaluate, directly affecting parents, judges, and child welfare agencies involved in custody cases. The legislation was recently referred to the Judiciary Committee on May 28, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1491 requires Pennsylvania's Department of Health commissioner to continually assess and revise emergency medical services (EMS) agency functions to improve service quality, adapt to community needs, and boost recruitment/retention of EMS providers. It establishes a State EMS Advisory Board to advise on system improvements and updates definitions for key EMS roles and entities. The bill directly affects EMS agencies, providers, and the Department of Health by mandating ongoing system reviews and creating a formal advisory structure. Key provisions include requiring the commissioner to address recruitment challenges and ensure EMS systems meet evolving community demands.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 48) formally recognizes May 11-17, 2025, as "National Police Week" and May 15, 2025, as "Peace Officers Memorial Day" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws, policies, or funding; it is a ceremonial acknowledgment of existing national observances. The resolution cites historical context, including a 1962 congressional resolution designating May 15 as "Peace Officers Memorial Day" and the surrounding week as "Police Week." It serves only to express the Pennsylvania House of Representatives' symbolic support for honoring law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week of March 17-21, 2025, as "Flood Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or funding but aims to encourage Pennsylvanians to learn about flood risks and safety practices. The resolution references Pennsylvania’s history of flooding, the role of climate factors like increased rainfall, and safety tips from the National Weather Service. It specifically urges residents to practice flood safety procedures during this designated week. The resolution is symbolic and does not implement policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution (HR 233) symbolically designates October 15, 2025, as "Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day" and October 2025 as "Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month" within the state. It does not create new laws or obligations but formally recognizes the emotional impact of pregnancy loss, stillbirth, and infant death through official designation. The resolution aims to foster community awareness and compassion, referencing existing national observances and Pennsylvania's reported statistics on pregnancy outcomes. It is a non-binding declaration intended to encourage local support efforts and public acknowledgment of affected families.