Rep. Bud Cook

Maddy summaryHB 767 would allow Pennsylvania vehicle owners to obtain a special license plate featuring the Gadsden flag (a yellow flag with a coiled rattlesnake and the phrase "Don't Tread On Me") for an additional $26 fee on top of regular registration. The plate would be available for passenger cars, light trucks under 14,000 pounds, and motorcycles. This is a procedural change adding a new plate option, not a substantive policy shift affecting vehicle regulations or safety.

Maddy summaryHB 766 designates a specific segment of State Route 3037 in Sewickley Township, Westmoreland County - from Waltz Mill Flats Road to Segment 0170/Offset 0950 - as the "PFC Earl 'Butch' Long Memorial Highway." This procedural bill honors PFC Earl "Butch" Long, a Vietnam War infantryman killed in action in 1967, by naming the highway in his memory. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will install and maintain signs displaying the highway's new name. The bill does not create new policy or affect any regulations; it solely commemorates the veteran's service and sacrifice.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 96) designates March 8, 2025, as "International Women's Day" in Pennsylvania. It formally recognizes women's contributions across all sectors of Pennsylvania society without creating new laws or policies. The resolution encourages residents to participate in events celebrating women's achievements and leadership, including noting the record number of women serving in the state legislature. It is a symbolic gesture by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, not a legislative change affecting specific groups or programs.

Maddy summaryHB 762 amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to exempt volunteer emergency service organizations from paying state sales and use tax on protective equipment. The bill specifically covers volunteer EMS companies, fire companies, and rescue companies - defined as nonprofit groups providing emergency medical, fire, or rescue services. It excludes purchases like helmets, turnout gear, boots, gloves, and respiratory protection units from taxation when bought for members performing their duties. This tax exemption will apply to sales occurring on or after July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 712 requires local telecommunications companies in Pennsylvania to immediately report any 911 system outages to the Public Utility Commission upon discovery. This bill directly affects telecom providers operating 911 services, mandating timely reporting to ensure the Commission is notified of service failures. The key provision (Section 1501.2) specifies that failure to report constitutes a violation of existing service standards under Title 66. The bill does not alter 911 system functionality but establishes a reporting obligation for outages. It takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 709 creates a tax credit for businesses that provide free, publicly accessible parking spaces for trucks (motor carriers) on eligible property. To qualify, businesses must create at least five designated parking spaces (each 10 feet wide by 80 feet long, with concrete or asphalt) on property that is at least three acres, zoned commercial or industrial, within one mile of a designated highway corridor (Tier 1 or Tier 2). The property must also include adequate lighting and a public bathroom. Businesses must maintain these parking spaces and their operations in Pennsylvania for five years to receive the credit. The credit can be applied against certain tax liabilities under Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code.

Maddy summaryHB 690 requires insurers in Pennsylvania to provide group policyholders (businesses or organizations with 51+ covered employees) with detailed claims experience data within 30 days of request. This data includes aggregated premiums, claims costs (paid, reserved, and unreserved), and other financial details for at least two policy years. Insurers may charge a reasonable, non-discriminatory fee for this service, but must file the fee schedule with the Insurance Department in advance. Violations may result in fines up to $5,000 per violation (or $10,000 for willful violations), with annual caps of $500,000 for insurers.

Maddy summaryHB 687 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to disqualify individuals with delinquent school property taxes from serving as school directors. It prohibits anyone who has failed to pay school taxes on their primary residence or business in their school district for two or more years (without pending legal challenges) from holding this office. The bill applies to both candidates and those elected after its effective date, requiring objections to be filed under existing election law. This change directly affects school board members and candidates in Pennsylvania school districts.

Maddy summaryHB 653, known as Alyssa's Law, requires all Pennsylvania public school buildings (including elementary, middle, and high school campuses) to install silent panic alert systems. These systems must be manually activated via devices like buttons or apps and immediately send emergency alerts directly to designated local law enforcement responders during security threats like active shooters or lockdowns. The law defines "panic alerts" as silent notifications for life-threatening emergencies and specifies that the alert must link to first responders on the school's campus. This mandate applies to all buildings used for instruction during school hours, replacing vague prior security language with a concrete equipment requirement.

Maddy summaryHB 629 amends Pennsylvania's 1966 recreational liability law to expand protections for landowners, volunteers, and volunteer organizations that provide unpaid recreational access to the public. It adds definitions clarifying that "volunteers" are unpaid individuals caring for recreational land, and "volunteer organizations" include 501(c)(3) nonprofits or similar groups. The bill states these entities owe no duty to keep premises safe, give warnings about hazards, or assume liability for injuries to recreational users, including during hunting activities. This directly affects landowners who open areas for public recreation through volunteer efforts, ensuring they face no legal liability for ordinary risks. The changes take effect 60 days after enactment.