Rep. Bud Cook

Maddy summaryHB 1091 amends Pennsylvania's intestate succession laws, which determine who inherits property when someone dies without a will. It specifically adjusts the distribution shares for relatives other than a surviving spouse, such as children or parents, in cases where no spouse is alive. The bill modifies existing rules to clarify or change how these non-spouse heirs receive assets from an estate. This directly affects individuals who die intestate with surviving children or other relatives but no spouse, altering their inheritance rights under current law.

Maddy summaryHB 1837 would create a new criminal offense called "child torture" under Pennsylvania's Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) statute, specifically within the section addressing family offenses. This bill directly affects individuals who commit severe physical or psychological abuse against children, adding a distinct legal charge for such acts. The key mechanism involves amending existing laws to define and categorize "child torture" as a specific offense, separate from other child abuse crimes. This would provide prosecutors with a targeted legal framework to address extreme cases of child maltreatment.

Maddy summaryHB 1847 names a specific bridge on Pennsylvania Route 729 over Gazzam Run in Jordan Township, Clearfield County (Bridge Key 11527) as the "PFC Raymond Lee McGarvey Memorial Bridge." This bill directly affects the location by changing its official designation to honor PFC Raymond Lee McGarvey, a military service member. As a ceremonial resolution, it involves no policy changes or funding, solely commemorating an individual through a bridge naming. The bill is currently referred to the Transportation committee for consideration.

Maddy summaryHB 1823 amends Pennsylvania's gaming laws to adjust how net slot machine revenue is distributed to the State Gaming Fund. The bill changes the allocation method for funds collected from slot machines, directly affecting state and local programs that receive these revenues, such as community development and public safety initiatives. Key provisions include revising the formulas or categories for distributing the revenue, though specific changes are not detailed in the bill title. This legislation modifies the existing framework for managing gaming revenue without altering the fund's core purpose.

Maddy summaryHB 1821 designates a specific bridge (Bridge Key 69488 on State Route 3005 over North Witmer Run in Irvona Borough, Clearfield County) as the "World War II Veteran Pvt. Wilbur Russell Rea Memorial Bridge." The bill commemorates Pvt. Wilbur Russell Rea, a local WWII soldier who died in combat in Okinawa in 1945, by requiring the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to install and maintain directional signs naming the bridge. This is a commemorative resolution with no policy changes or direct impact on residents or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's vehicle registration rules to allow special antique, classic, and collectible license plates. It directly affects owners of qualifying historic vehicles who wish to display these specialized plates. The key provision amends Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to establish clear categories and requirements for these plate types. The bill is currently in the Transportation committee after being referred on August 5, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1424 amends Pennsylvania's Local Tax Enabling Act to prohibit local governments from taxing admission fees at recreational campgrounds. It adds a new restriction (section 18) preventing municipalities from levying amusement taxes on guest charges for campground access. The bill also clarifies that camping property rentals aren't considered "places of amusement" for tax purposes. This change affects all local authorities covered by the original tax law, including cities, towns, and school districts.

Maddy summaryHB 1737 updates Pennsylvania's lobbying disclosure rules by revising registration requirements and definitions under state law. It directly affects registered lobbyists who must report their activities and state officials who review these disclosures. The bill aims to clarify reporting obligations through specific changes to how lobbying activities are defined and documented. This proposed legislation is currently pending in the State Government committee after being referred on July 16, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1723 amends Pennsylvania's vehicle registration laws to clarify which vehicles qualify for exemption from registration requirements. It directly affects vehicle owners who currently hold or may qualify for registration exemptions under the updated provisions. The bill's key mechanism is refining the statutory language defining exempt vehicle types within Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes. This change aims to provide clearer guidance for both vehicle owners and state agencies administering registration rules. The bill is currently pending in the Transportation committee.

Maddy summaryHB 1726 amends the Child Labor Act to update definitions, specify permissible occupations for minors (including in performances), and clarify employer responsibilities. It repeals the existing work permit requirement for minor employees. The bill also includes specific provisions for newspaper delivery jobs and updates administrative procedures. This legislation directly affects minors working in covered occupations and the employers who hire them.