Rep. Charity Krupa

Maddy summaryHB 691 amends Pennsylvania's Public Official Compensation Law to update how annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) are calculated and published for state legislators and legislative leaders. The bill maintains that COLA will continue to be based on the Consumer Price Index for the Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland area, with adjustments calculated using the most recent 12-month data. It specifies that adjusted salaries for legislators must be published within 10 days of determination, while adjustments for legislative leaders (like the Speaker or Majority Leader) must be published 20 days before the change takes effect. This bill directly affects the compensation of all members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly and their top leadership.

Maddy summaryHB 617 proposes a constitutional amendment to guarantee every Pennsylvanian the right to refuse any medical treatment, including vaccines, without government interference. The amendment would prohibit denying legal rights to individuals based on their refusal of such treatments. It requires the state legislature to pass the resolution twice before submitting it to voters for approval, following Pennsylvania's constitutional amendment process. If approved by voters, this amendment would become part of the state constitution, altering how medical consent is legally protected.

Maddy summaryHB 651 amends Pennsylvania's Local Tax Collection Law to allow local taxing districts (like counties, cities, and townships) to permit property tax payments in up to twelve installments, increasing the current limit from four. This change directly affects property taxpayers who choose to pay their taxes in installments rather than a single lump sum. The bill specifies that no tax discounts or abatements will apply to taxes paid through this extended installment plan. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHR 77 is a procedural resolution directing Pennsylvania's Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study transitioning the General Assembly to part-time status. The committee must review other states' legislative models (including session length, costs, and representation), Pennsylvania's legislative history, and constitutional amendment processes. The study will analyze potential cost savings and other impacts, with a report due within 18 months. This resolution does not change current law but prepares the legislature for future consideration of part-time status.

Maddy summaryHB 581, titled the Parental Rights in Education Act, prohibits public schools from teaching about sexual orientation or gender identity to students in kindergarten through fifth grade. It requires schools to notify parents in writing before providing health care services (like mental health support) or administering well-being questionnaires/surveys to K-5 students, including an option for parents to withhold consent. Schools must also allow parents access to their child's education and health records and cannot retaliate against students who report violations. The bill creates a legal right for students or parents to sue schools for noncompliance within 180 days of a violation.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes changing Pennsylvania's fiscal calendar from annual to biennial (two-year) cycles by amending the state constitution. It requires the Governor to submit a two-year operating budget and capital budget instead of annual versions, and mandates a five-year financial plan covering two-year periods. Key provisions include updating debt limits and repayment rules to align with the new two-year fiscal periods, such as modifying how surplus funds are appropriated and how tax anticipation notes mature. The change directly affects state budgeting processes, the Governor's budget submissions, and the General Assembly's appropriations decisions.

Maddy summaryHB 606 requires Pennsylvania public and private schools to integrate "early human life development education" into biology courses starting in the 2025-2026 school year. This mandates including specific ultrasound videos showing fetal development at 8, 12, 17, 22, 27, 32, and 37 weeks' gestation, plus a computer-generated animation of fertilization and prenatal development stages. The bill applies to all school entities (districts, charters, cyber charters) and directly affects all K-12 students in Pennsylvania. It amends the 1949 Public School Code to standardize this curriculum component within existing biology requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 557 amends Pennsylvania's ethics law by extending the waiting period for former state officials and employees from one year to five years. After leaving a government position, they cannot represent clients for compensation on any matter before their former agency for five years. This directly affects current and former state employees who may seek to transition into lobbying roles. The bill changes Section 1103(g) of Title 65 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, strengthening restrictions on post-employment lobbying.

Maddy summaryHB 548 strengthens Pennsylvania's state preemption of local firearm regulations by declaring that all aspects of firearm regulation - including purchase, sale, possession, and transportation - must follow state law, invalidating any conflicting local ordinances. It directly affects counties, municipalities, and townships that previously enacted stricter gun rules, as well as residents, gun dealers, or organizations challenging such local laws. Key provisions include creating legal remedies for those harmed by illegal local regulations (allowing lawsuits for damages, attorney fees, and injunctions) and explicitly stating that state law supersedes all local efforts. The bill takes effect in 90 days for its core preemption rules, requiring local governments to align with state firearm laws immediately.

Maddy summaryHB 530 modifies Pennsylvania's criminal codes to adjust penalties for property damage crimes and create a new process for removing trespassers. It reclassifies criminal mischief as a felony if financial damage exceeds $1,000 (for building entry) or $5,000 (for public services), and as a misdemeanor for smaller losses. The bill also establishes a formal procedure allowing property owners to request law enforcement to remove trespassers by submitting a signed affidavit proving the person isn't a tenant, has been asked to leave, and lawful eviction occurred if applicable. This directly affects property owners seeking to remove unauthorized occupants, tenants facing potential unlawful removal, and law enforcement officers handling such requests. The law requires officers to provide individuals removed a chance to prove lawful occupancy and prohibits violations of Pennsylvania's Landlord and Tenant Act.