Rep. Steve Malagari

Maddy summaryHB 755 requires health insurers in Pennsylvania (excluding grandfathered plans) to cover all preventive health services listed by the Insurance Department without cost-sharing, such as copays or deductibles. This directly affects insurers who must comply with the coverage rules and enrollees who gain access to preventive care like vaccinations and screenings at no extra cost. The bill empowers the Insurance Department to create and update the preventive services list through a public comment process (15+ business days) and enforce compliance with penalties for violations. It aligns with federal preventive care standards but allows Pennsylvania to adjust the list based on public input and evidence-based guidelines.

Maddy summaryHB 1003 establishes Pennsylvania's Veterans' Housing Assistance Program to provide rental assistance to homeless or at-risk veterans. It directly affects veterans who served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces and are identified as homeless or facing imminent homelessness by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. The program provides rental vouchers (financial assistance) to cover monthly rent and utilities, while the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency coordinates housing ombudsman services to negotiate leases and resolve credit issues, and the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs identifies eligible veterans and sets implementation guidelines. Veterans must apply through the Department or Agency and may be required to participate in supportive services like mental health counseling or job training to receive assistance.

Maddy summaryHB 1004 amends Pennsylvania's 1971 Tax Reform Code to increase annual limits on research and development (R&D) tax credits. It raises the total annual credit cap from $60 million to $120 million, with $24 million specifically reserved for small businesses (up from $12 million). Unused allocations for either small businesses or other qualifying businesses can roll over to the other group within the same fiscal year. The changes take effect 60 days after the bill's passage.

Maddy summaryHB 1019 requires that all new construction or major repairs of natural gas gathering lines in Pennsylvania use steel products manufactured in the United States. This law directly affects construction companies and utility providers working on these specific pipelines, which transport natural gas from production sites to larger transmission systems. The requirement applies only to projects starting 60 days after the bill takes effect, not existing infrastructure. It amends Pennsylvania’s Underground Utility Line Protection Law to mandate U.S.-produced steel for steel components in these pipeline projects.

Maddy summaryHB 1017 amends Pennsylvania procurement law to give a 2% price preference to bids for American-made supplies, services, or construction. It directly affects all state government agencies and school entities (including public schools, charter schools, and school districts) when they award contracts. The bill requires agencies to subtract 2% from bids for items meeting the "American-made" definition (where at least 75% of material costs originate in the U.S.) and award contracts based on this adjusted price. Agencies must also verify this qualification with documentation before applying the preference. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Minimum Wage Act to establish new salary thresholds for employees classified as exempt in executive, administrative, or professional roles, affecting employers and workers in these positions. It defines "executive capacity" as requiring management duties, directing two or more employees, and having hiring/firing authority, with a minimum weekly salary starting at $844 (effective October 2027), rising to $1,128 by 2029, and then adjusting every three years based on Pennsylvania's 10th percentile wage for exempt workers. Employers may meet up to 10% of the salary requirement through nondiscretionary bonuses, incentives, or commissions paid annually. The bill does not alter minimum wage rates for non-exempt workers but clarifies exemption criteria for specific job classifications.

Maddy summaryHB 1050 defines new types of electronic games under Pennsylvania's small games of chance law, specifically creating legal terms for electronic pull-tab devices, games, and systems. It clarifies that these electronic games cannot resemble casino-style games like slots or poker and must follow strict technical rules (e.g., no mobile phone use, no spinning reels). The bill directly affects licensed organizations already operating games like pull-tabs, ensuring new electronic formats comply with existing regulations. Key provisions include banning duplicate hold combinations in event games and requiring distinguishable features for multiple prize sets. This is a definitional update, not a policy change to prize limits or licensing.

Maddy summaryHB 1029 amends Pennsylvania's 1937 Labor Relations Act to clarify worker protections and union election processes. It defines "employe" more broadly (excluding independent contractors) and bans agreements that prevent workers from joining class or collective lawsuits. Employers must post notices about labor rights and provide detailed voter lists for union elections within two business days of a board order. The bill also adds new unfair labor practices, including coercing workers to sign agreements that limit their right to pursue collective claims. These changes directly affect Pennsylvania workers, employers, and labor organizations involved in union representation efforts.

Maddy summaryHB 159 amends Pennsylvania law to strengthen penalties for illegally transporting, selling, importing, or releasing nonnative fish and wildlife. It directly affects individuals, businesses, or organizations handling nonnative species, including pet trade sellers, anglers, and conservation groups. The bill increases misdemeanor penalties: violations involving non-native fish become third-degree misdemeanors for negligence or first-degree for intentional acts, while violations with endangered/threatened species escalate to second-degree (negligent/intentional) misdemeanors. It clarifies that each animal, egg, or fish involved in a violation counts as a separate offense, intensifying consequences for repeated or large-scale violations. The changes aim to better protect Pennsylvania's ecosystems and native species from invasive threats.

Maddy summaryHB 963 creates a new tax credit program in Pennsylvania for employers covering educational expenses of apprentices. It allows employers to claim tax credits for up to $3,500 per qualifying apprentice toward tuition, books, and lab fees at eligible PA schools. To qualify, apprentices must be PA residents, at least 16, enrolled full-time in a U.S. Department of Labor-registered apprenticeship program, and employed by the claiming employer in Pennsylvania. The Department of Revenue administers the program, requiring electronic applications and setting eligibility criteria for schools and apprentices. This policy directly affects PA employers in registered apprenticeship programs and their apprentices pursuing postsecondary training.