Rep. Greg Scott

Maddy summaryHB 1589 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to update provisions regarding school library collections, specifically addressing books, furniture, and supplies. It directly affects public school libraries by establishing new requirements or standards for their collections under the existing code framework. The bill focuses on procedural changes to library resource management within the school system. As a referral to the Education committee (June 11, 2025), it has not yet advanced further. Specific policy details beyond the title are not provided in the available context.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HB 1384) amends Pennsylvania's juvenile justice laws under Title 42, specifically addressing confinement in juvenile treatment facilities. The bill's title indicates it aims to change how juveniles are confined within these facilities, though the specific provisions or changes to confinement procedures are not detailed in the provided context. It directly affects juveniles involved in the state's juvenile justice system and the facilities that house them. The bill was referred to the Judiciary Committee on June 10, 2025, but the full text and exact mechanisms of the amendment are not included in the available information.

Maddy summaryHB 1089 restricts the sale and application of sealants containing high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), harmful chemicals linked to health and environmental risks, primarily affecting manufacturers, contractors, and businesses selling these products. It establishes a Safer Sealant Fund to support the development of safer alternatives, requires the Department of Environmental Protection to enforce compliance, and allows municipalities to adopt stricter local rules. Violations of the restrictions incur penalties, with the bill aiming to reduce exposure to PAHs through regulatory and financial mechanisms.

Maddy summaryHB 1563 amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code of 1971 to update the process for filing state income tax returns. It directly affects taxpayers who submit annual income tax filings to the state. The bill specifies new procedures for tax return submission, though the exact details of the procedural changes are not provided in the available context. The bill was referred to the Finance committee on June 5, 2025, for further consideration.

Maddy summaryHB 1547 bans single-use plastic bags at retail stores in Pennsylvania, requiring them to offer recycled paper bags for a 10- to 25-cent fee instead. It directly affects stores like supermarkets, convenience stores, restaurants, and farmers' markets, with exemptions for bags used with perishable foods, pharmacy medications, or dry cleaning. Retailers must post clear signs explaining the change until January 2027 and keep all fees collected from bag sales. The Department of Community and Economic Development must create educational materials and regulations to support the policy.

Maddy summaryHB 282 amends Pennsylvania's Human Services Code (1967) to clarify eligibility rules for individuals receiving medical assistance under public assistance programs. The bill directly affects current and prospective recipients of medical assistance, ensuring consistent application of qualification standards. Key provisions update how eligibility is determined for medical assistance, though specific changes are not detailed in the provided context. The bill passed the House on June 3, 2025, and was referred to the Health & Human Services committee for further review.

Maddy summaryHB 180 replaces Pennsylvania’s existing school lunch and breakfast reimbursement system with a new Universal School Meal Program, ensuring all public school students in the state can receive free meals regardless of family income or unpaid meal debt. The bill requires school districts to provide meals to any student who requests one (unless parents specifically withhold consent in writing) and prohibits schools from stigmatizing students with meal debt through wristbands, public identification, or denying activities like sports or graduation. It bans collecting fees, interest, or using collections agencies for unpaid meal costs, and mandates schools help families apply for assistance instead of pursuing debt. This directly affects over 1.5 million Pennsylvania public school students and their school districts, shifting from a means-tested system to universal access.

Maddy summaryHB 1537 amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code of 1971 to clarify the definition of "compensation" for personal income tax purposes. The bill explicitly includes certain deferred compensation (like 409A plan distributions) while excluding specific payments such as disability benefits, retirement payments, public assistance, and employer-provided health benefits. This definition affects how Pennsylvania taxes income from employment, ensuring consistent application of tax rules for taxpayers and employers. The change aligns Pennsylvania's tax code with specific federal provisions but does not alter tax rates or create new taxes. The bill is currently referred to the Finance committee.

Maddy summaryHR 143 is a non-binding resolution designating March 18, 2025, as "Public Defender Day" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically honors public defenders' work but does not create new laws, impose costs, or directly affect any individuals or entities. The resolution was referred to the Judiciary Committee, amended, and ultimately laid on the table (stalled) on May 30, 2025, meaning it did not advance further. This is a ceremonial measure with no substantive policy impact.

Maddy summaryHB 1513 would amend Pennsylvania's criminal code to establish criminal liability for internet publishers and distributors who knowingly make material harmful to minors available online. The bill targets content such as explicit sexual material deemed harmful to minors, creating a legal framework for prosecution without requiring proof of intent to harm minors. It directly affects online platforms, website operators, and content distributors that host or share such material. The bill is currently pending in the Communications & Technology committee for further review.