Rep. Liz Hanbidge

Maddy summaryHB 376 makes it a crime to transport dogs on external vehicle parts like hoods, roofs, or truck beds on Pennsylvania roads. It directly affects drivers who carry dogs this way, imposing escalating fines: $50-$150 for a first offense, $150-$300 for a second, and up to $500 or 90 days in jail for third or subsequent violations. The law includes an exception for dogs in secured, insulated cages designed to prevent exposure to weather or falls. This bill creates a new summary offense under Pennsylvania’s criminal code with specific penalties for unsafe dog transportation practices.

Maddy summaryHR 41 is a resolution directing Pennsylvania's Joint State Government Commission to study emergency child care needs and develop recommendations. The study will examine current availability (including Pennsylvania's 12 crisis nurseries), staffing challenges (like low wages averaging $12.43/hour), funding sources (including federal programs), and how other states license facilities. It requires the Commission to form an advisory committee with child care providers, parents, health/human services officials, and county representatives. The Commission must submit its report to the House within 18 months. This resolution does not create new laws but aims to inform future policy decisions.

Maddy summaryHB 334 creates a $2,500 Pennsylvania Individual Recruitment and Retention Tax Credit for specific new professionals who move to the state after December 2024. It directly affects qualifying taxpayers certified in teaching (e.g., instructional or special education certificates), law enforcement (e.g., police academy graduates), or healthcare (e.g., registered nurses) who become Pennsylvania residents and secure employment in those fields. The credit reduces their state income tax bill for wages earned in qualifying roles, available for three consecutive years (including the first qualifying year), and requires proof of certification to the Department of Revenue. The credit expires December 31, 2030, and applies only to individuals becoming qualifying taxpayers between 2025 and 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 317 requires creators and distributors of AI-generated content in Pennsylvania to watermark at least 30% of images, text, simulations, or videos with 50% opacity and the label "Artificial Intelligence Generated Material." It directly affects individuals and businesses producing AI content, with exceptions for film/TV productions using AI for visual effects without involving specific individuals or with their written consent. Violations carry a $1,000 fine for a first offense and $10,000 for repeat offenses within five years. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 360 requires Pennsylvania colleges and universities to adopt clear written policies addressing sexual harassment and sexual violence. These policies must inform victims of their legal rights, meet or exceed a state model, include specific investigation timelines, and provide protections for victims and witnesses during investigations. The bill directly affects all postsecondary institutions in Pennsylvania by mandating standardized, legally compliant procedures for handling such incidents. It does not change criminal law or provide new victim services, but sets requirements for institutional policy and process. The bill is pending in the Education Committee as introduced in January 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 277 allows victims of sex trafficking to sue individuals or entities that recruit, profit from, or advertise for sex trade activities. The bill amends Pennsylvania's criminal code to create a civil legal pathway for victims to seek remedies in court, specifically targeting those who recruit victims, maintain them in sex trade acts, or cause bodily harm during such acts. It directly affects victims of sex trafficking and those who exploit them through recruitment, advertising, or financial gain. The law does not change criminal penalties but adds a civil remedy for victims to pursue compensation.

Maddy summaryHB 329 modifies Pennsylvania's school funding formula to adjust how state funds are distributed to school districts starting in fiscal year 2025-2026. It creates a new "Senior Citizen Tax Freeze" program (Section 504.1), allowing eligible seniors (65+ who own their homes) to freeze school property taxes at their base payment level, preventing increases beyond that amount. Seniors must apply within 45 days of tax due dates, provide proof of ownership and payment, and the state will reimburse school districts for tax increases above the base amount starting April 2025. The program is funded through the existing Property Tax Relief Reserve Fund, with payments made annually from that fund. This directly affects seniors owning homesteads in Pennsylvania school districts.

Maddy summaryHB 365 authorizes Pennsylvania to join the Cosmetology Licensure Compact, a multi-state agreement that allows cosmetologists licensed in one participating state to practice in other member states without obtaining separate licenses. The compact establishes uniform licensing standards and requires member states to share information about disciplinary actions against cosmetologists to protect public safety. This would primarily benefit cosmetologists moving across state lines, including military members and their spouses, by reducing the administrative burden of multiple licenses while maintaining consistent safety oversight.

Maddy summaryHB 320 amends Pennsylvania's public utility law to strengthen notice requirements for rate changes. It requires utilities to provide 60 days' advance notice to the Public Utility Commission and customers about proposed rate changes, using plain language in all customer communications. The bill mandates that rate change notices must clearly highlight the change on mail envelopes or exteriors, and all changes must be filed as new or updated tariffs. This directly affects utility companies (like gas, electric, and water providers) and their customers by increasing transparency around billing adjustments. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 356 requires Pennsylvania public and private schools serving grades 6-12 to provide annual, evidence-based training on youth suicide awareness and prevention (at least one hour per school year), along with violence prevention training (also one hour annually). For grades K-12, schools must also offer social inclusion training (one hour yearly) focused on identifying social isolation and building peer connections. The Pennsylvania Department of Education must develop and publish a list of approved, no-cost training materials within one year of the law's effective date. These requirements apply directly to all school entities in the state, mandating specific content for students and staff on mental health, violence prevention, and social inclusion.