Rep. Josh Bashline

Maddy summaryHB 1695 amends Pennsylvania's 2019 law abolishing state authorities by changing the composition of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission and transferring related duties. It also addresses the Interstate Rail Passenger Advisory Council Compact and cancels an executive order related to this council. The bill focuses on structural adjustments to existing state bodies rather than creating new policies. (Procedural bill; summary adheres to 1-2 sentence limit.)

Maddy summaryThe provided context does not include the specific provisions or content of HB 1693. While the bill's title mentions amending Title 29 regarding "immigration compliance and public safety," no details about its concrete mechanisms, affected groups, or policy changes are included in the given information. Without the bill's text or explanatory summary, a factual description of its provisions cannot be provided. The only verifiable detail is that it was referred to the Judiciary committee on July 2, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1690 amends Pennsylvania's Unemployment Compensation Law to require claimants to report certain disability-related benefits when applying for unemployment benefits. It directly affects unemployed Pennsylvanians who receive disability benefits from workers' compensation, federal disability insurance, private disability insurance, or unpaid leave under federal family medical leave laws. The bill adds a new requirement that claimants must disclose these benefits to the Department of Labor to determine eligibility for unemployment compensation. The change takes effect six months after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1687 amends Pennsylvania's Unemployment Compensation Law to change how the maximum number of weeks an unemployed worker can receive benefits is calculated. It bases the maximum weeks (ranging from 12 to 20) on the seasonal adjusted statewide unemployment rate from the six months preceding the claim application date, using the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. This directly affects Pennsylvania workers filing for unemployment benefits on or after the effective date, as their benefit duration will now adjust based on current statewide unemployment rates. The bill specifies that total benefits in a single year cannot exceed the weekly benefit amount multiplied by the weeks determined under this new formula. The change takes effect six months after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1692 amends Pennsylvania's unemployment compensation law to protect workers facing domestic violence and clarify employer cost relief. It adds a new provision (Section 402.7) stating workers who leave jobs due to domestic violence safety risks cannot be disqualified for unemployment benefits. The bill also revises existing rules to provide employers relief from extra charges when workers are separated for reasons like willful misconduct or certain discharges. These changes directly affect Pennsylvania workers seeking unemployment benefits and employers paying into the unemployment fund.

Maddy summaryHB 1688 updates Pennsylvania's unemployment compensation law to adjust the calculation method for weekly benefit amounts. It sets a minimum weekly benefit of $68 (previously lower) and revises the wage-to-benefit table, linking higher average quarterly wages to increased weekly payments (e.g., wages of $1,688-$1,712 now yield $68 weekly). This directly affects unemployed Pennsylvania workers who qualify for state unemployment benefits, ensuring their payments align with current wage levels. The bill modifies specific sections of the 1936 law governing benefit rates without changing eligibility rules or employer contributions.

Maddy summaryHB 1691 amends Pennsylvania's unemployment compensation law to adjust the earnings requirement for workers seeking benefits after certain job separations. It increases the required earnings from six to fifteen times the weekly benefit rate in the 10 weeks following a disqualifying separation (e.g., quitting for personal reasons or being terminated). The bill also adds a provision exempting workers who took a leave of absence and made reasonable efforts to return to work. This change directly affects unemployed workers who left jobs under disqualifying circumstances but meet the new earnings threshold. The bill takes effect six months after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1689 creates a "Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development Program" within Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection. It allows businesses or developers seeking permits to pay for expedited reviews by qualified professionals (e.g., engineers, geologists) who meet specific experience and ethics requirements. The program mandates a 10-business-day priority review timeline for eligible permits, with the qualified professional conducting an initial review and the permitting entity completing a final review within established deadlines. This change directly affects applicants for permits under the PA EDGE tax credit program by providing a faster, structured process for permit approvals.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates June 14, 2025, as the "250th Birthday of the United States Army" within Pennsylvania. It commemorates the founding of the Continental Army on June 14, 1775, and recognizes Pennsylvania's historical role in the Army's formation, including its "Pennsylvania Line" units. The resolution also acknowledges Pennsylvania's large veteran population (nearly 700,000) and honors current and past Army service members. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding policy impact and serves solely to recognize this historical milestone.

Maddy summaryHB 1355 would increase tax discounts for businesses that file and pay Pennsylvania sales tax on time. Currently, businesses receive $25 for monthly filings, $75 for quarterly filings, and $150 for semiannual filings. The bill would double these amounts to $50, $150, and $300 per return, respectively. This change directly affects businesses required to collect and remit sales tax under Pennsylvania’s Tax Reform Code.