Rep. Lee James

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates September 25, 2025, as "Disabled American Veterans Day" in Pennsylvania to honor veterans wounded in military service and recognize the advocacy and support provided by the Disabled American Veterans organization. It does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges these contributions through a state-recognized observance. The bill directly affects Pennsylvania residents by establishing a symbolic day of recognition for these veterans and the organization.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates September 28, 2025, as "Gold Star Mother's and Family Day" in Pennsylvania. It formally recognizes Pennsylvania families who have lost a member in military service, encouraging state-level acknowledgment of their sacrifice. The bill does not create new legal obligations or funding but establishes an annual observance to honor these families. As a ceremonial resolution, it directly affects Pennsylvania residents by designating a specific day for commemoration.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a symbolic resolution designating September 18, 2025, as "U.S. Air Force Birthday" within Pennsylvania. It directly affects Pennsylvania residents by formally recognizing this date for commemorative purposes through state legislative action. The resolution has no policy impact or funding provisions - it serves only as a ceremonial acknowledgment of the U.S. Air Force's anniversary. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new laws or alter existing ones.

Maddy summaryHB 2075 amends Pennsylvania's prison and parole laws to clarify who must undergo reentry supervision after release from prison. It specifies that reentry supervision does not apply to individuals sentenced to death, life imprisonment, those ineligible for parole, or people subject to mandatory probation for certain sexual offenses. This change affects the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole by narrowing the scope of its oversight to specific offenders. The bill aims to define reentry supervision requirements more precisely for eligible individuals.

Maddy summaryHB 2062 establishes six specialized emergency response teams within the Pennsylvania State Police, one for each of six designated geographic regions (Northwest, North Central, Northeast, Southeast, Central-South Central, and Southwest). These teams will handle incidents requiring rapid, tactical responses, with the State Police Commissioner setting their duties and mandatory training requirements. The training covers critical skills like safe building entry, team communication during operations, threat identification under stress, and preventing friendly fire. The bill mandates that the Commissioner develop selection criteria for team members and distribute these to regional stations.

Maddy summaryHB 1787 amends Pennsylvania laws governing financial reporting for boroughs and cities. It requires local elected officials to complete, file, and publish annual auditor's reports and financial statements, and mandates that these reports be submitted to the Department of Community and Economic Development. The bill also establishes penalties for failure to meet these reporting deadlines. These changes directly affect borough and city governments across Pennsylvania by increasing transparency requirements for their financial operations.

Maddy summaryHB 1528 establishes the Grand-family Assistance Program to provide financial support to grandparents and other relatives raising grandchildren. It creates a dedicated fund to make regular payments to local area agencies on aging, which will administer the program and assist eligible families. The bill requires the Department of Aging to manage the program and oversee fund distribution, ensuring direct support reaches affected relatives caring for children. This policy change directly affects grandfamilies and local aging services agencies through structured financial aid and administrative responsibilities.

Maddy summaryHB 1720 amends Pennsylvania's Second Class Township Code to update requirements for financial reporting by townships. It directly affects Second Class townships by specifying how they must complete, file, and publish their annual financial statements and reports. The bill establishes clearer procedures for township auditors and accountants to ensure timely and standardized financial disclosures. This change aims to improve transparency and accountability in local government finances without altering tax rates or funding levels.

Maddy summaryHB 1664 establishes a state grant program and a dedicated fund to provide financial assistance for renovating or redeveloping older buildings. The Older Building Redevelopment Assistance Grant Program would offer grants to property owners and developers to update aging commercial or residential structures, with funding sourced from the newly created Older Building Redevelopment Fund. This bill directly affects owners of older buildings seeking to redevelop properties that may lack modern infrastructure. The program aims to support local revitalization efforts through state-funded grants, though the bill remains pending after being laid on the table.

Maddy summaryHB 2055 requires Pennsylvania police officers to complete a mandatory basic tactical operations course as part of their certification training. The course covers practical skills like safe building entry, team communication during operations, threat identification under stress, and scenario-based training focused on officer safety and lawful force use. This new requirement applies specifically to police officers seeking certification under Pennsylvania's municipal police training rules. Completion of this course becomes a prerequisite for certification, directly affecting all new and existing officers needing to maintain their certification status.