Rep. Lee James

Maddy summaryHB 2054 would provide temporary financial and operational assistance to Pennsylvania's emergency response systems. It directly affects the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), Pennsylvania State Police, and the Office of State Treasurer by requiring them to implement specific support measures. The bill establishes duties for these agencies to manage and distribute this temporary aid, though it does not specify the exact emergency scenarios or funding amounts. As a substantive law-and-justice bill, it focuses on operational structure rather than broad policy changes. (Note: The bill is currently in the Judiciary committee referral stage as of November 19, 2025.)

Maddy summaryHB 1836 reorganizes Pennsylvania's township classification system by consolidating the existing "First Class Township Code" into a single, clear section of state law. It establishes that a township qualifies as "first class" only if it has a population density of at least 300 people per square mile (using U.S. Census data), and specifies how second-class townships can transition to first-class status through a voter-approved process. The bill requires townships seeking to change classification to submit a resolution with population data to voters at a general election, with the change taking effect January 1 after a majority vote. This directly affects townships that meet the population density threshold and wish to adopt first-class governance structures. The law updates procedural requirements but does not create new services or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 2051 updates Pennsylvania's false claims law to align with the federal False Claims Act. It directly affects state contractors, vendors, and others submitting claims for state funds by imposing liability for false or fraudulent claims. Key provisions include establishing damages, civil penalties, and allowing the Attorney General to pursue enforcement actions, while also enabling whistleblowers (via "qui tam" lawsuits) to file claims on behalf of the state. The bill also grants the Attorney General authority to issue civil investigative demands during fraud investigations. This bill, referred to the Judiciary Committee on November 19, 2025, focuses on strengthening state oversight of fraud involving public funds.

Maddy summaryHB 1777 amends Pennsylvania laws governing local governments (Titles 35 and 53) to update administrative procedures. It allows municipalities to hold emergency meetings via video call, clarifies rules for temporary leadership during emergencies (like filling vacant local offices), and removes outdated requirements about how local services are established. The bill directly affects county and municipal governments by changing how they conduct meetings and manage leadership succession during crises. It focuses on procedural updates rather than new policies or funding.

Maddy summaryHR 371 is a resolution directing Pennsylvania's Joint State Government Commission to study whether creating a shared training facility at Fort Indiantown Gap for the Pennsylvania National Guard and State Police is feasible. It would assess practical, financial, and operational aspects of establishing this joint facility. The Commission must issue a final report with findings and recommendations after completing the study. This resolution directly affects the National Guard and State Police by potentially enabling a new training site, but it does not create the facility itself.

Maddy summaryHB 1030 designates Hershey's Kisses as the official State candy of Pennsylvania. This symbolic bill does not impose any new laws, taxes, or regulations, nor does it directly affect any individuals or businesses. It serves solely as a ceremonial recognition of Hershey's Kisses, a candy brand produced by Hershey Foods Corporation in Pennsylvania. The bill passed through committee review and final passage in 2025 but has no practical policy impact beyond the designation.

Maddy summaryHB 961 requires visible markings on dams in Pennsylvania to help fish navigate past them, amending existing fish and dam regulations. It directly affects dam operators and owners who maintain structures impacting fish migration. The key provision mandates clear, standardized markings on dams to improve fish passage through migration devices like bar racks. This change aims to support fish conservation efforts by making dam structures more navigable for aquatic life. The bill focuses on practical infrastructure adjustments rather than new funding or penalties.

Maddy summaryHR 257 is a non-binding resolution designating November 2025 as "Diabetes Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It formally recognizes the need for public education about diabetes prevention, management, and support services during that month. This resolution does not create new laws, allocate funding, or directly affect any specific individuals or programs - it serves solely as a symbolic designation to encourage awareness efforts.

Maddy summaryHB 2032 amends Pennsylvania's retirement system rules for state employees and officers, affecting how they join, contribute to, and receive retirement benefits. It changes membership requirements (making some participation mandatory or optional), adjusts how years of service count toward benefits, and updates rules for ending retirement payments (annuities). The bill directly impacts current and future state workers by altering their retirement eligibility, contribution amounts, and benefit calculations under the state system. It does not change general public benefits but specifically targets state employee retirement program administration. The bill is currently under review by the State Government committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a symbolic resolution designating the week of November 17-21, 2025, as "Certified Public Accountant Week" in Pennsylvania. It directly recognizes the profession of Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) within the state through a formal legislative designation. The resolution has no policy or regulatory impact - it serves solely as a commemorative gesture without imposing new requirements or altering laws. The bill was adopted by the Pennsylvania legislature on November 17, 2025.