Rep. Lee James

Maddy summaryHB 1405 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to create new pathways for veterans to become career and technical teachers in public schools. It allows veterans who served at least 8,000 hours (four years full-time) in an occupation they will teach to qualify for a Career and Technical Intern Certificate or Career and Technical Instructional I Certificate, bypassing some standard certification requirements. The bill specifically defines "veteran" as someone discharged under honorable conditions from U.S. Armed Forces, including National Guard or reserves. This directly affects veterans seeking teaching roles in career and technical education programs across Pennsylvania's public schools.

Maddy summaryHR 357 establishes a legislative Hunger Task Force to study hunger, food insecurity, and access to healthy food within the Commonwealth. The task force will analyze these issues and develop findings and recommendations for state policymakers. This resolution affects state-level planning and future policy decisions but does not create new laws or programs. It is a procedural step to guide potential future legislative action on food access.

Maddy summaryHB 1981 updates Pennsylvania's vehicle registration rules to expand exemptions for farm vehicles. It directly affects farmers and agricultural operations by removing registration fees for certain farm vehicles used in farming activities. The key provision modifies Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to clarify which farm vehicles qualify for fee exemptions and adjusts related registration requirements. This change aims to reduce administrative burdens for agricultural users operating on their own property.

Maddy summaryHB 1982 standardizes a fee for 911 emergency services across all Pennsylvania counties, replacing inconsistent local charges with a uniform rate collected on phone bills. It establishes a specific end date for the current 911 funding system and repeals outdated provisions in the law. This change directly affects county emergency services providers and phone users who pay the fee. The bill aims to create consistency in how 911 services are funded statewide.

Maddy summaryHB 1856 amends Pennsylvania's Second Class Township Code to add specific requirements for mowing roadside vegetation on township roads, streets, bridges, and highways. It directly affects second-class townships by mandating standardized mowing procedures, including timing and safety protocols. The bill establishes clear operational rules for township maintenance crews, replacing vague prior language with defined practices. This is a procedural update to existing infrastructure maintenance rules, not a new policy initiative.

Maddy summaryHR 335 is a resolution honoring U.S. Army Air Forces Warrant Officer William J. McMichael. It expresses condolences to his family and commends with gratitude the recovery and return of his remains. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new policies or affect any specific group. The resolution was adopted by the House on October 8, 2025, and later laid on the table.

Maddy summaryHR 288 is a symbolic resolution adopted by Pennsylvania's legislature to designate October 13, 2025, as the "250th Birthday of the United States Navy" within the state. This resolution serves as a ceremonial recognition of the Navy's anniversary, with no legal effect or policy changes. It does not impose obligations, allocate funds, or affect any specific group or policy. The bill was formally adopted on October 8, 2025, following committee review.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors Warrant Officer William J. McMichael's service in the U.S. Army Air Forces, expresses condolences to his family, and commends the return of his remains. It directly affects his family and the public through symbolic recognition of his military legacy. As a commemorative resolution (not a policy bill), it does not create new laws or alter regulations. The bill is currently on the uncontested calendar for potential passage.

Maddy summaryHR 303 is a Pennsylvania state resolution designating October 2025 as "Agent Orange Awareness Month." It raises public awareness about Agent Orange exposure and its health impacts on veterans without creating new laws or funding. The resolution directly affects Pennsylvania veterans and their families by highlighting this issue during the designated month. It was adopted by the state legislature on October 7, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1918 prohibits individuals or entities from charging fees for assisting veterans with benefits claims in Pennsylvania, directly affecting veterans' advocates, lawyers, and representatives who prepare or submit claims. It bans charging for services before a claim is formally filed, guarantees of specific benefits, excessive fees (citing federal fee guidelines), and referral payments. The bill requires written agreements outlining all fees before services begin and defines "compensation" broadly to include any financial benefit. Violations are classified as a third-degree misdemeanor.