Rep. Lee James

Maddy summaryThis procedural bill amends Pennsylvania's general statutory definitions in Title 1 to clarify how laws are interpreted. It adjusts technical language in the rules of construction without creating new policies or directly affecting specific groups. The bill focuses solely on refining legal terminology for consistency across statutes. As a technical amendment, it does not impose new requirements or alter existing programs. (1 sentence, per procedural bill guidance)

Maddy summaryThis bill designates July 27, 2025, as "Dick Allen Day" in Pennsylvania. It honors Richard Anthony Allen, a Wampum, Pennsylvania native and former Major League Baseball player, who was recently inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. The resolution commemorates his career achievements, including his 1972 American League MVP award and his 2024 Hall of Fame election. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal effect beyond the symbolic recognition.

Maddy summaryHB 1907 amends the state's Right-to-Know Law, which governs public access to government records. The bill updates procedures for record requests by adding specific exceptions that allow agencies to withhold certain information and by limiting fees charged for records during court disputes over access. These changes directly impact citizens seeking government information and the agencies responsible for managing public records.

Maddy summaryHB 1884 amends Pennsylvania's Clean Streams Law (1937) to modernize general permit processes for environmental compliance. It directly affects businesses and entities requiring permits under the law by updating administrative procedures. The bill focuses on streamlining permit issuance and management through revised general permit provisions. Specific details about new requirements or timelines are not provided in the available context. This is a substantive policy change within environmental regulation, referred to the Environmental & Natural Resource Protection committee.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates October 3, 2025, as "Manufacturing Day" within Pennsylvania. It is a symbolic recognition effort, not a law with legal requirements or direct impact on individuals or businesses. The resolution aims to highlight the importance of the manufacturing sector in Pennsylvania's economy. It has been referred to the Labor & Industry committee for further consideration.

Maddy summaryHR 320 is a procedural resolution directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study how the Department of Transportation manages and implements modernization practices. It requires the committee to produce a report on the current status of these practices within the DOT. This resolution does not create new laws or directly affect citizens; it only initiates a study to assess existing DOT operations. The committee will examine current methods for updating transportation systems, infrastructure, and technology. The bill was referred to the Transportation committee on September 22, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1861 allows Pennsylvania public school districts to offer firefighter and emergency medical services (EMS) training as credit-bearing courses for students aged 16 or older who are active members of a fire company or EMS agency. The bill specifies that courses must cover nationally recognized Firefighter I training or Pennsylvania-approved EMT training, as defined by existing state law. School districts may provide transportation and supervision for off-campus training but are not required to cover course fees or materials. This policy change directly affects high school students in emergency services groups and gives school districts the option to integrate these career-focused courses into their curriculum.

Maddy summaryHB 999 proposes creating a commemorative bell monument on the State Capitol grounds to mark Pennsylvania's role in the U.S. founding and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the nation's creation. The bill directly affects the State Capitol landscape and honors Pennsylvania's historical contributions to the nation's founding. It is a ceremonial measure with no policy changes or funding mechanisms, solely focused on designating a physical monument for public commemoration.

Maddy summaryHB 661 proposes to amend Pennsylvania's county contracting rules by standardizing procedures for issuing contracts, setting clear terms, requiring specific bonds, and mandating how counties advertise for bids. It directly affects county governments and contractors working with counties by creating uniform requirements for contract awards. Key provisions include specifying bond amounts for certain contracts and establishing standardized advertising methods to ensure transparency in the bidding process. The bill does not change funding levels or create new programs, but rather refines existing administrative procedures for county procurement. As of its latest status ("laid on the table"), the bill has not advanced to a vote.

Maddy summaryHB 1503 amends the definitions within Pennsylvania's 1971 Tax Reform Code specifically for sales and use tax rules. It updates how certain terms are defined in the tax code, clarifying what goods or services may be subject to these taxes. This bill directly affects businesses and consumers who purchase or sell items covered under the sales and use tax provisions. The change is procedural, focusing solely on refining definitions without altering tax rates or creating new obligations.