Rep. Lee James

Maddy summaryHB 1091 amends Pennsylvania's intestate succession laws, which determine who inherits property when someone dies without a will. It specifically adjusts the distribution shares for relatives other than a surviving spouse, such as children or parents, in cases where no spouse is alive. The bill modifies existing rules to clarify or change how these non-spouse heirs receive assets from an estate. This directly affects individuals who die intestate with surviving children or other relatives but no spouse, altering their inheritance rights under current law.

Maddy summaryHB 1427 repeals the Pennsylvania Crime Commission Act of 1978, which established a state commission to investigate organized crime and public corruption. The repeal formally ends the legal authority of the Pennsylvania Crime Commission, which had already been scheduled to expire under its own sunset provision in 1994. This bill removes the commission from state statutes as a routine technical correction, eliminating an obsolete law that no longer had operational effect. The repeal does not create new policies or affect current operations, as the commission ceased functioning decades ago.

Maddy summaryHB 260 amends Pennsylvania's vehicle code to update provisions related to liquid fuels and fuel taxes, specifically creating a process for refunding overpaid taxes. It directly affects taxpayers, such as businesses or individuals, who paid excess fuel taxes under previous regulations. The bill establishes clear mechanisms for claiming refunds, including eligibility criteria and submission procedures for those who qualify. This change aims to streamline tax recovery without altering the underlying tax rates or collection methods.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a symbolic resolution designating August 7, 2025, as "Purple Heart Day" within Pennsylvania. It directly affects the state government and its citizens by encouraging official recognition of Purple Heart recipients on that date. The key provision is the formal designation of a specific date for commemoration, not a change to benefits or laws. It serves purely as an observance to honor military service members awarded the Purple Heart.

Maddy summaryHB 649 would amend Pennsylvania's vehicle inspection laws to allow police officers and state workers to conduct vehicle inspections. This expands the current process, which typically requires inspections by certified mechanics at designated stations. The bill directly affects vehicle owners who may now face inspections by law enforcement or state personnel during traffic stops or routine patrols. It does not change safety standards but alters who can perform the inspections.

Maddy summaryHB 179 would allow Pennsylvania schools to provide or sell milk produced within the state for meals and snacks. It directly affects school districts and Pennsylvania dairy farmers by enabling them to use locally produced milk in school food programs. The bill removes current restrictions that prevent schools from prioritizing Pennsylvania milk in procurement. This policy change aims to support the state's dairy industry through school contracts.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes Pennsylvania's medical assistance rules for nursing home residents. It allows eligible individuals to keep more of their personal money by adjusting how personal needs costs (like toiletries or small purchases) are deducted from their benefits. The key provision modifies the deduction calculation so residents' own funds aren't reduced when covering these daily expenses. This directly affects nursing home residents qualifying for state medical assistance programs.

Maddy summaryHB 1846 amends Pennsylvania's 1971 Tax Reform Code to exempt compensation earned by individuals under 18 years old from personal income tax. This provision directly affects minor workers, such as teenagers with part-time jobs or summer employment, by excluding their earnings from taxable income. The bill adds a new tax exemption clause (303(a.7)(2)(i)(F)) specifying that compensation received by under-18 taxpayers is not subject to tax. The exemption applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025, and takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryHB 1847 names a specific bridge on Pennsylvania Route 729 over Gazzam Run in Jordan Township, Clearfield County (Bridge Key 11527) as the "PFC Raymond Lee McGarvey Memorial Bridge." This bill directly affects the location by changing its official designation to honor PFC Raymond Lee McGarvey, a military service member. As a ceremonial resolution, it involves no policy changes or funding, solely commemorating an individual through a bridge naming. The bill is currently referred to the Transportation committee for consideration.

Maddy summaryHB 1823 amends Pennsylvania's gaming laws to adjust how net slot machine revenue is distributed to the State Gaming Fund. The bill changes the allocation method for funds collected from slot machines, directly affecting state and local programs that receive these revenues, such as community development and public safety initiatives. Key provisions include revising the formulas or categories for distributing the revenue, though specific changes are not detailed in the bill title. This legislation modifies the existing framework for managing gaming revenue without altering the fund's core purpose.