Rep. Lee James

Maddy summaryHB 1602 amends Pennsylvania's Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Screening Act to update the program's short title, definitions, and administrative structure. It clarifies operational details without changing the core screening services provided to patients. The bill directly affects the Pennsylvania Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Screening Program, healthcare providers offering screenings, and patients seeking preventive care. The bill was referred to the Insurance committee on June 16, 2025, for further review.

Maddy summaryHB 1595 removes Pennsylvania's state-specific regulations for heavy-duty diesel vehicle emissions (25 Pa. Code Ch. 126 Subch. E) and replaces them with federal standards. It directly affects heavy-duty diesel vehicle owners, operators, and manufacturers in Pennsylvania who previously had to comply with the state's emissions control program. The bill's key mechanism is the immediate abrogation of Pennsylvania's program, making federal emissions standards the only applicable requirement for these vehicles in the state. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryHR 227 is a ceremonial resolution designating August 17-23, 2025, as "Little League World Series Week" in Pennsylvania. It recognizes the Little League World Series, held annually in South Williamsport, as a celebration of youth sports, community volunteers, and Pennsylvania’s historical role as the founding home of Little League (1939). The resolution encourages Pennsylvanians to observe the week by attending events, honoring volunteers, and supporting local youth sports. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but formally acknowledges the event’s cultural and economic significance to the state.

Maddy summaryHB 1570 designates the bridge carrying Interstate 99 over PA Route 36 in Logan Township, Blair County, as the Jack E. and Sheldon L. Chambers Memorial Bridge. This bill is a procedural naming resolution with no policy changes or direct impact on regulations, laws, or affected populations. It commemorates the Chambers family through the official designation of a specific bridge structure.

Maddy summaryHB 1579 is a comprehensive bill that updates Pennsylvania's laws governing constables, townships, police officers, and related roles. It replaces outdated rules with new requirements for constable uniforms, bonds, debt collection, and conflict-of-interest restrictions, while repealing obsolete provisions like those for forest law arrests and impounding fees. The bill directly affects local law enforcement officials, townships, and bail bond agents by restructuring their legal duties and compensation rules. It also creates county constabulary review boards and assigns oversight duties to the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. The bill was recently referred to the Judiciary Committee for review.

Maddy summaryHB 463 prohibits "speculative ticketing," which involves buying event tickets to resell them at significantly higher prices before the event occurs. It directly affects consumers who face inflated prices and ticket sellers engaging in this practice. The bill amends the Unfair Trade Practices Law to ban buying or selling tickets for profit based on anticipated demand, not actual ownership. The bill passed the House on June 4, 2025, and is now pending review by the Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure committee.

Maddy summaryHB 1563 amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code of 1971 to update the process for filing state income tax returns. It directly affects taxpayers who submit annual income tax filings to the state. The bill specifies new procedures for tax return submission, though the exact details of the procedural changes are not provided in the available context. The bill was referred to the Finance committee on June 5, 2025, for further consideration.

Maddy summaryHB 1566 creates two new pilot programs within Pennsylvania's Career and Technical Centers: one for cosmetology training and another for barber training. The bill directly affects students seeking these specific vocational qualifications by allowing them to enroll in these programs at designated Career and Technical Centers. Key provisions establish the framework for these pilot programs under the existing Public School Code, including requirements for program implementation and oversight. The bill aims to expand access to licensed cosmetology and barber training through existing career education infrastructure.

Maddy summaryHB 1555 amends Pennsylvania's inheritance tax rules by changing when a 5% discount applies. Previously, taxpayers could claim the discount if they paid the tax within three months of the decedent's death. The bill now requires payment within three months *after receiving the tax notice* (issued under Section 2140) to qualify for the discount. This change affects estate administrators who pay inheritance tax, with the new rule applying to tax years starting after December 31, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1548 authorizes Pennsylvania's State Workers' Insurance Board to sell health insurance policies directly to the general public, not just state workers. The program must include minimum coverage for inpatient/outpatient hospital care, emergency services, preventive care, and basic medical services like doctor visits, physical therapy, and lab tests. The Board may borrow up to 40% of the State Workers' Insurance Fund’s annual balance to cover claims and administrative costs, with premiums partially funding loan repayments. This program will begin on January 1, 2026, offering a new public option for health insurance in Pennsylvania.