Rep. Lee James

Maddy summaryHB 1206 would add a new section to Pennsylvania's Public School Code allowing public schools (including districts, charter schools, and cyber charters) to employ or approve volunteer "certified school chaplains." These chaplains must be certified by organizations like the National School Chaplain Association and pass background checks required for school staff/volunteers, but do not need state certification. School boards must vote within six months of the law's effective date to decide whether to permit chaplains in their schools. The bill directly affects Pennsylvania public schools and their students/employees who may interact with chaplains, creating a framework for optional chaplain services.

Maddy summaryHB 1199 requires all bills and joint resolutions introduced in the Pennsylvania General Assembly to include a preamble clearly stating the original purpose of the legislation. This procedural change directly affects legislators, staff, and drafters who prepare new bills. The key provision mandates that every introduced bill must contain this concise purpose statement in its preamble, aiming to increase transparency about legislative intent. The bill is procedural in nature and does not address substantive policy issues.

Maddy summaryHB 1221 requires nonprofit organizations entering public-private partnerships with the Pennsylvania state government (via executive order) to meet new transparency standards. Specifically, these nonprofits must comply with Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law, submit annual financial reports to the Governor and General Assembly using standard government accounting practices, publicly disclose all purchases involving state officials within 10 business days, and adhere to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The bill directly affects nonprofit entities partnering with the Commonwealth, imposing mandatory disclosure and reporting obligations. It takes effect 60 days after enactment, aiming to increase accountability in state-funded nonprofit partnerships.

Maddy summaryHB 1193 proposes a constitutional amendment to update voter qualifications in Pennsylvania. It would lower the voting age from 21 to 18, reduce residency requirements to 30 days for state and local election districts (from 90 and 60 days), and require government-issued ID for in-person voting and mail-in ballots (with signature matching). Voters must also register at least 30 days before an election, with registration requiring pre-confirmation of eligibility. The amendment must be approved by the General Assembly and then by voters in a statewide election.

Maddy summaryHB 1201 amends Pennsylvania's Milk Sanitation Law to allow dairy permit holders to sell raw milk and dairy products containing raw milk. It directly affects licensed dairy producers by removing a prior restriction under 7 Pa. Code § 59a.402(b), which had limited such sales. The bill adds a new provision requiring the Secretary of Agriculture to permit these sales, effective 60 days after enactment. This change specifically updates regulatory handling of raw milk products under existing dairy permits.

Maddy summaryHB 1190 amends Pennsylvania law to automatically classify veteran-owned small businesses as "small diverse businesses" under Title 51 (Military Affairs). This change eliminates the need for veteran-owned small businesses to seek separate verification to qualify under programs designated for small diverse businesses. The bill directly affects veteran entrepreneurs operating small businesses in Pennsylvania who previously faced additional administrative steps. The policy takes effect 60 days after enactment, streamlining access to relevant state contracting and support programs.

Maddy summaryHB 1204 amends Pennsylvania's State Highway Law to require the Department of Highways to fund and maintain all State highways within boroughs and incorporated towns at state expense. The bill specifically mandates that the department improve, reconstruct, and maintain these highways to widths and types determined by the Secretary, and also covers surface and subsurface drainage facilities connected to them. This directly affects Pennsylvania municipalities (boroughs and towns) by shifting responsibility for highway upkeep from local governments to the state. The changes take effect 60 days after enactment, clarifying state funding for infrastructure maintenance in incorporated areas.

Maddy summaryHB 1168 allows Pennsylvania vehicle owners and driver's license applicants to voluntarily contribute $5 (for license or one-year registration) or $10 (for two-year registration) to their local fire company when paying fees. These contributions are added to standard registration or license renewal costs and collected by the Department of Motor Vehicles. Quarterly, the funds are transferred to the newly created Local Fire Company Fund and distributed by the State Fire Commissioner to fire companies based on the registered addresses of contributors. The bill directly supports local fire departments through a streamlined, voluntary public contribution mechanism.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates April 14-18, 2025, as "Local Government Week" and April 16, 2025, as "Local Government Day" within the state. It formally recognizes the role of local government units - such as counties, cities, townships, boroughs, and municipal authorities - by commending officials and employees who provide essential services to residents. The resolution highlights that Pennsylvania's local governments serve over 13 million people through nearly 166,000 employees and thousands of volunteer officials. It has no binding policy effect and serves solely as a symbolic acknowledgment of local government contributions.

Maddy summaryHB 1171 amends Pennsylvania's Liquor Code to modify rules for businesses holding "wine expanded permits." It allows these permit holders to sell up to 3,000 milliliters (about 101 ounces) of wine per transaction for off-premises consumption during their regular operating hours. The bill also clarifies that wine sales for take-home use cannot occur after 11:00 PM until the business's next permitted operating hours, including Sundays if authorized. This directly affects existing licensed businesses (like wineries or restaurants) with wine expanded permits seeking to sell wine for customers to take away.