Rep. Lee James

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to change firearm authorization rules for campus police at state universities. It requires campus police to meet state certification standards before carrying firearms and voids all existing resolutions authorizing campus police to carry weapons. The policy directly affects campus police officers and trustees councils across Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education. The change takes effect 60 days after enactment, replacing prior authorization processes with new certification requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 328 amends Pennsylvania's Dam Safety and Encroachments Act to require the Department of Environmental Protection to authorize stream clearing activities up to 250 feet from water obstructions (like dams) when issuing emergency permits during declared disasters. It directly affects Commonwealth agencies and local governments seeking emergency clearance for flood or safety risks. The bill mandates this 250-foot radius for emergency permits requested by these entities when a Federal, State, or county disaster emergency is officially declared. This change streamlines emergency response without altering standard permit requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 351 amends Pennsylvania law to create a new misdemeanor offense for municipal elected officials or public employees who undermine state law enforcement. Specifically, it prohibits officials from approving laws that decriminalize state-prohibited activities, altering penalties for state offenses, directing peace officers not to enforce state laws, or creating alternative enforcement methods. Any municipal law, regulation, or policy conflicting with state law is declared null and void. The bill excludes the Attorney General, district attorneys, and peace officers from these provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 327 creates a new continuous maintenance permit for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and municipalities (including counties, cities, and townships) to maintain waterways, dams, and related infrastructure without needing repeated state approvals. To qualify, applicants must have no history of significant violations and agree to maintain specified areas under the permit. Permits last at least 10 years, require annual reports of maintenance activities by January 15 each year, and can be renewed automatically after 10 years of compliance. This streamlines routine upkeep while ensuring accountability through reporting and adherence to engineering standards.

Maddy summaryHB 317 requires creators and distributors of AI-generated content in Pennsylvania to watermark at least 30% of images, text, simulations, or videos with 50% opacity and the label "Artificial Intelligence Generated Material." It directly affects individuals and businesses producing AI content, with exceptions for film/TV productions using AI for visual effects without involving specific individuals or with their written consent. Violations carry a $1,000 fine for a first offense and $10,000 for repeat offenses within five years. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 277 allows victims of sex trafficking to sue individuals or entities that recruit, profit from, or advertise for sex trade activities. The bill amends Pennsylvania's criminal code to create a civil legal pathway for victims to seek remedies in court, specifically targeting those who recruit victims, maintain them in sex trade acts, or cause bodily harm during such acts. It directly affects victims of sex trafficking and those who exploit them through recruitment, advertising, or financial gain. The law does not change criminal penalties but adds a civil remedy for victims to pursue compensation.

Maddy summaryHB 368 clarifies Pennsylvania's vehicle registration law to allow owners of antique, classic, vintage, collectible, or historic military vehicle plates to operate these vehicles for transporting people or property, or towing another vehicle, to permitted events (like car shows or club gatherings) without violating non-commercial use rules. This directly affects Pennsylvania residents who hold these special vehicle registration plates. The bill explicitly states that such transportation or towing is permitted only if the owner receives no payment or compensation for the service. The amendment takes immediate effect upon passage and does not change existing requirements for non-commercial use of these vehicles.

Maddy summaryHB 299 designates March 4 as Charter Day, June 14 as Flag Day, and September 17 as Constitution Day for annual observance in Pennsylvania. The bill explains these dates commemorate historical events: William Penn's 1681 charter, the 1777 adoption of the U.S. flag, and the 1787 signing of the U.S. Constitution. Crucially, the bill clarifies that these designations do not require employers to treat the days as official holidays or provide paid leave. This is a commemorative measure with no new legal obligations for businesses or government entities.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 17) designates March 15, 2026, as "Legislative Branch Day" in Pennsylvania. It commemorates the historical significance of Pennsylvania's General Assembly, including its founding in 1682 and role in shaping U.S. governance. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it serves only as a symbolic observance to honor the legislature's legacy. It does not affect any individuals, organizations, or existing laws.

Maddy summaryHB 279 amends Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law to require state agencies (Commonwealth, legislative, and judicial) to submit contracts over $10,000 to the Treasury Department within 10 days of execution. Agencies must provide a detailed summary including contract dates, amounts, parties, and subject matter, and submit semi-annual attestations confirming compliance. Non-compliant agencies risk delayed or rejected payments for associated contracts. This bill directly affects all state agencies entering qualifying contracts, increasing the reporting threshold from $5,000 to $10,000 while standardizing contract data submission and public disclosure.