Rep. Lee James

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution urges federal leaders to address improper payments of Critical Skill Incentives at the Department of Veterans Affairs. It highlights that the Office of Inspector General found nearly $11 million was incorrectly used to give bonuses to over 180 senior executives instead of supporting employees with high-demand skills. The document calls for swift corrective action to recover these funds and improve oversight to prevent future misuse of taxpayer money.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Pennsylvania municipalities to create and enforce a registration system for vacant and blighted properties within their borders. Under the new rules, property owners of such sites would be required to pay a fee to the local government, which can also hire outside companies to manage the registry and collect payments. The legislation includes exemptions for properties owned by federal, state, or local governments and outlines a process for owners to have their properties removed from the registry once they meet specific improvement standards. Municipalities that choose to adopt this program must clearly inform owners of the listing requirements and the steps needed to resolve the status of their property.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's County Code to update the list of purchases that county commissioners can make without requiring public advertising or competitive bidding. Specifically, it clarifies that the purchase of milk by second-class A counties falls under this exemption, allowing these entities to acquire milk directly without a formal bidding process. The change applies only to second-class A counties and does not alter the procedures for other county classes or types of purchases. The legislation is set to take effect 60 days after it is signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill amends the state's Tax Reform Code to update how corporations can deduct net losses against their taxable income. It establishes new rules that increase the maximum amount of net loss a company can use to reduce its tax bill in any given year, with the limit rising over time until it reaches 100% of taxable income for years starting after December 31, 2024. The legislation also clarifies how long past losses can be carried forward to offset future profits, extending the carryover period for losses generated after 1997 to 20 years. These changes directly affect corporations filing state income tax returns by allowing them to lower their current tax liability more aggressively when they have incurred losses.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a comprehensive study of all permits issued by the Department of Environmental Protection. The review will examine the department's legal authority, track permit wait times and application methods, and compare state practices to identify areas for improvement. The committee must submit a final report with its findings and recommendations to the chairs of the relevant environmental committees within one year. This action is intended to assess the efficiency and clarity of the permitting process without changing any existing laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Dog Law by refining definitions and regulations for dog kennels, particularly regarding the importation of animals. It clarifies what constitutes a commercial kennel versus a nonprofit service dog kennel, establishing a lower annual licensing fee of $35 for the latter. The legislation also mandates stricter health protocols for imported dogs, requiring specific veterinary tests and a 14-day quarantine period unless certain conditions are met. Additionally, the bill outlines criteria for revoking kennel licenses if owners are convicted of animal cruelty or sexual offenses against animals.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific bridge in York County as the Private Edward J. Stambaugh Memorial Bridge to honor a local World War II veteran. The legislation officially names the structure after Private Stambaugh, who served in the U.S. Army and died during the D-Day invasion in 1944. It requires the Department of Transportation to install and maintain signs displaying the new name for traffic traveling both directions. The act will become effective 60 days after being signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the World Health Organization, the United Nations, and the World Economic Forum from exercising any jurisdiction or authority within Pennsylvania. It explicitly bans state and local government agencies from enforcing, implementing, or complying with any rules, regulations, fees, taxes, or mandates issued by these three international groups. The law takes effect 60 days after being signed into legislation.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific bridge in Dover Township, York County, as the Corporal William E. Heilman Memorial Bridge to honor a local Marine Corps veteran who died in Vietnam. The legislation officially names the structure and requires the Department of Transportation to install and maintain signs displaying the new name for drivers. By formally recognizing Corporal Heilman's service and sacrifice, the act serves as a commemorative tribute rather than altering any transportation regulations or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws regarding abandoned vehicles to streamline how the state notifies owners and lienholders before disposing of unclaimed cars. It requires the Department of Transportation to send certified mail notices to known owners and lienholders within 10 business days of receiving a report, or to publish a notice in a local newspaper if those parties cannot be identified. Once a 30-day waiting period passes without the vehicle being reclaimed, the department must authorize disposal within 10 business days. Additionally, the bill sets a 10-day limit for the department to approve or deny applications for salvage certificates for nonrepairable vehicles, ensuring faster processing for vehicles that cannot be fixed.