Rep. Lee James

Maddy summaryHB 2344 creates a new legal process in Pennsylvania for individuals to dispute debts they claim were incurred under coercion, such as domestic violence, fraud, or intimidation. The bill requires the state Treasury Department to develop a specific petition form that debtors must complete and submit to creditors, including details about the alleged abuse and documentation from qualified third parties like doctors or domestic violence advocates. If a creditor receives this petition, they are obligated to respond within ten business days and may request additional information to resolve the dispute in good faith. This legislation directly affects consumers facing debt collection and creditors who must handle claims of coerced debt according to these new procedural rules.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates the week of April 19 through 25, 2026, as "National Library Week" within the state. The measure serves as a commemorative recognition of the importance of libraries and library workers in the community. It does not create new laws or change any policies, but rather formally acknowledges the role libraries play in providing books, technology, and programs to residents across Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryHB 2035 extends the deadline for validating property transfers that were not properly notarized or signed under Pennsylvania's 1967 law. It directly affects property owners and sellers who have documents with defective acknowledgments, giving them more time to correct these issues. The bill modifies the original 1967 statute by setting a new cutoff date for submitting such corrections. This change provides a concrete administrative extension without altering property rights or introducing new requirements.

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges Pennsylvania municipalities, farmers, and private landowners to allow public hunting on their properties to help manage overabundant deer populations. It encourages these groups to utilize existing Pennsylvania Game Commission programs, such as the Deer Management Assistance Program and agricultural deer control permits, which require access to land for hunting. The bill highlights that deer overpopulation causes issues like vehicle collisions, crop damage, and tick-borne diseases, and it cites successful examples where local governments have opened public parks for hunting. Ultimately, the text serves as a non-binding recommendation to increase cooperation between landowners and state officials to address deer-related problems through regulated harvest.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania legislative resolution designates April 2026 as Esophageal Cancer Awareness and Prevention Month to highlight the disease's severity and promote public health awareness. The bill directly affects Pennsylvania residents by encouraging them to seek treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) to reduce their risk of developing esophageal cancer. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal declaration to raise awareness about early detection and prevention strategies.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific bridge in Altoona, Pennsylvania, as the Vietnam War Veteran Sgt. Calvin G. Maguire Memorial Bridge. The legislation formally names the structure, which carries State Route 4013 over the Norfolk Southern Railroad and 8th Avenue, to honor Sgt. Maguire, a local resident who was killed in action during his service in Vietnam. To implement this change, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is required to install and maintain signs displaying the new name for traffic traveling in both directions. The act will take effect 60 days after being signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Veterinary Medicine Practice Act to update definitions and clarify the roles of veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and veterinary assistants. It establishes specific criteria for what constitutes the practice of veterinary medicine and defines the scope of work allowed for veterinary technicians and nurses under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. The legislation also introduces new requirements for biennial continuing education and outlines rules for record-keeping and inspections by the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. Additionally, the bill sets forth penalties for violations and includes exemptions for certain activities, such as embryo transfer by animal owners.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates June 10, 2026, as "National Guard and Veterans Day" to honor the history and service of Pennsylvania's National Guard and veterans. The bill recognizes the unit's lineage dating back to 1747 and highlights its extensive contributions to both military operations and domestic emergencies. It serves as a commemorative measure rather than a law that changes funding or policy, aiming to acknowledge the state's military heritage and the roles played by its members.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Firefighter Cancer Screening Program and a dedicated Fund to provide cancer screening exams for eligible firefighters in Pennsylvania. The program defines eligible participants as firefighters from municipal, volunteer, or airport fire companies that meet specific criteria, such as having mutual aid agreements and responding to a minimum number of emergency calls. The Department of Health will issue benefits cards to these eligible individuals, allowing them to access medically necessary screenings using MRI or ultrasound at no cost to them. Additionally, the legislation outlines how the Budget Stabilization Reserve Fund should be managed and disposed of within special funds.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania vehicle registration rules to allow special plates for individuals with specific disabilities and their immediate family members. It defines eligibility for these plates based on conditions such as blindness, limited mobility, respiratory issues, or heart disease, while also including parents and spouses of those who qualify. The legislation permits each eligible applicant to receive up to two special plates for their own vehicles and allows motorcycles to display an access decal instead of a full plate. These changes would officially designate the vehicles as being used by people with disabilities, with the new rules taking effect 60 days after the bill is passed.