Rep. Lee James

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific bridge on U.S. Route 219 in Cambria County as the Sgt. Jason Dale Kriedler Memorial Bridge in honor of a local veteran. The legislation formally names the structure after Sgt. Kriedler, who served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was reported missing in action in 1950. To implement this change, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is required to install and maintain official signs displaying the new name for drivers traveling in both directions. The act will become effective 60 days after it is passed.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution designates September 11, 2026, as the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, Al Qaeda attacks within the state. The measure formally honors the victims, their families, and the first responders who sacrificed their lives during the events and subsequent recovery efforts. Additionally, it recognizes the service of military personnel involved in the global war on terrorism and encourages Pennsylvanians to remember the historical significance of the day.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws to clarify and streamline the process for neighboring municipalities to merge or consolidate into a single entity. It establishes specific definitions for agreements between city councils and allows residents to propose mergers through a petition process if the councils do not agree. Key provisions include creating a required transitional planning committee with representatives from each involved city to manage the merger, standardizing how local laws are enforced, and setting clear deadlines and procedures for court review. The legislation also repeals older, conflicting rules regarding merger agreements and ensures that any new combined city can qualify for state grants.

Maddy summaryHB 1106 establishes a certification program for chiropractic assistants in Pennsylvania. To become certified, individuals must be at least 18, have a high school diploma, complete an approved training program, pass an exam, and meet background requirements. Certified assistants can only perform tasks delegated by a licensed chiropractor under direct on-premises supervision and must complete 16 hours of continuing education (including 8 in-person hours) every two years to maintain certification. The bill also makes minor editorial changes to the existing Chiropractic Practice Act.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a non-binding resolution that officially designates June 2, 2026, as "Cancer Action Day" in Pennsylvania to raise awareness about the state's high cancer rates. It highlights statistics on cancer diagnoses and deaths in the Commonwealth while noting disparities in access to care for various communities. The resolution urges lawmakers to support future legislation aimed at improving cancer prevention, detection, and treatment services. As a commemorative measure, the bill does not create new laws or allocate funding but serves to honor those affected by cancer and advocate for improved health outcomes.

Maddy summaryHB 2173 updates Pennsylvania's Medical Practice Act of 1985 by adding new definitions and licensing requirements for medical imaging professionals. It specifically creates licensing categories for roles like medical imaging professionals, radiation therapists, radiologist assistants, and trainees, defining their scope of practice (including modalities such as MRI, CT scans, ultrasound, and nuclear medicine). The bill removes outdated provisions about radiologic procedures and education requirements while establishing certification standards through recognized medical imaging certification organizations. This directly affects healthcare workers performing imaging procedures, requiring them to obtain board licenses based on their certified modalities. The changes clarify professional responsibilities and ensure consistent training standards for these healthcare roles.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Legacy Law, amends Pennsylvania's homicide statutes to mandate financial restitution for parents or guardians when a child under 18 or a dependent dies due to a parent driving under the influence. If a court convicts a driver of this offense and the victim was a minor or dependent, the defendant must pay reasonable financial support to the victim's family until the child turns 18 or 19, depending on their education status. The law requires courts to consider various factors, such as the child's needs and the surviving parent's resources, when calculating these payments, which can be made directly to the family or held in a court trust. Additionally, the bill specifies that if a surviving parent has already won a civil lawsuit for damages, the criminal restitution order will be adjusted to avoid double compensation. The new provisions take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits airports and aviation businesses in Pennsylvania from using Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) data to charge fees to aircraft owners or operators. ADS-B is a technology that automatically shares an aircraft's location, speed, and other flight details with ground stations and other planes. The law makes it illegal for these entities to collect money based on this surveillance information and gives the state Attorney General the power to enforce the rule. The ban applies to any fees calculated or generated from this data within the state's borders.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates October 2026 as "Agent Orange Awareness Month" to honor Vietnam War veterans who were exposed to herbicides like Agent Orange. The bill highlights the health risks faced by these service members, including those who served on ships in offshore waters known as Blue Water Navy Veterans. By officially recognizing this month, the resolution aims to raise awareness about the long-term health effects of herbicide exposure among veterans and their families.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific bridge in Cambria County as the Brown Brothers Memorial Bridge to honor five brothers who served in the U.S. Army during World War II. The legislation requires the state Department of Transportation to install and maintain signs displaying the new name for the bridge carrying Pennsylvania Route 271. The act takes effect 60 days after being signed into law.