Rep. Lee James

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's agricultural grant program to help farms dealing with sudden market crashes. It directs the state department to create and manage grants specifically for agricultural operations facing acute market disruptions. Under normal conditions, the bill limits grants to 75% of project costs, but this cap is removed when the state secretary confirms a severe market disruption has occurred. Additionally, the law clarifies that non-cash contributions do not count toward the required matching funds for these grants. The changes are set to take effect 60 days after the bill is passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law to exempt internal records of volunteer emergency service groups, such as EMS, fire, and rescue companies, from public access. The legislation ensures that these organizations can keep their operational and administrative documents private unless the records specifically involve funding or resources provided by local municipalities under certain emergency service codes. By establishing these exemptions, the law aims to protect the privacy and autonomy of volunteer responders while still allowing public oversight of government-funded activities. The changes will become effective 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's divorce laws to allow courts to issue a final divorce decree before all financial and custody issues are fully resolved. Under the new rules, judges can grant an immediate divorce if both spouses agree and it protects minor children, or if one spouse proves compelling reasons exist alongside adequate economic safeguards for the other party and any children. The legislation also permits immediate divorce without mutual consent or special justification in cases involving valid abuse protection orders or criminal convictions for personal injury against the other spouse. These changes directly affect individuals navigating divorce proceedings by providing a faster legal path to ending a marriage under specific protective conditions.

Maddy summaryHB 2237 amends the New Economy Technology Scholarship Act to update the annual report deadline for the scholarship program. It changes the reporting requirement from "by September 1, 2000, and every year thereafter" to "no later than September 1 following the end of the fiscal year." The bill does not alter the scholarship program's eligibility, funding, or operations - only the timing for the agency's annual report. This procedural change ensures reports are submitted consistently with Pennsylvania's fiscal year cycle.

Maddy summaryHB 2491 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to update rules regarding student transportation for public and charter schools. The bill clarifies that school districts must provide free transportation to charter school students within ten miles, mirroring the terms used for public school students, while also allowing districts to use public transit for certain routes. Additionally, the legislation restricts the use of common carriers like buses for transporting kindergarten through sixth-grade students and outlines specific conditions under which walking is permitted instead of providing a ride.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 13, 2026, as "Gold Shield Family Day" throughout Pennsylvania to honor the families of first responders who have died in the line of duty. The resolution directly affects the relatives of fallen police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, corrections officers, and other public safety personnel. It serves as a symbolic gesture to acknowledge the sacrifices made by these families, aligning with a similar federal designation from the previous year. The measure does not create new laws or funding but instead establishes an official date for recognition and remembrance within the state.

Maddy summaryHR 417 is a symbolic resolution designating November 2025 as "Indiana University of Pennsylvania Appreciation Month" to celebrate the university's 150th anniversary. It formally recognizes IUP's history - from its founding as Indiana Normal School in 1875 to its current role in Pennsylvania's higher education system - without creating any legal obligations or funding changes. The resolution honors IUP's contributions to the state but does not affect any policies, programs, or individuals beyond this commemorative gesture.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution that formally recognizes April 2026 as "National Poetry Month" within Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or change existing policies, but rather serves as an official statement of support for poetry and the literary arts. The resolution acknowledges the cultural and educational value of poetry, noting its role in education and community engagement. Sponsored by multiple legislators, it aims to honor the tradition of celebrating poetry during this designated month.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a law with policy changes. It formally recognizes May 9, 2026, as "National Train Day" in Pennsylvania. The resolution acknowledges the historical significance of rail travel in Pennsylvania and the nation, referencing the 1869 completion of the transcontinental railroad. It encourages Pennsylvanians to learn about rail history and its benefits but creates no new requirements or funding.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (not a law) passed by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. It formally recognizes January 2026 as "Human Trafficking Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. The resolution does not create new laws, impose requirements, or directly affect any specific group. It serves only to raise public awareness about human trafficking, referencing existing federal definitions and statistics on the issue.