Rep. Kathy Rapp

Maddy summaryHB 514 allows Pennsylvania municipalities to spread saltwater brine (a byproduct of oil/gas drilling) on local roads for dust control or road stabilization, but only from wells that are *not* unconventional (like fracking sites). Municipalities can also delegate this task to others under their direct supervision. The bill prohibits state agencies from requiring additional approvals for this use, while requiring brine spreading to stay at least 150 feet away from all water bodies. This directly affects local governments managing roads and operators of conventional oil/gas wells. The law takes effect immediately.

Maddy summaryThis resolution recognizes January 27, 2025, as "International Holocaust Remembrance Day" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically aligns Pennsylvania with the United Nations' 2005 designation of January 27 as a day to honor Holocaust victims, educate about genocide prevention, and condemn hate based on ethnicity or religion. The resolution has no binding effect or policy changes - it is a formal statement of recognition. It directly affects Pennsylvania by designating this date for state-level commemoration.

Maddy summaryHB 454 repeals Pennsylvania's requirement for a license to carry a firearm (openly or concealed) for most individuals, making it legal to carry without a license statewide, including in Philadelphia where previous restrictions on public streets and property are removed. The bill also repeals provisions about proof of license and related exceptions, while maintaining existing prohibitions for convicted felons and other restricted locations like schools. Additionally, it includes a new provision for a sportsman's firearm permit and specific regulations for antique firearms. The changes directly affect law-abiding Pennsylvanians who previously needed a license for general firearm carry.

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 234 amends Pennsylvania's Second Class Township Code to establish a fee structure for storm water management facilities, systems, and plans. Townships may charge reasonable, property-based fees that cannot exceed costs required by federal and state storm water regulations. The bill requires townships to offer exemptions or credits for properties with approved storm water facilities or for agricultural operations using USDA-approved best management practices. This change directly affects townships and property owners by creating a standardized approach to funding storm water infrastructure.

Maddy summaryHB 235 amends Pennsylvania law to allow municipal stormwater authorities to establish rates based on property characteristics, such as the installation and maintenance of approved stormwater management practices. The bill specifically permits authorities to set rates considering features like land use, while requiring practices to be approved and inspected by the authority. It also includes an exception for agricultural operations, allowing rates to be based on USDA or state-approved conservation practices. This change gives local governments more flexibility in funding stormwater management programs through targeted rate structures.

Maddy summaryHB 163 amends Pennsylvania's 1980 law to prohibit entities from "countries of concern" (including China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Belarus, and Venezuela) and foreign governments from acquiring agricultural land, except through inheritance or as security for debt. It requires title companies to verify compliance with the law, imposing a $1,000 civil penalty for willful failure to do so, and authorizes the Attorney General to investigate violations. Violating entities must forfeit the land to the Commonwealth, which will sell it at auction; proceeds cover sale costs, reimburse the Attorney General for investigation expenses, pay lienholders, and then fund the General Fund. The law defines agricultural land broadly (including cropland and livestock operations) but excludes mineral rights and non-farm zoning.

Maddy summaryHB 120 requires parental or guardian consent for most minors to receive vaccines in Pennsylvania. Specifically, it mandates that individuals under 18 who haven't graduated high school, aren't pregnant, and aren't legally emancipated cannot consent to vaccines without a parent or guardian's permission. The bill also overrides any local laws (such as city or county rules) that might allow minors to consent to vaccines without parental approval, making those local rules invalid. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HB 83) amends Pennsylvania's 1970 law to allow minors aged 16 to 18 to consent independently to mental health treatment (both inpatient and outpatient) without parental permission. It establishes clear rules for when minors or parents can revoke consent and requires courts to hold a hearing within 72 hours if a minor objects to continued treatment, with strict criteria for overriding their wishes. The law explicitly excludes minors with "special needs" (defined as intellectual disabilities with adaptive limitations) from these provisions. It applies specifically to mental health services, not general medical care, and clarifies liability for providers who rely on a minor's consent.

Maddy summaryHB 73 updates Pennsylvania's emergency medical services laws by changing certification renewal requirements for EMRs (Emergency Medical Responders) and EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians) to every three years through exams or continuing education, with recertification options within six years of expiration. It also modifies EMS vehicle operator rules, making certification permanent but requiring three-year registration (with continuing education) for most operators, excluding those exclusively working for certain qualified providers. These changes directly affect EMS personnel who must meet these updated standards to maintain their ability to work in Pennsylvania.