Rep. Brian Smith

Maddy summaryHB 1847 names a specific bridge on Pennsylvania Route 729 over Gazzam Run in Jordan Township, Clearfield County (Bridge Key 11527) as the "PFC Raymond Lee McGarvey Memorial Bridge." This bill directly affects the location by changing its official designation to honor PFC Raymond Lee McGarvey, a military service member. As a ceremonial resolution, it involves no policy changes or funding, solely commemorating an individual through a bridge naming. The bill is currently referred to the Transportation committee for consideration.

Maddy summaryHB 1819 amends Pennsylvania's vehicle inspection requirements under Title 75 of the Consolidated Statutes. It updates the rules for when vehicles must undergo periodic safety and emissions inspections. The bill directly affects all vehicle owners in Pennsylvania who are required to have their vehicles inspected regularly. Key provisions specify the revised schedule and procedures for these mandatory inspections, aiming to modernize the existing system. The bill is currently in the Transportation committee for review.

Maddy summaryHB 1821 designates a specific bridge (Bridge Key 69488 on State Route 3005 over North Witmer Run in Irvona Borough, Clearfield County) as the "World War II Veteran Pvt. Wilbur Russell Rea Memorial Bridge." The bill commemorates Pvt. Wilbur Russell Rea, a local WWII soldier who died in combat in Okinawa in 1945, by requiring the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to install and maintain directional signs naming the bridge. This is a commemorative resolution with no policy changes or direct impact on residents or regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 1820 transfers $500 million annually from Pennsylvania's Budget Stabilization Reserve Fund to a new Supplemental Roads and Bridges Account, starting 30 days after enactment and continuing through 2029. The funds, deposited into the Motor License Fund, are restricted exclusively for road and bridge projects including construction, maintenance, and repairs across the state. This bill directly affects the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, which will use these allocations for infrastructure work without requiring new taxes. The legislation modifies existing vehicle tax statutes to redirect existing reserve funds rather than creating new revenue streams.

Maddy summaryHB 1817 would amend Pennsylvania's criminal code to create a specific offense for interfering with or impeding first responders - such as police, firefighters, or paramedics - while they are performing emergency duties. The bill would add this as a new provision under the section on obstructing governmental operations, defining prohibited actions like physically blocking, threatening, or hindering emergency personnel. This change would make such interference a distinct criminal violation, potentially subjecting offenders to penalties under state law. The bill is currently under review by the Judiciary committee.

Maddy summaryHB 1786 updates Pennsylvania's unclaimed property procedures under the Fiscal Code. It requires finders of unclaimed property to register certificates and mandates clearer notice and publication of property lists held by the Commonwealth. The bill clarifies how the state manages and disposes of abandoned property, directly affecting property finders and the state treasury. These changes aim to improve transparency and efficiency in returning unclaimed assets to rightful owners.

Maddy summaryHB 1781 requires organizations receiving Pennsylvania state grants (like nonprofits or contractors) to verify the employment eligibility of new employees using the federal E-Verify system. It establishes a Commonwealth Grantee Employment Verification Account and mandates that grant recipients complete a specific verification form confirming their use of E-Verify before receiving grant funds. The bill imposes penalties for willful violations, such as failing to verify eligibility or providing false information, and prohibits discrimination during verification. This applies to all grantees, contractors, and subcontractors funded by state grants used for employee wages, directly affecting entities receiving public funding.

Maddy summaryHB 1723 amends Pennsylvania's vehicle registration laws to clarify which vehicles qualify for exemption from registration requirements. It directly affects vehicle owners who currently hold or may qualify for registration exemptions under the updated provisions. The bill's key mechanism is refining the statutory language defining exempt vehicle types within Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes. This change aims to provide clearer guidance for both vehicle owners and state agencies administering registration rules. The bill is currently pending in the Transportation committee.

Maddy summaryHB 1726 amends the Child Labor Act to update definitions, specify permissible occupations for minors (including in performances), and clarify employer responsibilities. It repeals the existing work permit requirement for minor employees. The bill also includes specific provisions for newspaper delivery jobs and updates administrative procedures. This legislation directly affects minors working in covered occupations and the employers who hire them.

Maddy summaryHB 1725 amends Pennsylvania's Liquid Fuels Tax Municipal Allocation Law to expand eligibility for road maintenance funds. It specifically allows municipalities to receive allocations for using recycled asphalt in "mixed use design" projects, meaning roads or streets that combine recycled asphalt with other materials during maintenance. This directly affects local governments managing public roadways who currently use or plan to use recycled asphalt in their maintenance work. The bill changes the funding criteria to include these mixed-use asphalt applications, providing clearer access to tax-generated road maintenance funds.