Rep. Brian Smith

Maddy summaryHB 1343 amends Pennsylvania's Board of Vehicles Act by updating the legal definition of "vehicle" in Section 102. It clarifies that "vehicle" excludes devices primarily used for construction, agriculture, or road maintenance, human-powered devices, rail-based vehicles, and motorized pedalcycles. The bill also specifically states that trailers (not recreational vehicles) are excluded from the definition for certain regulatory sections (307, 307.1, 308, etc.). This change directly affects vehicle manufacturers, dealers, and salespersons regulated under the Board of Vehicles Act by clarifying which devices fall under their oversight. The amendment takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1394 proposes to repeal the inheritance tax in Pennsylvania, directly affecting estates and beneficiaries who would no longer be subject to this tax on inherited assets. The bill also modifies procedures for taxpayers to petition for a reassessment of taxes. Additionally, it updates existing provisions related to how government-issued obligations are treated for tax purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates new felony offenses for assaulting emergency responders (like police, EMTs, or firefighters) by exposing them to fentanyl or its derivatives. Intentionally throwing fentanyl at a responder while they are on duty (and knowing they are a responder) is a felony of the second degree. Unlawfully possessing fentanyl and causing a responder to come into contact with it is a felony of the third degree. The law defines "emergency responder" using existing Pennsylvania law and takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1353 clarifies when Pennsylvania Game Commission officers can enter private property for hunting enforcement. It specifies that landowners can prohibit entry by giving actual notice, posting visible signs, fencing, or using purple paint marks (8-inch vertical lines, 3-5 feet high, 100 feet apart). This directly affects hunters and landowners who use these notice methods to restrict officer access. The bill amends existing laws to define enforcement boundaries more precisely, focusing on property access rules rather than new penalties.

Maddy summaryHB 1316 amends Pennsylvania's sales tax filing rules to adjust deadlines based on a business's previous year's tax liability. It requires businesses with annual tax bills between $25,000 and $100,000 to file monthly returns starting in 2025, including a 50% prepayment of their expected tax for the month. Businesses with bills over $100,000 follow similar monthly filing rules with the same prepayment requirement. This change replaces quarterly filings for these businesses and adds a 5% penalty for late payments on the prepayment amount. The bill affects businesses meeting specific tax liability thresholds under Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code.

Maddy summaryHB 1292 requires broadband grant programs under Pennsylvania's Broadband Development Authority to comply with the state's prevailing wage law. It mandates that grant materials include prevailing wage requirements and directs the Department of Labor to create new wage classifications specifically for broadband infrastructure workers, such as teledata linemen, groundmen, and cable splicers. The department must set fair wages based on federal standards and include labor market surveys to determine rates. This affects broadband project funders and contractors receiving state grants, ensuring workers on these projects earn locally established fair wages.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 18-24, 2025, as "Emergency Medical Services Week" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically recognizes the critical role of EMS providers - including paramedics, first responders, and emergency dispatchers - in delivering lifesaving care and improving patient outcomes. The resolution does not create new laws or funding; it solely serves as a formal acknowledgment of EMS professionals' contributions.

Maddy summaryHB 1217 amends Pennsylvania's Election Code to modernize election administration across all stages. It establishes a Bureau of Election Audits, clarifies the Secretary of the Commonwealth's duties, and requires county boards to select polling places in public buildings where possible. The bill updates rules for election officers (including party balance requirements), mandates accessible voting machine standards, and expands voter rights protections for seniors and disabled voters. It also revises procedures for absentee and mail-in ballots, voting machine inspections, and clarifies penalties for election code violations. This comprehensive bill directly affects county election officials, polling place staff, and all voters participating in Pennsylvania elections.

Maddy summaryHB 1205 defines "mini trucks" as small Japanese-imported vehicles (with engine displacement ≤660cc, overall length ≤130 inches, and other specific size limits) and establishes new rules for their operation in Pennsylvania. It requires mini trucks to carry minimum insurance coverage of $15,000 per person for injuries, $30,000 for multiple injuries, and $5,000 for property damage, while exempting them from other insurance requirements. The bill mandates specific equipment (like brakes, speedometers, and seat belts) and restricts operation to roads with speed limits of 55 mph or lower, with potential exceptions up to 70 mph by the transportation secretary. This directly affects owners of these imported vehicles by creating a separate regulatory category for their use on Pennsylvania roads.

Maddy summaryHB 1170 allows Pennsylvania corrections officers to use electronic control gloves - gloves with electrodes emitting under 500 volts to temporarily immobilize individuals - in specific prison units. It requires these gloves only for officers assigned to units housing inmates who received disciplinary sanctions and are segregated from the general population. The department must create public policies on glove use, training, and maintenance, and officers must complete department-approved training before use. The bill also mandates compliance with existing use-of-force laws (18 Pa.C.S. § 508) and defines the gloves’ technical specifications.