Rep. Brian Smith

Maddy summaryThis bill designates rye whiskey as the official state spirit of Pennsylvania to honor its historical significance and support the local distilling industry. The legislation formally recognizes the beverage's role in the state's heritage and its contribution to agriculture and small businesses. It takes effect immediately upon passage without requiring additional regulatory changes.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates September 27, 2026, as Gold Star Mother's Day within the state. The measure formally acknowledges the sacrifice of mothers who lost sons or daughters in military service and honors their ongoing contributions to their communities. By recognizing this specific date, the resolution aims to provide a day of remembrance for Gold Star Families in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryHB 996 repeals an expiration date for a provision regulating basic life support ambulances in Pennsylvania's emergency medical services system. Specifically, it removes the clause stating that exceptions to ambulance standards would expire on April 29, 2027. This change means the existing regulatory exception for basic life support ambulances will remain in effect indefinitely without a future sunset date. The bill directly affects ambulance services and emergency medical providers operating under Pennsylvania's Title 35 health and safety regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Taxpayer Relief Act to change the deadline for senior citizens to apply for property tax and rent rebates. Under the new rules, eligible individuals must file their claims by December 31 of the year following the tax year, replacing the previous June 30 cutoff. The legislation also removes the requirement that late-filed claims be accepted only if funds are available, allowing the state to process applications submitted after the deadline. These changes directly affect elderly Pennsylvanians seeking financial assistance and streamline the administrative process for the state department handling these claims.

Maddy summaryHB 1344 amends Pennsylvania state law to establish minimum training standards for police officers who work with police dogs. The bill directly affects municipal police departments and officers using canine units across the state. Its key provision requires officers to complete specific, standardized training programs before deploying police dogs, ensuring consistent competency and safety protocols. The legislation focuses on setting clear, measurable requirements for handler training rather than addressing broader police practices.

Maddy summaryHB 71 amends Pennsylvania's vehicle code to update safety requirements for towed vehicles, specifically addressing size, weight, and load limits. It directly affects commercial towing operators and vehicle owners who transport trailers or towed equipment. The bill modifies existing regulations to impose stricter safety standards for how vehicles are loaded and secured during transport. These changes aim to reduce accidents and improve road safety by ensuring towed vehicles meet standardized weight and stability requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific bridge in Northern Cambria Borough as the Sgt. Elwood Eugene Rumbaugh Memorial Bridge in honor of a Vietnam War veteran. The legislation officially names the structure, which carries State Route 4009 over Fox Run, after Sergeant Rumbaugh, who was declared missing in action during the conflict and received the Purple Heart. To implement this change, the bill requires the Department of Transportation to install and maintain signs displaying the new name for traffic traveling in both directions. The act is set to take effect 60 days after being signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania law to make it a crime to scatter various types of waste, including paper, grass clippings, glass, and other rubbish, onto roads, public lands, or into waterways. It directly affects anyone who deposits these materials in public spaces or on private property without permission. The legislation clarifies the specific items considered illegal to scatter and establishes the legal offense for doing so. The changes will become effective 60 days after the bill is passed.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 378) designates December 17, 2025, as "Sustainable Forestry Initiative Day" in Pennsylvania to commemorate the 30-year work of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) and Pennsylvania's SFI Implementation Committee (PA SIC). It recognizes their efforts in promoting sustainable forestry practices, training over 8,000 professionals, and supporting Pennsylvania's forest-based communities and economy through voluntary, science-based stewardship programs. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but formally honors their contributions to forest sustainability.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution honors the life of Pennsylvania State Police Corporal Timothy J. O'Connor, Jr., who died in the line of duty in March 2026, and extends condolences to his family. The document details his 15-year career, numerous awards, and community service, while formally recognizing his sacrifice as the 105th state police officer to die in service. It directs that a copy of the resolution be presented to his wife, Casey O'Connor, as a gesture of respect and support.