Rep. Brian Smith

Maddy summaryHB 746 revises the appointment process for members of Pennsylvania's Fish and Boat Commission and Game Commission. It requires sportsmen's groups in each district to nominate candidates, allows individual sportsmen to vote for nominees within 30 days, and directs the Governor to appoint from the top vote-getters (or fourth through sixth if refused). The bill mandates legislative confirmation by committees within five days, with specific rules for handling legislative opposition or delays. This directly affects commission members, sportsmen's groups, individual sportsmen who vote, and the Governor's appointment authority.

Maddy summaryHB 763 amends Pennsylvania's Dam Safety and Encroachments Act to clarify jurisdiction over stream maintenance and clearing activities. The bill removes the requirement for permits from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission for routine stream maintenance or clearing, stating such activities no longer need Commission approval. It also explicitly states the Department of Environmental Protection retains authority over these activities and cannot delegate it to the Fish and Boat Commission, though the Commission may offer advisory input for bridge or culvert projects. Enforcement by the Fish and Boat Commission is limited to specific violations under fish regulations, with no penalties for general bridge/culvert maintenance.

Maddy summaryHB 767 would allow Pennsylvania vehicle owners to obtain a special license plate featuring the Gadsden flag (a yellow flag with a coiled rattlesnake and the phrase "Don't Tread On Me") for an additional $26 fee on top of regular registration. The plate would be available for passenger cars, light trucks under 14,000 pounds, and motorcycles. This is a procedural change adding a new plate option, not a substantive policy shift affecting vehicle regulations or safety.

Maddy summaryHB 756 requires Pennsylvania prosecutors to notify U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) if they learn during a criminal case that a defendant is not a U.S. citizen or is present in the U.S. illegally under federal immigration law (8 U.S.C. Ch. 12). This affects criminal defendants with non-citizen status or potential immigration violations. The bill mandates that Commonwealth attorneys provide this notification "at any point during the course of a criminal proceeding" when they reasonably obtain such information.

Maddy summaryHB 759 amends Pennsylvania's Election Code to update the definition of acceptable identification for voting. The bill specifies that voters must present one of several forms of ID, including a standard driver's license, a photo-less driver's license for religious objections, or alternative documents like state IDs, military IDs, or documents from Pennsylvania institutions (e.g., schools or care facilities). For mail-in or absentee voters without a driver's license, it allows using the last four digits of a Social Security number or other qualifying documents. These changes apply to all voters in Pennsylvania when casting ballots in person or by mail, clarifying existing ID requirements without eliminating the need for identification.

Maddy summaryHB 761 directs Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to remove specific counties from the enhanced vehicle emission inspection program within 60 days. These counties are defined by exact population ranges (e.g., third-class counties with 215,000-216,000 residents). The DEP must demonstrate these counties can maintain air quality standards without the inspection program and submit revised plans to the EPA by January 1, 2026. The bill affects only the listed counties and requires coordination with federal air quality requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 745 amends Pennsylvania's hunting and trapping license rules to allow nonresidents who own property in the state to qualify for resident license rates. The bill defines a nonresident as a "resident" for licensing purposes if they paid Pennsylvania property taxes during the current or prior licensing season and can prove this payment to the state commission. This change directly affects nonresident property owners who currently pay higher nonresident fees to hunt or trap in Pennsylvania. The law would take effect 60 days after enactment, updating eligibility under Title 34 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes.

Maddy summaryHB 741 allows senior hunters (65+ years old with valid licenses) to harvest antlered deer meeting specific size criteria. The bill permits taking deer with at least two points on one antler or a spike antler three inches or longer. This change modifies existing hunting rules under Pennsylvania's Game Code by establishing new, more lenient harvest standards for senior license holders. The bill directly affects eligible senior hunters participating in deer hunting seasons.

Maddy summaryHB 720, or "Simon's Law," amends Pennsylvania's Health Care Facilities Act to require written parental consent for do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders for minors. It prohibits healthcare facilities or providers from implementing DNR orders or restricting life-sustaining measures without written permission from at least one parent or legal guardian. The bill mandates detailed documentation of consent (including names, relationships, and dates) and allows parents to revoke consent in writing, which overrides prior agreements. It also requires facilities to make good-faith efforts to contact parents within 48 hours and prohibits interfering with parents seeking second opinions or transferring care to another facility. This directly affects hospitals, clinics, and healthcare providers treating minors in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryHB 709 creates a tax credit for businesses that provide free, publicly accessible parking spaces for trucks (motor carriers) on eligible property. To qualify, businesses must create at least five designated parking spaces (each 10 feet wide by 80 feet long, with concrete or asphalt) on property that is at least three acres, zoned commercial or industrial, within one mile of a designated highway corridor (Tier 1 or Tier 2). The property must also include adequate lighting and a public bathroom. Businesses must maintain these parking spaces and their operations in Pennsylvania for five years to receive the credit. The credit can be applied against certain tax liabilities under Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code.