Rep. Brian Smith

Maddy summaryHB 515, the Household Appliance Freedom Act, prohibits Pennsylvania state agencies and local municipalities from banning or restricting the sale, installation, or use of natural gas-powered home heating equipment, appliances, outdoor grills and stoves, and outdoor natural gas torches or lamps. The law allows individuals affected by such restrictions to file a civil lawsuit within 180 days seeking an injunction or damages. It becomes effective 60 days after enactment.

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 summaryHB 519 creates a new "trainee classification" for individuals seeking construction inspector certification in Pennsylvania, directly affecting those pursuing certification under the state's Construction Code Act. The bill requires trainees to secure a verified sponsor (a certified inspector), limits trainee status to 2 years for residential/accessibility categories or 3 years for others, and mandates that trainees work under direct supervision without conducting independent inspections. It also requires the Department of Labor and Industry to establish fees, application processes, and publicly list all trainees online. This change modifies existing certification procedures without altering enforcement or penalty provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 516 amends Pennsylvania's Construction Code Act by adding specific definitions for "recreational cabin" and "recreational campground" to clarify how the code applies to these structures. The bill defines a recreational cabin as a structure not used as a residence, for commercial purposes (except in campgrounds or state parks), limited to two stories, and meeting other usage criteria. It also defines a recreational campground as an establishment with five or more designated campsites offering amenities like hookups or pools, allowing seasonal stays but excluding RV/tent campsites in state parks. These definitions help local governments, property owners, and developers consistently apply the construction code to recreational properties.

Maddy summaryHB 517 allows individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder to request a public notation on their Pennsylvania driver's license or ID card. To add this notation, applicants must submit a sworn statement from a licensed medical professional verifying the diagnosis. Parents or guardians may also request this notation for minors under 18, following the same verification process. The bill requires the state department to create implementing regulations and takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 437 proposes a constitutional amendment to Pennsylvania's voting rules, requiring voters to present valid identification at all elections. It mandates that voters show a government-issued ID when voting in person (Section 12) and include proof of ID with mail-in ballots (Section 16). Voters without ID can request a free government-issued ID at the polling place (Section 19). This amendment would directly affect all Pennsylvania voters participating in elections, adding ID verification to existing residency and citizenship requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 452 removes disciplinary actions and refunds penalties for retail food facilities that were penalized for not following specific COVID-19 health protocols during Pennsylvania's state of emergency (March 6, 2020, to when the emergency ended). It covers violations related to the Disease Prevention and Control Law, Governor's orders, and health department guidance about the novel coronavirus. The bill requires health authorities to erase these records from official files and refund any penalties paid during the emergency period. This applies only to violations tied to the pandemic response, not general health code compliance.

Maddy summaryHB 451 reinstates licenses suspended or revoked for failing to comply with Pennsylvania's pandemic-related health orders during the state's emergency period (March 6, 2020, to when the Governor's proclamation ended). It directly affects healthcare professionals and other licensed workers whose licenses were disciplined for non-compliance with specific COVID-19 protocols, including Governor proclamations, health department orders, or pandemic guidance. The bill automatically removes these disciplinary actions from records without requiring new applications or hearings. It takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 450 amends Pennsylvania's Liquor Code to remove disciplinary actions against liquor licensees who had their licenses suspended or revoked for not following pandemic-related health protocols during the state's emergency period (March 2020 to when the emergency ended). The bill requires the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board to automatically reinstate licenses or remove penalties for non-compliance with Governor's orders, health department directives, or official guidance specifically related to COVID-19. This applies only to actions taken during the declared disaster emergency, not for ongoing violations. The policy directly affects bars, restaurants, and other businesses holding liquor licenses that faced penalties during the pandemic.

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.