Rep. Brian Smith

Maddy summaryHB 73 updates Pennsylvania's emergency medical services laws by changing certification renewal requirements for EMRs (Emergency Medical Responders) and EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians) to every three years through exams or continuing education, with recertification options within six years of expiration. It also modifies EMS vehicle operator rules, making certification permanent but requiring three-year registration (with continuing education) for most operators, excluding those exclusively working for certain qualified providers. These changes directly affect EMS personnel who must meet these updated standards to maintain their ability to work in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Pennsylvania's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to distribute revenue from oil and gas leases on publicly owned streambeds to the counties where those streambeds are located. For funds collected between January 2014 and the bill's effective date (which takes effect immediately), the state will send a one-time lump-sum payment to each affected county within 60 days. For future lease payments, the revenue will be distributed annually to the respective counties. Counties must use these funds exclusively for maintaining local creeks and streams within their boundaries.

Maddy summaryHB 89 requires Pennsylvania telecom companies to respond to equipment or infrastructure failures within 90 minutes if the failure prompts volunteer firefighters to deploy. If they fail to respond on time, the company must pay the volunteer fire company $1,000 for each hour the firefighters are actively deployed. This applies specifically to volunteer fire departments as defined under Pennsylvania law (35 Pa.C.S. § 7802). The bill creates a direct financial obligation for telecom companies when their failures disrupt emergency response, targeting infrastructure reliability for volunteer fire services.

Maddy summaryHB 57 establishes mandatory minimum prison sentences and fines for individuals convicted of trafficking fentanyl or fentanyl derivatives in Pennsylvania. It directly affects people convicted under specific sections of the Controlled Substance Act involving fentanyl, with penalties based on the weight of the substance: 2 years (less than 1g) to 96 months (100g+), plus fines ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. Repeat offenders face enhanced sentences (e.g., 36 months instead of 24 months for less than 1g). The bill requires courts to apply these mandatory penalties at sentencing, with the Commonwealth able to appeal if courts fail to impose them.

Maddy summaryHB 113 amends Pennsylvania's Regulatory Review Act to require state agencies to analyze electricity cost impacts for certain regulations. Specifically, agencies must include in their regulatory analysis a review of how proposed rules affecting fuel, energy, or electricity might increase costs (even temporarily) and discuss negative effects on low-income residents. This applies directly to agencies drafting regulations in energy or utility sectors and affects low-income households through potential electricity rate changes. The bill adds this new requirement to the existing review process for proposed regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 74 requires Pennsylvania's Department of Human Services to develop and provide a standardized autism screening tool for use by licensed child care providers with children aged 18, 24, and 36 months. The tool must be distributed annually to providers, accompanied by clear disclaimers that screening is not a medical diagnosis and a list of local diagnosis and service resources. Licensed child care providers are not required to administer the screening but may assist families who request help using it. The bill directly affects licensed child care facilities operating under Pennsylvania's child care regulations. It takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 110 amends Pennsylvania's 1970 law to allow minors aged 18 or older to consent independently to mental health treatment without parental permission, raising the age from 14. It also clarifies that minors aged 18+ control their mental health treatment records, while parents or legal guardians retain full access to all medical, dental, and health records for minors under 18. The bill includes provisions for minors to revoke consent for treatment and requires court review if a minor objects to continued inpatient care. These changes directly affect minors seeking mental health services and their parents, streamlining consent processes while balancing minor autonomy with parental access.

Maddy summaryHB 94 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to allow parents or guardians of school-aged children to opt their child out of school-imposed face covering or mask requirements. This applies when masks are required due to health department mandates (like those under the Disease Prevention and Control Law) or school board policies. Schools must provide a simple online opt-out form without requiring an excuse and must prohibit discrimination against students who opt out, including exclusion from activities or locations. The bill directly affects parents, guardians, and schools in Pennsylvania, changing how mask mandates are implemented in educational settings.

Maddy summaryHB 68, the State-Owned Vehicle Assignment Limitation Act, prohibits Pennsylvania state officials (members of the General Assembly) from being assigned or leasing state-owned vehicles for official use, effective 60 days after enactment. The bill directly affects legislators who previously received state vehicles, banning new assignments while allowing current users to retain their vehicles until they leave office or return the vehicle. Exceptions apply for emergency response duties requiring vehicle use. The law aims to restrict the use of public funds for personal vehicle assignments by lawmakers, with no new leases or assignments permitted after the effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 70 changes Pennsylvania's regular antlered deer hunting season to begin on the first Monday following Thanksgiving each year. This directly affects deer hunters across the state by establishing a fixed seasonal start date, overriding previous regulations. The bill amends Title 34 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to implement this specific opening date. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.