Rep. Brian Smith

Maddy summaryHB 114 establishes the Independent Energy Office within Pennsylvania's Independent Regulatory Review Commission to protect the state's electricity grid reliability and affordability. The office, led by an Energy Advocate appointed by the Consumer Advocate and confirmed by the Senate, will review state agency actions (like regulations or policies) to determine if they harm energy costs or grid stability. If an agency's action is found harmful, the office can require the agency to reverse it, and if the agency refuses, the office may block or reverse the action itself. This directly affects state agencies whose energy-related decisions are evaluated, with the goal of safeguarding consumer energy costs and grid operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Pennsylvania's election commission to create a process allowing homeowners and landlords to report voters registered at their addresses who no longer live there. When such a report is made, the commission must immediately notify the affected voter and attempt to reach them at any other known address to update their registration information. The law adds this reporting mechanism to existing voter removal procedures without replacing them, and it becomes effective 60 days after passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the creation of a Gold Star Families Memorial Monument on Pennsylvania State Capitol grounds to honor military members who died in service and their families. The monument, designed by Woody Williams and Kenton Blackwood, will consist of four black granite slabs featuring inscriptions and scenes representing homeland, patriotism, family, and sacrifice. The MI Charitable Foundation is designated to fund and manage the construction and ongoing maintenance of the site, while the Department of General Services will assist in preparing the location and facilitating the project. The specific location is defined as the area south of the Forum Building, east of the Speaker K. Leroy Irvis Office Building, and north of Walnut Street.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania vehicle laws to establish a new road user charge specifically for electric vehicles. The new fee, set to begin on April 1, 2025, is designed to generate revenue for state roads and bridges, while also updating motorcycle inspection requirements. The legislation takes effect immediately upon approval, with most other provisions becoming active within 60 days.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws to standardize the three-year registration and recertification requirements for emergency medical responders, emergency medical technicians, and emergency medical services vehicle operators. Under the new rules, these professionals must renew their credentials every three years by passing exams or completing continuing education credits, while those whose licenses have expired for six years or less can regain certification through testing or additional training. The legislation also clarifies that EMS vehicle operator certifications are permanent but require triennial registration, except for those working exclusively for a specific regional system, and establishes stricter criteria for maintaining operator status, including limits on recent driving violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws to clarify the medical requirements for individuals seeking a school bus driver endorsement. It mandates that drivers must have a physical and vision check from a recognized doctor within the last 13 months, allowing optometrists or ophthalmologists to perform the eye exam. Additionally, the legislation specifies that drivers using hearing aids must pass a hearing test proving the device functions correctly to meet minimum standards, while exempting them from a more invasive electroacoustic analysis report if the basic test passes. These changes aim to standardize health qualifications for school bus operators and will become effective 60 days after the law is passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new crime called masked intimidation in Pennsylvania, which occurs when someone wearing a facial covering intentionally harasses, intimidates, or threatens another person or group with the goal of making them fear for their physical safety. The offense is classified as a third-degree misdemeanor, but the law includes specific exceptions that allow individuals to wear masks for purposes such as costumes, religious reasons, occupational safety, weather protection, or health measures like limiting the spread of illness. The legislation explicitly states that it does not infringe upon First Amendment rights and defines key terms like harassment and intimidation to focus on conduct based on protected characteristics such as race, religion, or gender identity.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates October 14, 2024, as "William Penn Day" in Pennsylvania to mark the 380th birthday of William Penn, the state's founding father. The bill honors Penn's role in establishing the colony, his advocacy for religious freedom, and his creation of Philadelphia and the state's early government. While it does not create a public holiday or alter laws, it formally recognizes his legacy and encourages Pennsylvanians to acknowledge his contributions to the Commonwealth.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's Election Code to clarify rules for primary elections, specifically regarding who can vote and how unaffiliated voters participate. It establishes that only voters registered with a political party can normally vote in that party's primary or hold party offices, while also creating a new process for unenrolled electors to temporarily join a party to cast a single primary ballot. The legislation defines "unenrolled electors," outlines procedures for them to select a party at the polls, and updates requirements for absentee and mail-in voting applications. Additionally, it clarifies how election returns are computed and certified by county boards and adjusts penalties for election officers who improperly deny a voter access to their preferred party's primary.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's laws to allow the Department of Transportation and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission to use a "design-build best value" method for selecting contractors on highway and bridge projects. Instead of relying solely on the lowest price, agencies can evaluate proposals based on a combination of cost, technical quality, and the ability to meet project goals. The legislation sets specific limits on how many of these new procurements can occur each year and establishes rules for how long agencies must advertise projects before accepting bids. It also introduces new requirements for evaluation committees, ensuring they have enough members and that individuals with recent ties to bidding companies cannot vote on those companies' proposals. Additionally, the bill allows agencies to pay unsuccessful bidders for the time and effort spent preparing their proposals under certain conditions.