Rep. Brian Smith

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's election laws to require that all voter registration applicants provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship. It specifies acceptable documents, such as a valid passport, military ID, or a birth certificate paired with other supporting evidence, and mandates that election officials verify this information during the registration process. The legislation also establishes penalties for officials who fail to perform these duties and creates a legal pathway for individuals to sue if they believe their citizenship verification rights were violated. Additionally, it updates the rules for removing voter registration records, allowing for cancellation only when an elector is confirmed to be non-citizen or has moved away.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill updates vehicle laws to clarify that driver's licenses issued to undocumented immigrants in other states are invalid within the state. It requires all drivers to carry their license when requested by law enforcement and establishes specific penalties for driving without a valid license, including higher fines and potential jail time for repeat offenders. Additionally, the legislation introduces new criminal charges for causing homicide or aggravated assault while operating a vehicle, with enhanced penalties if the driver is under the influence. The bill also expands the types of vehicles subject to impoundment for unpaid fines and clarifies which nonresidents are exempt from needing a Pennsylvania license.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Liquor Code to allow breweries and limited distilleries to operate at the same physical location under a single entity. The key provision permits one business to hold both a brewery license and a limited distillery license, provided the manufacturing areas for each are clearly marked and may overlap. Both licenses must adhere to their specific operating hours, and any violations at the shared site can result in citations against one or both licenses. Additionally, businesses operating both types of licenses that serve alcohol on-site will be counted as a single entity when calculating state-mandated ratios.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws to strengthen protections for local ecosystems and wildlife by clarifying penalties for illegal activities. It specifically addresses the transport, sale, and release of nonnative fish that harm the environment, as well as the unauthorized importation of game animals and birds. Under the new rules, violating these restrictions generally results in a third-degree misdemeanor, though intentional or negligent violations involving endangered species could lead to a more serious first-degree misdemeanor charge. The legislation applies to individuals who import, sell, or release these animals and establishes that each animal involved in a violation counts as a separate offense. These changes are designed to deter the introduction of invasive species and the illegal trade of wildlife while taking effect 60 days after passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 18, 2024, as "Lineworker Appreciation Day" to honor the electrical workers in Pennsylvania who maintain the state's power grid. The resolution acknowledges the dangerous and essential work these lineworkers perform to ensure electricity is delivered reliably to homes and businesses. It does not create new laws or change regulations but serves as a formal expression of gratitude from the House of Representatives.

Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates September 28, 2024, as National Hunting and Fishing Day within Pennsylvania. It serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of the state's long history of hunting and fishing traditions and highlights the economic contributions of outdoor recreation to the local economy. The document does not alter any laws or regulations but instead celebrates the role of hunters and anglers in wildlife conservation and funding management agencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Medical Marijuana Act to establish a formal registration system for physicians who recommend medical cannabis. Under the new rules, the Department of Health can place conditions on a doctor's registration, such as probation, limits on how many patients they can certify, mandatory supervision by another doctor, or specific reporting requirements. To be eligible for registration, a physician must not have been convicted of a felony related to controlled substances in the five years prior to applying. The law takes effect 60 days after it is passed.

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association to create separate playoff systems for public schools and private or charter schools. The bill argues that private and charter schools have an unfair advantage because they can recruit students from outside their local districts, unlike public schools which are limited to their geographic boundaries. It cites recent basketball championship statistics as evidence that public schools are currently at a disadvantage in state competitions. By requesting a structural change to how playoffs are organized, the measure aims to provide a fairer opportunity for public school students to win state titles.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to distribute revenue collected from oil and gas leases on publicly owned streambeds directly to the counties where those streambeds are located. For money earned between January 1, 2014, and the bill's effective date, the department must calculate the total amount and send it as a single lump-sum payment to each affected county. Any revenue collected after the bill takes effect will be distributed to the respective county on an ongoing basis. The law requires that these funds be used exclusively for the maintenance of creeks and streams within the receiving county, with the specific allocation decisions left to county discretion.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Dam Safety and Encroachments Act to update rules for emergency permits related to stream clearing. It specifically allows state agencies and local governments to request emergency permits for maintenance activities around water obstructions when a disaster declaration is in effect. Under the new provision, these permits would authorize clearing work for a minimum distance of 250 feet from the water obstruction. The law applies to any emergency permit issued under state law and takes effect immediately upon passage.