Rep. Brian Smith

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific bridge in Altoona, Pennsylvania, as the Vietnam War Veteran Sgt. Calvin G. Maguire Memorial Bridge. The legislation formally names the structure, which carries State Route 4013 over the Norfolk Southern Railroad and 8th Avenue, to honor Sgt. Maguire, a local resident who was killed in action during his service in Vietnam. To implement this change, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is required to install and maintain signs displaying the new name for traffic traveling in both directions. The act will take effect 60 days after being signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific railroad crossing bridge in Allegheny Township, Cambria County, as the Technician 5th Grade Bernard C. Strohmier Memorial Bridge. The legislation honors Bernard C. Strohmier, a local resident who served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was a prisoner of war during the Battle of the Bulge. Under the bill, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is required to install and maintain signs displaying the new name on the bridge for traffic in both directions. The act takes effect 60 days after being signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania vehicle laws to clarify how tow trucks can transport disabled vehicles and combinations without violating standard size and weight limits. It allows a tow truck to move a wrecked vehicle or a group of up to three vehicles within 75 miles of the accident site, provided the route is safe and practical. While these exemptions apply to the combined length and weight of the tow truck and the disabled vehicle, drivers must still obey any specific restrictions on bridges or highways. The changes take effect 60 days after the bill is signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates February 22, 2026, as "United States Men's and Women's Olympic Hockey Gold Medal Champions Day" to honor the state's hockey teams' achievements at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The resolution formally recognizes the athletes' gold medal victories and congratulates the teams on their performance, while also acknowledging the support of coaches, staff, and communities who contributed to their success. It is a commemorative measure intended to celebrate the accomplishments of the hockey teams rather than to change laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to temporarily exempt the sales tax on protective gear purchased by firefighters, volunteer ambulance workers, and volunteer rescue personnel. The exemption applies specifically to items such as helmets, turnout coats, boots, and respiratory protection units during a six-month period starting on July 1, 2026. To ensure clarity, the legislation requires the Department of Revenue to publish online guidance on how to implement this temporary exclusion. The law defines the equipment and purchaser terms precisely, noting that the tax break applies even if the gear is delivered after the six-month window closes.

Maddy summaryThis bill introduces a new junior driver's license for 16 and 17-year-olds in Pennsylvania, which automatically converts to a regular license at age 18. Under the proposed rules, junior drivers would generally be prohibited from driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent, spouse, or guardian. However, the legislation creates an exception allowing these drivers to drive during those hours for school-sponsored activities if they possess a letter from the school confirming the event. If a junior driver is stopped by police without this letter but can later prove they had it, the charges would be dismissed. The law also defines terms like "school-sponsored activity" to include events such as field trips, athletic activities, and club meetings.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific bridge on U.S. Route 219 in Cambria County as the Sgt. Jason Dale Kriedler Memorial Bridge in honor of a local veteran. The legislation formally names the structure after Sgt. Kriedler, who served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was reported missing in action in 1950. To implement this change, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is required to install and maintain official signs displaying the new name for drivers traveling in both directions. The act will become effective 60 days after it is passed.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution designates September 11, 2026, as the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, Al Qaeda attacks within the state. The measure formally honors the victims, their families, and the first responders who sacrificed their lives during the events and subsequent recovery efforts. Additionally, it recognizes the service of military personnel involved in the global war on terrorism and encourages Pennsylvanians to remember the historical significance of the day.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill updates state laws to make it illegal to operate a watercraft if a person has completed a diversion program for a similar boating offense within the last 10 years. It also clarifies that evidence of alcohol or drug levels found more than two hours after driving a boat can still be used to prove impairment. Finally, the legislation adjusts how penalties are graded based on the number of prior offenses and whether an accident occurred.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific stretch of U.S. Route 222 in Berks County as the Chief Jeffory L. Buck and Assistant Chief Robert R. Shick, Jr., Memorial Highway. The legislation honors two firefighters who died in the line of duty while conducting a missing person search along that road in April 2026. To implement this designation, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is required to install and maintain official signs bearing the memorial names for traffic traveling in both directions. The act will become effective 60 days after its passage.