Rep. Clint Owlett

Maddy summaryHB 328 amends Pennsylvania's Dam Safety and Encroachments Act to require the Department of Environmental Protection to authorize stream clearing activities up to 250 feet from water obstructions (like dams) when issuing emergency permits during declared disasters. It directly affects Commonwealth agencies and local governments seeking emergency clearance for flood or safety risks. The bill mandates this 250-foot radius for emergency permits requested by these entities when a Federal, State, or county disaster emergency is officially declared. This change streamlines emergency response without altering standard permit requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 327 creates a new continuous maintenance permit for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and municipalities (including counties, cities, and townships) to maintain waterways, dams, and related infrastructure without needing repeated state approvals. To qualify, applicants must have no history of significant violations and agree to maintain specified areas under the permit. Permits last at least 10 years, require annual reports of maintenance activities by January 15 each year, and can be renewed automatically after 10 years of compliance. This streamlines routine upkeep while ensuring accountability through reporting and adherence to engineering standards.

Maddy summaryHB 277 allows victims of sex trafficking to sue individuals or entities that recruit, profit from, or advertise for sex trade activities. The bill amends Pennsylvania's criminal code to create a civil legal pathway for victims to seek remedies in court, specifically targeting those who recruit victims, maintain them in sex trade acts, or cause bodily harm during such acts. It directly affects victims of sex trafficking and those who exploit them through recruitment, advertising, or financial gain. The law does not change criminal penalties but adds a civil remedy for victims to pursue compensation.

Maddy summaryHB 338 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to update attendance reporting requirements for charter, regional charter, and cyber charter schools. It requires all such schools to report unexcused absences annually to the state education department via the Pennsylvania Information Management System (PIMS). Additionally, cyber charter schools must report each student's weekly attendance directly to their district of residence starting in the 2024-2025 school year. These changes apply specifically to charter school attendance tracking, not to traditional public schools.

Maddy summaryHB 346 requires Pennsylvania public fund managers to assess geopolitical risks - such as those from war, terrorism, or international tensions - before investing in assets domiciled in foreign countries or with significant economic ties to them. Fund managers must adopt investment policies evaluating supply chain risks and foreign asset proportions, while coordinating with existing laws like the 2010 Protecting Pennsylvania's Investments Act. The bill mandates an annual public report listing all foreign investments as of June 30, published online by December 31 each year. This directly affects Pennsylvania’s public funds, including pension and investment accounts, by adding a standardized risk evaluation step to their investment processes.

Maddy summaryHB 330 requires Pennsylvania state agencies that use federal funds to join the federal "Do-Not-Pay Initiative" by verifying payments through an online system and reviewing payment data to prevent errors. Agencies must submit annual reports detailing improper payments identified or prevented, associated savings, and weaknesses in financial controls. The law mandates participation within two years of the bill's effective date and requires reports to be shared with state oversight bodies and the legislature. It directly affects all Commonwealth agencies managing federal funds by adding new verification and reporting obligations to reduce payment errors.

Maddy summaryHB 347 allows oil and gas companies to lease subsurface rights beneath Pennsylvania's state forests and parks for drilling, provided the drilling originates outside these areas. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) must review applications, with disapproval possible for environmental violations or projects causing significant harm, and companies can appeal denials to court. All lease revenue goes into the Oil and Gas Lease Fund, with upfront payments specifically directed to a restricted account funding stream maintenance and clearing projects. The bill also cancels prior executive orders and policies restricting such leasing on state lands.

Maddy summaryHB 326 repeals Pennsylvania's current law on "drug delivery resulting in death" and replaces it with a new offense covering both death and serious bodily injury caused by drug delivery. It classifies causing death as a first-degree felony (with a maximum 40-year prison sentence) and causing serious injury as a third-degree felony, while adding a defense for those who delivered drugs without receiving payment. The bill also increases fines for arson committed for profit and updates the definition of "crime of violence" to include the new drug delivery offense. These changes directly affect individuals who distribute drugs leading to harm and impact how courts prosecute such cases.

Maddy summaryHB 90 amends Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to require applicants and recipients of medical assistance for children to cooperate with state departments in securing medical support from non-custodial parents. It prohibits accepting private agreements where custodial parents would provide medical support instead of pursuing the non-custodial parent, ensuring children access available medical support under state law. Exceptions apply if the custodial parent is a domestic violence victim (verified per state standards), interrupting a child's medical care would endanger them, or pursuing support harms the child or custodial parent. If a non-custodial parent withholds required information, they must reimburse the state for medical costs, but this does not make the child ineligible for assistance. Medical aid must continue without delay during verification.

Maddy summaryHB 91 amends Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law (2008) to clarify that records related to noncriminal investigations by state agencies are exempt from public disclosure - except for the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. This means agencies like police departments or environmental agencies must now disclose such records (unlike the Fish and Boat Commission, which retains exemption). The bill specifically revises Section 708(b)(17) of the law to remove a blanket exemption for all agencies, making the Fish and Boat Commission the sole exception. It directly affects public access to noncriminal investigation records held by state agencies, with no new reporting or procedural requirements. The change takes effect immediately upon passage.