Rep. Clint Owlett

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Independent Energy Office within Pennsylvania's Independent Regulatory Review Commission to oversee the state's electricity grid. The office will be led by an Energy Advocate appointed by the Consumer Advocate, who has the authority to review actions by state agencies to ensure they do not harm energy reliability or affordability. If the Energy Advocate determines an agency action is harmful, they can first request the agency to reverse it, and if that fails, the office has the power to block or reverse the action itself. The office is also tasked with promoting the use of energy produced within Pennsylvania and operates subject to funding decisions by the state legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Regulatory Review Act to require agencies to submit a specific analysis alongside any proposed regulations related to fuel, energy, or electricity. The new provision mandates that these agencies explain how their rules might increase electricity costs and discuss the potential negative impacts on low-income residents. By adding this requirement, the legislation ensures that the Independent Regulatory Review Commission and relevant legislative committees receive more detailed information during the review process. The changes take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill authorizes the Department of Corrections to issue electronic control gloves to corrections officers, with mandatory distribution required for officers working in units housing inmates who have received disciplinary sanctions and are segregated from the general population. The legislation mandates that the department create public written policies for the use, training, maintenance, and storage of these devices and requires all officers to complete an approved training course before receiving them. Additionally, the bill defines electronic control gloves as gloves with electrodes that emit less than 500 volts to temporarily immobilize or restrain individuals and requires their use to comply with existing state guidelines on law enforcement use of force.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution establishes a select committee to investigate the security failures at the July 13, 2024, rally in Butler where a gunman targeted former President Trump. The committee will examine how federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies coordinated their response and will propose best practices for protecting public figures at future events. Authorized to subpoena witnesses and documents, the six-member panel must submit its findings and recommendations to the House by November 30, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires gas stations in Pennsylvania to display a clear label on their fuel pumps showing the specific amounts of federal and state taxes included in the price of gasoline and diesel. The law mandates that the Department of Agriculture design and maintain these labels, which must list the individual tax rates and their combined totals, while ensuring the state covers the cost of producing and replacing the stickers. Retailers are exempt from the responsibility of affixing or maintaining these labels, and the state must update the displayed tax rates within 60 days of any changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's food protection laws to define "cell-cultured meat" and "cell-cultured poultry" as products grown from animal cells outside of live animals. It directly affects the food industry by explicitly prohibiting the manufacturing, selling, or offering for sale of these specific products. The law takes effect 60 days after passage and aims to establish clear regulatory boundaries for emerging food technologies within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Pennsylvania municipalities to use brine from oil and gas wells on local roads to reduce dust and stabilize surfaces. It permits towns to hire others to spread the brine if the municipality gives specific instructions for doing so. The law also states that no state agency can require extra approval for this use and sets a safety rule that brine cannot be applied within 150 feet of any body of water.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to establish payment rules for nontransport emergency medical services provided to eligible individuals who do not require or refuse transport. Starting July 1, 2024, licensed emergency medical services agencies will be reimbursed for these specific services at rates equal to the higher of the 2023 Medicare ambulance fee schedule or current Medicaid ambulance fees. The change directly affects how public assistance programs compensate providers for emergency care rendered without actual transportation.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's County Code to update the list of purchases that county commissioners can make without requiring public advertising or competitive bidding. Specifically, it clarifies that the purchase of milk by second-class A counties falls under this exemption, allowing these entities to acquire milk directly without a formal bidding process. The change applies only to second-class A counties and does not alter the procedures for other county classes or types of purchases. The legislation is set to take effect 60 days after it is signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's tax laws by adjusting personal income tax rates and eliminating a specific tax on the gross receipts from the sale of electric energy. It requires electric utilities to pass the savings from these tax changes directly to consumers through reductions in state tax surcharges, with civil penalties of up to $5,000 for companies that fail to do so. Additionally, the legislation mandates that $6 million annually be transferred to the Alternative Fuels Incentive Fund starting in the 2024-2025 fiscal year. The bill also establishes a revenue-neutral reconciliation rule that will remain in effect until the end of 2024.