Rep. Carl Metzgar

Maddy summaryHB 1135 prohibits the use of paraquat, a specific chemical pesticide, within Pennsylvania. It defines paraquat by its chemical identifier (CAS number 4685-14-7) and includes related salts, making it unlawful for farmers, agricultural businesses, or any pesticide users to apply it in the state. The bill amends Pennsylvania's 1973 Pesticide Control Act to add this prohibition, effective one year after enactment, and overrides any conflicting existing regulations. This directly affects pesticide users and applicators operating in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryHB 2035 extends the deadline for validating property transfers that were not properly notarized or signed under Pennsylvania's 1967 law. It directly affects property owners and sellers who have documents with defective acknowledgments, giving them more time to correct these issues. The bill modifies the original 1967 statute by setting a new cutoff date for submitting such corrections. This change provides a concrete administrative extension without altering property rights or introducing new requirements.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution designates May 14, 2026, as "Apraxia Awareness Day" to highlight childhood apraxia of speech, a motor speech disorder affecting approximately 1 in 1,000 children. The bill aims to increase public understanding of the condition, which requires intensive speech therapy and can impact a child's ability to read, write, and communicate effectively. By encouraging residents to foster community awareness, the resolution seeks to support families and professionals working to help children with this neurological disorder develop their speech skills.

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 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 bill proposes a temporary sales tax exemption for personal hygiene products in Pennsylvania, effective for six months starting July 1, 2026. The measure directly affects individual consumers by removing the sales tax on items such as soap, toothpaste, razors, and feminine hygiene products when purchased during the specified period. To implement this change, the Department of Revenue must publish online guidance defining eligible products and clarifying that the tax exclusion applies to the purchase date rather than the delivery date. The legislation amends the existing Tax Reform Code to add these specific exclusions without altering other parts of the tax system.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill, HB 2457, amends the state's Tax Reform Code to temporarily exempt individuals from paying sales and use tax on tools purchased for home or auto repair. The change applies only during a six-month window starting on July 1, 2026, and covers both handheld and stationary tools along with necessary accessories. To implement this, the Department of Revenue will publish online guidance, and the tax exemption applies to purchases made within the six-month period even if delivery occurs afterward.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires school districts in Pennsylvania to follow specific guidelines when hiring vendors to create detailed maps of their campuses for emergency response purposes. The new rules mandate that these maps be accurate, include labeled floor plans and utility locations, and be compatible with existing public safety software without extra costs. Additionally, the data must be stored securely within the United States, and districts must obtain approval from local law enforcement before entering into such contracts.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania hunting regulations to allow semiautomatic rifles for general game hunting under commission rules and permits semiautomatic shotguns without shell capacity limits for snow goose hunting during the conservation season. The law authorizes the Game Commission to issue specific directives for these exceptions and requires public notice through the Pennsylvania Bulletin if such rules are implemented. It applies to hunters and the Game Commission, establishing new legal allowances for firearm types and capacities in specific hunting scenarios. The changes take effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryHB 2205 prohibits the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission from using eminent domain to acquire property for turnpike projects. The bill repeals a section allowing the commission to obtain possession of condemned property and amends the law to explicitly forbid condemnation by the commission for any purpose. This change directly affects property owners near turnpike corridors, requiring the commission to seek land through voluntary agreements instead of forced acquisition. The bill does not apply to ongoing or pre-existing condemnation cases that began before its effective date.