Rep. Carl Metzgar

Maddy summaryHB 1134 requires food products containing specific synthetic colors (Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, or Yellow 6) to display a warning label on the front of the package. The warning must state: "WARNING: This product contains synthetic colors, which may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children," in bold type at least as large as the "serving size" declaration. This law directly affects food manufacturers and retailers selling products with these dyes in Pennsylvania. The requirement applies to all such products sold within the state and takes effect one year after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1131 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to prohibit public schools from selling or offering competitive foods containing specific artificial dyes during the school day. The bill bans six dyes (Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6) in foods sold on school grounds that compete with federally reimbursable meals like school lunches. It defines "competitive food" as any food sold during school hours that competes with National School Lunch Program meals. The prohibition applies to all public schools in Pennsylvania and takes effect July 1, 2027. This is a direct policy change restricting certain food additives in school food sales, not a health recommendation.

Maddy summaryHB 1132 prohibits Pennsylvania public schools from selling or offering "unhealthy ultra-processed foods" as competitive foods during the school day. It defines "ultra-processed food" as items containing specific additives like artificial colors, stabilizers, non-nutritive sweeteners, or flavor enhancers (excluding natural seasonings), and "unhealthy" as failing FDA standards for the term "healthy" on labels. Competitive foods - such as vending machine snacks or cafeteria items sold alongside school meals - are banned if they contain these unhealthy items. The law takes effect July 1, 2027, directly affecting public school food vendors, students, and school nutrition programs across Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryHB 1133 amends Pennsylvania's food protection laws to require a specific cancer warning on food products containing Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA). The bill mandates that any food bearing BHA (identified by CAS number 25013-16-5) must display the warning "WARNING: This product contains BHA, which may cause cancer" in bold type on the principal display panel, using a font size no smaller than the required "serving size" declaration. This directly affects food manufacturers and retailers selling products with BHA, requiring them to update labeling to comply with the new rule. The policy change focuses on enhancing consumer transparency about a specific ingredient's potential health risk through mandatory labeling.

Maddy summaryHB 1130 requires food manufacturers to report "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS) substances used in food to Pennsylvania's Department of Agriculture, including safety data. This affects companies adding GRAS substances to food products, with exemptions for small businesses and certain FDA-approved substances. The bill mandates a searchable public database on the state website where all submitted reports will be accessible to consumers. It creates new transparency requirements for substances deemed safe without full FDA food additive approval, aligning with federal GRAS reporting standards.

Maddy summaryHB 1193 proposes a constitutional amendment to update voter qualifications in Pennsylvania. It would lower the voting age from 21 to 18, reduce residency requirements to 30 days for state and local election districts (from 90 and 60 days), and require government-issued ID for in-person voting and mail-in ballots (with signature matching). Voters must also register at least 30 days before an election, with registration requiring pre-confirmation of eligibility. The amendment must be approved by the General Assembly and then by voters in a statewide election.

Maddy summaryHB 1170 allows Pennsylvania corrections officers to use electronic control gloves - gloves with electrodes emitting under 500 volts to temporarily immobilize individuals - in specific prison units. It requires these gloves only for officers assigned to units housing inmates who received disciplinary sanctions and are segregated from the general population. The department must create public policies on glove use, training, and maintenance, and officers must complete department-approved training before use. The bill also mandates compliance with existing use-of-force laws (18 Pa.C.S. § 508) and defines the gloves’ technical specifications.

Maddy summaryHB 962 allows eligible organizations, such as charities and non-profits, to conduct virtual raffles and drawings using electronic payments like credit cards or mobile apps. The bill requires organizations to verify that participants are physically in Pennsylvania, are at least 18 years old, and provide accurate identity information through methods like government ID checks. It also restricts how winners are announced - only simple internet-based conferencing (e.g., Zoom) without animations, images, or slot machine technology can be used. These rules aim to modernize virtual game operations while ensuring compliance with state and federal gambling laws.

Maddy summaryHB 685 requires Pennsylvania schools to accept U.S. currency as payment for admission to school-sponsored activities, such as athletic events, assemblies, or field trips. It applies to all school entities, including public school districts, charter schools, and private schools participating in school activities. The bill mandates that cash must be accepted when fees are charged, while allowing schools to also accept other payment methods like credit cards. It defines "cash" as U.S. coins and paper money recognized as legal tender and clarifies that schools may refuse payments in large denominations that exceed the fee amount.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires most construction and land development projects to obtain an erosion and sediment control permit from Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) before starting earth disturbance work (like clearing land or building). It sets a 45-day deadline for DEP to process permits, or 20 days if a licensed engineer submits the application, and mandates clear written reasons for denials. The DEP must also submit an annual report to the legislature by January 31st, detailing permit applications, approvals, processing times, staff workload, and fees collected by industry sector. This directly affects construction companies, developers, and the DEP, which must manage permits and reporting under new timelines and transparency requirements.