Rep. Jim Rigby

Maddy summaryHB 1091 amends Pennsylvania's intestate succession laws, which determine who inherits property when someone dies without a will. It specifically adjusts the distribution shares for relatives other than a surviving spouse, such as children or parents, in cases where no spouse is alive. The bill modifies existing rules to clarify or change how these non-spouse heirs receive assets from an estate. This directly affects individuals who die intestate with surviving children or other relatives but no spouse, altering their inheritance rights under current law.

Maddy summaryHB 1858 amends Pennsylvania's Emergency and Law Enforcement Personnel Death Benefits Act to extend death benefits to surviving spouses, children, or parents of corrections officers. Currently, the law provides benefits to families of certain emergency and law enforcement personnel, but corrections officers were excluded from coverage. This bill explicitly adds corrections officers to the eligible group, ensuring their families receive financial support if a corrections officer dies while on duty. The bill also includes minor editorial changes to update the law's language.

Maddy summaryHB 1761 prohibits water utilities and municipal authorities from charging "standby fees" to specific groups. It directly affects volunteer fire companies, nonprofit rescue squads, and nonprofit ambulance services (if they own/occupy buildings with fire protection systems and pay for them), as well as residential property owners with automatic fire protection systems. The bill defines a "standby charge" as an extra fee beyond the actual cost of water service for fire protection systems, and bans this practice. Existing charges for affected groups will continue until the next billing cycle after the law takes effect. The law amends both municipal and utility statutes to enforce this prohibition.

Maddy summaryHB 1756 allows volunteer fire companies, nonprofit rescue squads, ambulance services, and senior citizen centers in Pennsylvania to apply for electricity rates matching residential service costs instead of commercial rates. To qualify, these organizations must sign a one-year contract with their utility provider. The bill amends Pennsylvania's Public Utilities code (Title 66) to require utilities to offer this rate option upon request. This change directly affects eligible nonprofit organizations by potentially lowering their electricity costs through simplified rate access. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThe provided context does not include the specific provisions or content of HB 1693. While the bill's title mentions amending Title 29 regarding "immigration compliance and public safety," no details about its concrete mechanisms, affected groups, or policy changes are included in the given information. Without the bill's text or explanatory summary, a factual description of its provisions cannot be provided. The only verifiable detail is that it was referred to the Judiciary committee on July 2, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1511 creates the Violent Incident Clearance and Technological Investigative Methods Program within Pennsylvania's Commission on Crime and Delinquency. The bill requires the Commission to establish this program, which provides funding and guidance for law enforcement agencies to use technology like digital forensics and data analysis to solve violent crimes more effectively. It directly affects Pennsylvania law enforcement agencies handling violent incidents by mandating new reporting requirements and resource allocation for technology-driven investigations. The program aims to improve clearance rates for violent crimes through standardized, tech-enhanced investigative methods.

Maddy summaryHB 1619 establishes a new regulatory program within the Department of Revenue to oversee "skill gaming" (games where skill determines outcomes, not chance). It requires businesses offering such games to obtain licenses, comply with specific zoning rules for where they can operate, and follow new operational standards. The bill imposes both criminal penalties for serious violations and civil penalties for lesser breaches. This directly affects skill gaming businesses, local governments managing zoning, and the Department of Revenue, which gains authority to issue licenses and enforce rules.

Maddy summaryHB 79 requires hospitals to establish clear financial assistance programs for patients who cannot afford care, including standardized forms and easily accessible information about eligibility and coverage. It mandates that hospitals publicly share details about their financial aid policies and report their program rules to the Department of Health. These requirements directly affect hospitals operating in the state and patients seeking financial help with medical bills. The bill aims to standardize and increase transparency in hospital financial aid offerings.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific bridge on Pennsylvania Route 562 over Manatawny Creek in Amity Township, Berks County (Bridge Key 56130) as the "PFC Travis C. Zimmerman Memorial Bridge." It directs the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to install and maintain signs naming the bridge for public visibility. The bill honors PFC Travis C. Zimmerman, a soldier killed in action in Iraq in 2006, who was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. The designation takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 176 honors law enforcement officers who have died while serving, specifically commemorating Philadelphia Police Officer Jaime Junior Roman, who lost his life on September 10, 2024. The resolution expresses the House of Representatives' deepest sympathy to his family and all families of officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in protecting public safety. It serves as a formal expression of respect for fallen officers, without creating new legal requirements or altering policies.