Rep. Frank Burns

Maddy summaryHB 2554 establishes formal executive leadership roles for both the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and the Pennsylvania Game Commission by creating positions for an executive director and a director, respectively. The bill mandates that these leaders be appointed with the Senate's approval and requires a competitive national search process, including a detailed job description and public notice, whenever a vacancy occurs. Additionally, the legislation sets specific qualifications for these roles, such as executive experience and knowledge in areas like budgeting and conservation, while also defining procedures for temporary acting appointments.

Maddy summaryHB 1106 establishes a certification program for chiropractic assistants in Pennsylvania. To become certified, individuals must be at least 18, have a high school diploma, complete an approved training program, pass an exam, and meet background requirements. Certified assistants can only perform tasks delegated by a licensed chiropractor under direct on-premises supervision and must complete 16 hours of continuing education (including 8 in-person hours) every two years to maintain certification. The bill also makes minor editorial changes to the existing Chiropractic Practice Act.

Maddy summaryHB 2163 updates Pennsylvania's Dental Law by clarifying definitions and licensing rules. It specifically revises the definition of "restricted faculty license" to allow licensed dental school faculty to teach in non-profit clinical facilities or accredited advanced education programs, while explicitly excluding profit-driven operations. The bill also amends licensing provisions to require a 10-year waiting period for applicants convicted under drug laws (like the Controlled Substance Act), unless they demonstrate rehabilitation and pose no risk to public safety. These changes directly affect dental schools, faculty members, and applicants with prior drug-related convictions seeking licensure. The bill focuses on modernizing scope-of-practice definitions and refining the review process for certain applicants, without altering general licensing requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 2003 amends Pennsylvania's procurement laws to require state agencies to purchase flags made in America when acquiring flags for official use. This bill directly affects Pennsylvania state departments and agencies that purchase flags for government buildings, events, or displays. The key provision mandates that all flags purchased with state funds must be manufactured within the United States. The bill is currently in the referral stage to the State Government committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the enforcement powers of Pennsylvania's Pharmacy Audit Integrity and Transparency Act to address how Pharmacy Benefit Managers handle Medicaid prescriptions. It directly affects PBMs, pharmacies, and pharmacists by requiring PBMs to accept and process prescriptions from any pharmacy or pharmacist that is in good standing with state regulators. The law prohibits PBMs from limiting patient access to specific pharmacies based on the PBM's own private contracting choices. These changes are designed to ensure that Medicaid patients can use any qualified pharmacy without facing artificial restrictions imposed by their benefit manager.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires emergency medical services providers in Pennsylvania, including paramedics and nurses, to complete specific training on caring for individuals with dementia. The Department of Health must create a program covering how to communicate effectively with these patients, manage behavioral symptoms, and identify signs of abuse. New providers will need three hours of initial training, while all providers must complete one hour of continuing education annually. Those who already finished similar training within the last 18 months will be exempt from the initial requirement but must still take the annual course.

Maddy summaryHR 362 is a procedural resolution that directs the House to discharge the Committee on Education from further consideration of House Bill 158, allowing HB 158 to move directly to the full House floor for a vote. This action bypasses the committee's review process, which typically requires committee approval before a bill can be debated on the floor. The resolution was placed on the calendar under Rule 53 on October 29, 2025, signaling it will now proceed to a floor vote. This change affects the legislative workflow for HB 158 but does not alter the content or policy of HB 158 itself.

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 1818 proposes a constitutional amendment in Pennsylvania that would establish a fundamental right for all citizens to carry, own, and transfer firearms without any licensing, permits, or government restrictions. It would remove all existing requirements for carrying firearms openly or concealed, possessing, purchasing, or transferring firearms, including for self-defense devices. The bill must pass both legislative chambers and then be approved by voters in a general election to become part of the state constitution. As of now, it has only been referred to the Judiciary Committee and is not yet law.

Maddy summaryHB 1808 establishes a workfare pilot program for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients in Pennsylvania's fourth and fifth class counties. The program requires recipients to work 40 hours per week for an employer while gradually reducing cash assistance: initially receiving benefits alongside pay for 20 hours of work, then up to 70% of benefits with pay for 30 hours after six months, and finally full pay for 40 hours with cash assistance termination after 12 months. It applies only to the pilot counties and does not alter existing TANF eligibility rules. The bill mandates the department to implement the program within six months of its effective date.