Rep. Dan Williams

Maddy summaryHB 1731, the Consumer Debt Collection Fairness Act, requires debt collectors and debt buyers to provide detailed documentation before suing consumers for unpaid debt. It mandates that lawsuits include the original creditor’s name, a clear debt breakdown (including fees and payments), proof of debt ownership, and the original contract. The bill also sets a 3-year statute of limitations for debt collection lawsuits and prohibits default judgments without verified documentation or proper consumer notice. This directly affects consumers facing debt lawsuits and debt collectors in Pennsylvania, aiming to prevent abusive practices by ensuring transparency and fair legal process.

Maddy summaryHB 2033 would amend Pennsylvania's food protection laws under Title 3 (Agriculture) to establish new requirements for correctional institutions. It would require the Department of Agriculture to create specific regulations and carry out new duties related to food safety standards in prisons and detention facilities. This bill directly affects correctional facilities by mandating updated food safety protocols and the Department of Agriculture through new regulatory responsibilities. The bill was referred to the Judiciary committee on November 17, 2025, for further review.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to modernize how the state handles tax liens by introducing an electronic filing system and a centralized online repository. It directly affects the Department of Revenue, taxpayers, and creditors by requiring the department to post tax liabilities to a public website within seven days of a final assessment. The new system allows the department to maintain a searchable database of liens without needing to refile or revive them, while still requiring physical recording with county officials only when the state seeks to execute against specific property. Additionally, the legislation clarifies the priority of tax liens during judicial sales and establishes procedures for enforcing liens against out-of-state property.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Public School Code to clarify how state funding is distributed to charter and cyber charter schools. It establishes a specific formula where local school districts must pay charter schools based on the per-student cost of operating the district's own programs, adjusted annually by wage and employment cost indices. The legislation also sets up a process where the state education secretary can deduct unpaid amounts from a district's state funds if the district fails to pay the charter school on time. These changes aim to ensure that charter schools receive consistent and predictable funding from the districts where their students reside.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania legislative resolution designates April 2026 as Esophageal Cancer Awareness and Prevention Month to highlight the disease's severity and promote public health awareness. The bill directly affects Pennsylvania residents by encouraging them to seek treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) to reduce their risk of developing esophageal cancer. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal declaration to raise awareness about early detection and prevention strategies.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill temporarily bans the sale, manufacture, and distribution of children's toys containing artificial intelligence chatbots for a period of three years. It defines an AI chatbot as technology that uses generative AI to hold interactive conversations with users, while excluding toys that only provide pre-written responses. The law applies to any product intended for children under 14 years old and allows the Attorney General to enforce the ban through civil penalties and legal injunctions if violations occur. After the three-year period expires, the prohibition will automatically end, though any violations committed during the ban remain subject to enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution honors the life of Pennsylvania State Police Corporal Timothy J. O'Connor, Jr., who died in the line of duty in March 2026, and extends condolences to his family. The document details his 15-year career, numerous awards, and community service, while formally recognizing his sacrifice as the 105th state police officer to die in service. It directs that a copy of the resolution be presented to his wife, Casey O'Connor, as a gesture of respect and support.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates June 2026 as "Gun Violence Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania to highlight the public safety issue of firearm-related harm. It does not create new laws or change regulations but serves as a symbolic resolution to acknowledge the impact of gun violence and honor those who have died from it. The measure affects the state legislature and the public by officially recognizing the month for awareness purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the rules for the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund in Pennsylvania to streamline how grants are reviewed and awarded. It requires the commission to evaluate applications on a rolling basis and must decide on each one within 90 days of receiving it. The legislation also clarifies that a nonprofit's lack of financial participation cannot be used to deny an application and allows those with less than $250,000 in annual revenue to receive grants without any matching funds. Additionally, it sets specific grant amounts between $25,001 and $75,000 for applicants who can provide a 33% financial match. These changes aim to make the grant process more efficient and accessible for eligible organizations.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws governing public-private transportation partnerships by clarifying definitions, establishing board procedures, and outlining sovereign immunity protections. It requires public agencies to conduct detailed analyses and public comment periods before approving transportation projects, ensuring transparency and community input. Additionally, the legislation reaffirms that government entities and their employees retain immunity from lawsuits when acting within their official duties, while specifying how legal claims must be filed. These changes directly affect state agencies, local governments, and private partners involved in transportation infrastructure initiatives.