Maddy summaryPennsylvania House Bill 2729 creates a new misdemeanor of the third degree for animal hoarding, defined as keeping animals in conditions that are unsanitary, unhealthful, malodorous, or dangerous to people, animals, or property. The bill specifies that each animal kept in violation constitutes a separate offense, but it excludes animals classified as agricultural commodities from this definition. For sentencing, the law requires a mental health evaluation of the defendant before any sentence is scheduled. If the court finds that the defendant suffered from a psychological or psychiatric disability at the time of the offense, it must order treatment and stay legal action pending a report on that treatment. Upon successful completion of treatment, the court must order the forfeiture of the animals, prohibit future ownership, reverse the conviction, and expunge the arrest record.
Rep. Dan Williams
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryPennsylvania House Bill 2728 amends state corporate law to prohibit business corporations, nonprofit corporations, and limited liability companies from directly or indirectly engaging in election activity or ballot question activity. The bill revokes existing general powers granted to these entities and re-grants them with specific exclusions for political spending, defining such activities as paying or contributing money to support or oppose candidates, political parties, or ballot measures. Any language in a corporate charter that purports to authorize this political activity is declared void, and any such activity conducted by an entity is considered ultra vires and legally invalid. Entities that violate these provisions face the automatic forfeiture of their charter privileges, including limited liability and perpetual duration, until they fully disgorge funds and certify future compliance. The Attorney General is authorized to pursue civil actions for injunctive relief and enforcement against non-compliant entities.
Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill creates a new tax incentive to encourage the installation of green infrastructure, such as rain gardens, green roofs, and permeable pavement, on properties within the state. It defines "green infrastructure" as stormwater management practices that reduce or reuse runoff and sets rules for claiming a tax credit based on qualified costs like design, materials, and installation. To receive the credit, taxpayers must complete a certified project and submit detailed documentation to the Department of Revenue, while excluding costs covered by grants or routine maintenance. The legislation also updates the legal definition of "tax credit" to include this new program alongside existing state tax benefits.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires sellers of commercial real property with an onsite private well to inform buyers that the well needs inspection and testing for contaminants before the sale is finalized. The law applies to businesses, offices, hotels, and other income-generating properties, but excludes residential homes. Sellers must provide this disclosure in a signed, dated document using a form created by the state, though they may include additional details if they choose. If a seller fails to provide this information, the sale remains valid, but the seller becomes financially responsible for the buyer's actual damages, including the cost of the required well testing.
Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution designates October 20, 2026, as Community Health Worker Awareness Day to honor the contributions of community health workers throughout the state. The bill aims to raise public awareness about these trusted professionals who help residents navigate healthcare systems, access resources, and manage health conditions. While the resolution does not create new laws or funding, it formally recognizes the vital role these workers play in improving community health and encourages continued investment in their training and support.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to add cruelty to animals as a new criminal offense in Pennsylvania's Title 18. It would make it illegal to intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly illtreat, overload, beat, abandon, or abuse any animal. Additionally, the law would specifically prohibit using animals to pull carriages for business or money in cities with populations of 100,000 or more. If passed, these changes would take effect 60 days after the bill becomes law.
Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1042 creates a system in Pennsylvania allowing eligible incarcerated individuals to earn credits that reduce their minimum sentence. Inmates can receive sentence reductions for completing vocational training, educational programs like a GED or college degree, and other department-required programming. The bill sets specific credit amounts for different achievements, with a maximum limit of one-fourth of an inmate's minimum sentence. However, individuals convicted of certain serious offenses, such as murder or sexual assault, are excluded from earning these credits.
Maddy summaryThis bill legalizes prediction markets in Pennsylvania by adding a new chapter to the state's amusement laws that defines how these speculative platforms must operate. It directly affects the companies that build and run these platforms, as well as the individuals who wish to place bets on the outcomes of future events. Key provisions include setting a minimum age of 21 for participants, banning markets related to deaths or assassinations, and prohibiting anyone involved in gambling from acting as a market maker or sharing in the platform's revenue. The legislation also establishes rules to prevent insider trading and market manipulation, while giving the state board authority to create specific regulations and impose civil penalties for violations.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates 2026 as the 80th Anniversary Year of the State YMCA of Pennsylvania Youth and Government Program. The resolution formally recognizes the program's eight-decade history of engaging high school students in hands-on civic education and leadership training. It also commends the organization for its long-standing commitment to developing future leaders and providing financial assistance to participants.
Maddy summaryThis resolution formally recognizes July 25, 2026, as "World IVF Day" throughout Pennsylvania. It highlights the importance of in vitro fertilization for helping individuals and couples overcome infertility and acknowledges the critical role embryologists play in the process. The bill does not change any laws or policies; instead, it serves as a symbolic gesture to celebrate advancements in fertility medicine and the millions of babies born via IVF worldwide.