Rep. Dan Williams

Maddy summaryHB 1147 requires builders of new or rehabilitated residential buildings in Pennsylvania to fix significant defects (like water leaks or structural issues) at no cost to purchasers within two years of delivery. Builders must complete repairs within six months of being notified of a defect; if they fail to do so, purchasers can sue in court for 150% of the repair costs. The law applies to buildings delivered within two years of the bill's effective date and excludes cosmetic issues or defects covered by existing warranties. This directly affects homebuyers and builders by creating a clear, time-bound process for addressing construction flaws.

Maddy summaryHB 1149 amends Pennsylvania's Construction Code Act to require residential building inspectors to complete five hours of mandatory continuing education. This training covers identifying faulty construction practices (including stucco installation), builders' legal liability, and homeowner remedies under federal or state law. The bill directly affects residential building inspectors licensed in Pennsylvania, adding this new requirement to their existing certification obligations. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1151 requires developers in Pennsylvania to mail a plain-language pamphlet called the "Adjacent Neighbors' Bill of Rights" to homeowners living next to construction or development sites when a building permit is applied for. The pamphlet details homeowners' rights regarding property access, engineering surveys (at developer expense), damage claims from excavation, noise ordinances, and legal resources. It also mandates the Department of Labor and Industry to create and post this resource online and distribute it to officials and community groups. The bill directly affects homeowners adjacent to construction projects and takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act to clarify who qualifies as an "owner" for registration exemptions and add a new fraud provision. It defines "owner" to include authorized representatives without requiring residency, but requires maintaining ownership for one year after construction to qualify for exemption. The new fraud provision specifically prohibits avoiding contractor licensing by claiming owner status with intent to sell a property without ever residing there. This primarily affects homeowners with multiple properties (limiting "owner" status to primary and recreational residences) and home improvement contractors.

Maddy summaryHB 1152 requires insurance companies to directly reimburse non-network emergency medical services (EMS) agencies for 911 emergency calls within 45 days at 350% of the Medicare ambulance rate for the same service in the same area. EMS agencies must register with the state annually to qualify for direct payments, and insurers cannot demand contracts to facilitate this reimbursement. The insurer's payment covers the full service cost (excluding the patient's copay, coinsurance, or deductible), so EMS agencies cannot bill patients for the remaining amount. This law applies only to non-network EMS providers offering 911 emergency medical services, unless preempted by federal law.

Maddy summaryHB 1118 amends Pennsylvania's Liquor Code to provide a $350 refund for club licensees who purchased less than $2,000 in liquor from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board during their previous license renewal period. Eligible licensees must submit a written application to the board, which will issue the refund without charging any fee. This provision directly affects small-volume club licensees by reducing their license and filing costs.

Maddy summaryHB 1107 establishes Pennsylvania's Adult-use Cannabis Program, legalizing cannabis for personal use by residents aged 21 and older. The bill creates a permit system for "farmer-growers" to cultivate, process, and dispense cannabis under strict rules, including limits on facility size (max 10 acres), security requirements, and regional zoning considerations. It requires farmer-growers to maintain inventory tracking, report operational changes, and pay fees, while imposing a tax on adult-use cannabis sales. The Department of Health is tasked with administering the program, enforcing regulations, and overseeing permits, directly affecting consumers, licensed businesses, and state regulatory operations.

Maddy summaryHB 1122 amends Pennsylvania's Unfair Insurance Practices Act to explicitly prohibit insurance companies from discriminating against applicants or policyholders based on protected characteristics. The bill adds specific language banning unfair discrimination in underwriting and eligibility decisions due to race, religion, nationality, ethnicity, age, sex, family size, occupation, residence, marital status, or criminal history. This directly affects insurers (who must comply with these rules) and applicants/policyholders (who gain protections against such discrimination). The key change clarifies that insurers cannot deny coverage, adjust rates, or impose terms based on these factors, except where rates are set through proper regulatory processes. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1114 prohibits possessing a firearm in any building, property, or parking area of a polling place during an election, with three specific offense types: simple possession, possession with intent to commit a crime, or causing a firearm to be used in a crime. Simple possession is a third-degree misdemeanor, while intent or causing use is a first-degree misdemeanor. Key exceptions include law enforcement officers performing duties, individuals with concealed carry permits (who own the firearm and have a valid license), and military personnel on duty. Polling places must post notices of the law, and failure to post prevents conviction for simple possession or intent offenses. The bill directly affects voters, poll workers, and anyone entering polling areas during elections.

Maddy summaryHB 1109 would establish a legal process for "compassionate aid in dying" in Pennsylvania, allowing terminally ill adults to request medication to end their life under strict safeguards. To qualify, patients must be 18 or older, under the care of a healthcare provider, have a terminal illness confirmed by a consulting provider, and be deemed capable of making an informed decision after counseling. The process requires a written request, a waiting period, and detailed documentation to ensure the decision is voluntary and informed, while protecting healthcare providers from forced participation. Violations of the law would be subject to penalties as outlined in the bill.