Rep. Dan Williams

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 18, 2025, as "National Transit Worker Appreciation Day" in Pennsylvania. It recognizes the work of approximately 16,800 public transit employees (including bus/train operators, drivers, and maintenance staff) who support over 237 million annual trips for Pennsylvania residents. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but encourages the public to thank transit workers for their role in connecting communities to jobs, healthcare, and education. It specifically highlights concerns about safety risks transit workers face, including recent incidents of violence. The resolution is symbolic and non-binding, limited to Pennsylvania's House of Representatives.

Maddy summaryHB 878 amends Pennsylvania's DUI laws to clarify that using medical marijuana legally under the Medical Marijuana Act is not a defense for driving under the influence, except for commercial drivers. It directly affects medical marijuana patients who drive non-commercial vehicles by allowing their legal medical use to be raised as a defense in DUI cases. The bill adds "medical marijuana" to statutory definitions and modifies Section 3802(h) to explicitly state this use is a defense, while Section 3810 confirms authorized medical use isn't a defense unless specified in the new exception. This change does not alter DUI laws for alcohol or other controlled substances, only clarifies the medical marijuana exception. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 833 proposes a constitutional amendment to add a 4% tax on Pennsylvania residents with annual taxable income exceeding $1 million. This tax would apply only to income above the $1 million threshold, directly affecting high-income earners in the state. The amendment includes an annual cost-of-living adjustment for the income threshold, aligning it with federal tax bracket methodology. This is a policy change to the state constitution, not an immediate law, requiring approval through the constitutional amendment process.

Maddy summaryHB 851 amends Pennsylvania's Game Code to allow temporary Sunday hunting and dog training for small game, repealing the previous ban on Sunday hunting. It creates new offenses for trespassing on private land while hunting or trapping without written permission and replaces prior rules about Sunday hunting without permission. The bill also requires the Pennsylvania Game Commission to include at least one member actively engaged in agriculture with wildlife management expertise, prohibits the commission from hiring lobbyists to influence state decisions, and mandates an ethics policy emphasizing respect for sportsmen. Additionally, it adds annual reporting requirements for the commission to legislative committees on budget and accountability measures.

Maddy summaryHB 837 limits handgun purchases and sales in Pennsylvania to one per person within any 30-day period, applying to most individuals but excluding licensed dealers, collectors, law enforcement, correctional facilities, security companies, antique firearms, and documented cases of stolen or lost handguns (with specific reporting requirements). It establishes the Violence Prevention Account, funded by fines from violations, to support youth violence prevention programs and law enforcement training grants. Sellers must conduct a purchase history check and inform buyers about the 30-day limit and penalties. Violations are misdemeanors for first offenses and felonies for repeat offenses.

Maddy summaryHB 823 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to replace annual fire drills with "school security drills" in all public school buildings. It requires schools to conduct one security drill per year (after the first 90 days of school), with specific rules: drills must be age-appropriate, avoid violent simulations (like fake weapons or injuries), include mental health professionals, and require 7 days' advance notice to parents. Schools must also hold a debriefing period with mental health support immediately after each drill. This bill directly affects all Pennsylvania public schools and their students, shifting focus from fire safety to comprehensive security planning.

Maddy summaryHB 821 amends Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to require the Department of Human Services to add assisted living services and supplemental health care services to the Community HealthChoices Medicaid program within 60 days. This change directly affects licensed assisted living residences, allowing them to become certified as medical assistance providers for these services. The bill mandates that the department submit necessary documentation to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to implement the expansion. The policy change will enable these facilities to participate in the state's Medicaid program for covered services. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 807 amends Pennsylvania's Board of Vehicles Act to define "independent motor vehicle dealer" as a used vehicle dealer (excluding new vehicle, mobile home, or recreational vehicle dealers). It requires these dealers to complete mandatory training: 20 hours for initial licensing and 2 hours for renewals, with costs capped at $300 for initial licenses and $75 for renewals. Exemptions apply to dealers licensed for 10+ years or those already holding new vehicle dealer licenses. The State Board of Vehicle Manufacturers must develop and approve these courses within 180 days, with the training requirement taking effect one year after regulations are finalized.

Maddy summaryHB 803 requires Pennsylvania high schools (grades 9-12) to maintain opioid antagonists like naloxone (Narcan) on-site and train staff to use them during suspected overdose emergencies. Schools must develop a policy within 60 days with the Department of Education, detailing safe storage, administration procedures, and mandatory hospital transport after use. Trained staff, including nurses or teachers, can administer the medication in good faith without facing legal liability, criminal charges, or professional penalties. This law directly affects all public, charter, private, and nonpublic high schools in Pennsylvania, aiming to improve emergency response to opioid overdoses among students and staff.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 96) designates March 8, 2025, as "International Women's Day" in Pennsylvania. It formally recognizes women's contributions across all sectors of Pennsylvania society without creating new laws or policies. The resolution encourages residents to participate in events celebrating women's achievements and leadership, including noting the record number of women serving in the state legislature. It is a symbolic gesture by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, not a legislative change affecting specific groups or programs.