Rep. Dan Williams

Maddy summaryHB 2491 amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to exempt sales and use taxes on building materials, supplies, and services purchased by construction contractors for affordable housing projects. This change directly affects contractors working on projects that meet the state's legal definition of affordable housing, allowing them to avoid paying sales tax on these specific items. The bill does not alter tax rates or create new taxes but instead clarifies and expands existing exclusions to support the construction and maintenance of designated affordable housing.

Maddy summaryHB 2492 amends Pennsylvania's Election Code to clarify how county boards of elections manage their operations and handle election results. The bill requires county commissioners to provide suitable offices for these boards and mandates that primary and general election expenses be paid by the county. It also establishes specific procedures for counting votes, including public notice of meeting times and places, the preparation of official forms, and the requirement that all assistants be sworn in before performing their duties. Finally, the legislation sets a timeline for completing vote counts, requiring boards to begin the process by 9 a.m. on the third day after an election and continue until finished.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws to require public utilities to give customers at least 60 days' notice before changing their rates. Under the new rules, companies must send clear, plain-language notices to customers and other interested parties, highlighting proposed changes on the outside of mailings. The bill also mandates that utilities file updated rate schedules with the state commission and allows the commission to grant exceptions to the notice period for good cause.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Pennsylvania public utilities to provide customers with clear instructions on how to submit comments regarding proposed rate changes or system acquisitions. Under the new rules, the Public Utility Commission must accept these consumer comments via mail or through an accessible online platform. The legislation aims to streamline the process for utility customers to participate in regulatory decisions affecting their services. It applies to all public utilities operating in the state and will become effective 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's Workers' Compensation Act to protect injured employees from unfair settlement terms. It directly affects employers and workers by prohibiting companies from requiring injured claimants to agree to specific conditions as part of a settlement. The law explicitly bans employers from making workers sign agreements that stop them from seeking new jobs, force them to keep settlement details secret, require them to accept Medicare payments for their injury, or demand their resignation. Any settlement agreement that includes these prohibited conditions will be considered legally invalid, and employers who violate these rules face penalties under the existing act.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates June 24, 2024, as the "Universal Day of the Romanian Blouse" within Pennsylvania. It directly affects the state's residents and honors the Romanian immigrant community, which includes over 4,200 people living in the Commonwealth. The measure serves as a commemorative gesture to recognize the cultural significance of the traditional Romanian blouse and celebrate the state's diversity. By adopting this date, the House of Representatives formally acknowledges the heritage and craftsmanship associated with this iconic garment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Pennsylvania colleges and universities to clearly explain all mandatory fees students must pay, such as enrollment or incidental charges. Institutions must list these fees, along with their purpose and how the money will be spent, on their public websites and student portals before the fees are charged. Additionally, schools must report the total amount collected and how those funds were used to the state Department of Education by November 15 each year. The law applies to both public state schools and private accredited institutions operating in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates September 2024 as "Military Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month" to highlight the high suicide rates among veterans in the state. The measure aims to raise public consciousness about the issue by officially setting aside the month for recognition and support rather than implementing new laws or funding. It expresses support for ongoing federal and state efforts to assist veterans and their families while acknowledging the specific challenges they face.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to investigate why students are unable to enroll in career and technical education programs. The study will examine specific obstacles such as limited program availability, facility conditions, staffing shortages, and wait lists across the state. Additionally, the committee will analyze the current funding formula for these programs and review how other states address instructor credentialing to solve workforce gaps. The committee is required to submit a report with its findings and recommendations to the House of Representatives within 120 days.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Pennsylvania Artist Fellowship Grant Program to provide financial support to artists living in the state. To qualify, applicants must be at least 18 years old, reside in Pennsylvania, actively practice in visual, media, film, or performing arts, and not be currently enrolled in school. The program awards up to 25 grants of $100,000 each annually, which recipients can use for a wide range of expenses including housing, studio rentals, materials, travel, and student loans, provided the funds are not used for political campaigns or regular employment. The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts is responsible for managing the application process and administering the program, which is funded by a $2.5 million appropriation for grants and an additional $250,000 for administrative costs.