Rep. Mike Armanini

Maddy summaryHB 347 allows oil and gas companies to lease subsurface rights beneath Pennsylvania's state forests and parks for drilling, provided the drilling originates outside these areas. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) must review applications, with disapproval possible for environmental violations or projects causing significant harm, and companies can appeal denials to court. All lease revenue goes into the Oil and Gas Lease Fund, with upfront payments specifically directed to a restricted account funding stream maintenance and clearing projects. The bill also cancels prior executive orders and policies restricting such leasing on state lands.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's court cost structure for criminal and civil cases, including specific fees for summary convictions, misdemeanors, felonies, and civil matters like landlord-tenant disputes. It exempts traffic citations (cases under vehicle laws) from an additional fee provision that would otherwise apply. The changes affect defendants who pay court costs and the state treasury, which collects these fees. The bill clarifies that traffic violations will no longer be subject to the "additional fees" outlined in Section 3733(a.1).

Maddy summaryHB 256 exempts transfers of funds from qualified tuition programs (like 529 college savings plans) from Pennsylvania's inheritance tax when moved to the designated beneficiary or their parent/guardian if the beneficiary is under 18. It uses federal definitions from the Internal Revenue Code (Section 529) to define "qualified tuition program" and "designated beneficiary." The change applies to estates of people who died after November 6, 2023. This policy directly affects families using these education savings programs by removing an inheritance tax burden on transferred funds.

Maddy summaryHB 90 amends Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to require applicants and recipients of medical assistance for children to cooperate with state departments in securing medical support from non-custodial parents. It prohibits accepting private agreements where custodial parents would provide medical support instead of pursuing the non-custodial parent, ensuring children access available medical support under state law. Exceptions apply if the custodial parent is a domestic violence victim (verified per state standards), interrupting a child's medical care would endanger them, or pursuing support harms the child or custodial parent. If a non-custodial parent withholds required information, they must reimburse the state for medical costs, but this does not make the child ineligible for assistance. Medical aid must continue without delay during verification.

Maddy summaryHB 73 updates Pennsylvania's emergency medical services laws by changing certification renewal requirements for EMRs (Emergency Medical Responders) and EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians) to every three years through exams or continuing education, with recertification options within six years of expiration. It also modifies EMS vehicle operator rules, making certification permanent but requiring three-year registration (with continuing education) for most operators, excluding those exclusively working for certain qualified providers. These changes directly affect EMS personnel who must meet these updated standards to maintain their ability to work in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryHB 70 changes Pennsylvania's regular antlered deer hunting season to begin on the first Monday following Thanksgiving each year. This directly affects deer hunters across the state by establishing a fixed seasonal start date, overriding previous regulations. The bill amends Title 34 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to implement this specific opening date. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates September 28, 2024, as National Hunting and Fishing Day within Pennsylvania. It serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of the state's long history of hunting and fishing traditions and highlights the economic contributions of outdoor recreation to the local economy. The document does not alter any laws or regulations but instead celebrates the role of hunters and anglers in wildlife conservation and funding management agencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates money from the State Lottery Fund to the Department of Aging in Pennsylvania for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. The specific funding supports programs like PennCARE, which provide services such as community care, protective services, and counseling for older adults and other seniors. It adds to existing state appropriations and takes effect immediately to cover expenses starting July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates November 15, 2024, as "Brenda Banks Day" in Pennsylvania to honor Brenda Banks, a student-athlete at Panther Valley High School. The bill recognizes her historic achievement of winning the first-ever statewide girls' wrestling championship and her subsequent victory at the national junior wrestling championship. By passing this measure, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives officially acknowledges her accomplishments without altering any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the membership rules for Pennsylvania's State Veterans' Commission to ensure broader representation of different veteran groups. It mandates that the commission include representatives from sixteen specific national veterans' organizations, such as the American Legion and VFW, along with four members appointed by the Governor who must be female or Vietnam-era veterans. The legislation also clarifies the roles of state-level leaders from the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, and Veterans of Foreign Wars as nonvoting members. These changes aim to modernize the commission's composition while maintaining its existing structure under Pennsylvania law.