Rep. Mike Armanini

Maddy summaryHB 1595 removes Pennsylvania's state-specific regulations for heavy-duty diesel vehicle emissions (25 Pa. Code Ch. 126 Subch. E) and replaces them with federal standards. It directly affects heavy-duty diesel vehicle owners, operators, and manufacturers in Pennsylvania who previously had to comply with the state's emissions control program. The bill's key mechanism is the immediate abrogation of Pennsylvania's program, making federal emissions standards the only applicable requirement for these vehicles in the state. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1598 amends Pennsylvania's Regulatory Review Act to clarify and strengthen oversight of agency rules. It defines "economically significant regulations" as those costing over $1 million annually to the state, local governments, or private sector, requiring agencies to include detailed cost estimates in regulatory proposals. The bill mandates agencies submit these cost analyses (prepared by the Independent Fiscal Office) with all new rules and adds a 14-day review window for committees if they object to economically significant regulations. This ensures greater transparency and legislative input before major rules take effect.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates April 2025 as "Low Head Dam Public Safety Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It is a symbolic measure intended to raise public awareness about the dangers of low head dams - hazardous water structures that can create powerful, unpredictable currents. The resolution does not create new laws, allocate funding, or impose requirements; it solely serves to highlight safety concerns during this designated month. It was referred to the Environmental & Natural Resource Protection committee but was ultimately laid on the table and not advanced further.

Maddy summaryHB 1581 amends Pennsylvania law to restrict the sale and possession of solvents and noxious substances that release toxic vapors, commonly misused for inhalant abuse. It specifically prohibits retailers from selling these products to minors if they suspect the product will be used for inhalant abuse, and bans possession for such misuse. Retailers violating the minor sales rule face a second-degree misdemeanor charge, while other violations carry a third-degree misdemeanor penalty. This bill directly affects retailers selling solvents and individuals attempting to misuse these substances for inhalant purposes.

Maddy summaryHB 1586 creates a refundable tax credit for Pennsylvania taxpayers who earn overtime wages. It allows eligible workers to reduce their state income tax bill by 100% of taxes paid on overtime wages, calculated using employer-provided documentation (as required by 34 Pa. Code § 231.36). The credit applies to tax returns filed for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025, and will be integrated into the standard PA 40 tax form. This directly affects Pennsylvania workers receiving overtime pay under the Minimum Wage Act of 1968.

Maddy summaryHR 227 is a ceremonial resolution designating August 17-23, 2025, as "Little League World Series Week" in Pennsylvania. It recognizes the Little League World Series, held annually in South Williamsport, as a celebration of youth sports, community volunteers, and Pennsylvania’s historical role as the founding home of Little League (1939). The resolution encourages Pennsylvanians to observe the week by attending events, honoring volunteers, and supporting local youth sports. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but formally acknowledges the event’s cultural and economic significance to the state.

Maddy summaryHB 1555 amends Pennsylvania's inheritance tax rules by changing when a 5% discount applies. Previously, taxpayers could claim the discount if they paid the tax within three months of the decedent's death. The bill now requires payment within three months *after receiving the tax notice* (issued under Section 2140) to qualify for the discount. This change affects estate administrators who pay inheritance tax, with the new rule applying to tax years starting after December 31, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1510 amends Pennsylvania's transportation laws to establish a structured framework for sustainable mobility programs, directly affecting state transportation agencies and organizations receiving state funds for projects like bike lanes, pedestrian infrastructure, or electric vehicle charging networks. Key provisions define sustainable mobility, streamline funding applications and approvals, clarify federal funding coordination, and create separate programs for asset improvements, new initiatives, and statewide projects. The bill also sets a small purchase threshold for simpler project approvals and removes outdated rules about evaluating private investment opportunities. These changes aim to standardize how the state manages and funds non-traditional transportation infrastructure.

Maddy summaryHB 1514 creates a tax credit for Pennsylvania taxpayers who earn tips, allowing them to get back the income tax paid on those tips. The credit equals 100% of the tax paid on "tipped wages" (wages received as voluntary customer tips, not set by employers) and is fully refundable, meaning it can reduce tax bills or generate refunds even if no tax was owed. Taxpayers must claim the credit using their employer's statement of tipped wages (required under 34 Pa. Code § 231.36) when filing their annual tax return on the standard PA 40 form. This change applies to tax returns for years starting after December 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1499 updates Pennsylvania's child custody laws under Title 23. It clarifies definitions, establishes clearer rules for awarding primary physical custody, and requires courts to consider criminal convictions when making custody decisions. The bill also mandates parenting plans and specifies factors judges must evaluate, directly affecting parents, judges, and child welfare agencies involved in custody cases. The legislation was recently referred to the Judiciary Committee on May 28, 2025.