Rep. Lou Schmitt

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 2025 as "Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It formally recognizes ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) through a symbolic designation, highlighting the disease's impact - such as its fatal neurodegenerative nature, average 2-5 year survival after diagnosis, and lack of cure - without creating new laws or funding. The resolution aims to increase public awareness of ALS, acknowledge the challenges faced by patients and families, and honor ongoing research efforts. As a procedural resolution, it does not alter any existing policies or provide financial support.

Maddy summaryHB 1273 repeals Pennsylvania's requirement that taxpayers make payments of $15,000 or more electronically for personal income tax, along with related penalties for non-compliance. It replaces these rules by adding a new provision requiring the Department of Revenue to accept all payment methods without penalties for taxpayers. This bill directly affects individuals and businesses paying Pennsylvania personal income tax, removing a specific electronic payment mandate and associated fines. The changes take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025, making all payment methods equally acceptable without penalty.

Maddy summaryHB 1125 creates a permitting system for law enforcement agencies and local governments to install automated license plate reader systems on Pennsylvania roads. It requires safety features like breakaway poles in certain areas and sets specific placement rules (e.g., poles up to 15 feet from lanes without barriers). The bill establishes a 30-day review process for permit applications through the Department of Transportation. This directly affects local police departments and municipalities seeking to deploy these systems for public safety purposes.

Maddy summaryHB 1086 prohibits the government from taking land or property used for cemeteries, burying grounds, or places of public worship - including land owned by religious or cemetery institutions but not currently used for those purposes - through eminent domain under Pennsylvania's current laws. The bill directly affects property owners and institutions operating cemeteries or places of worship by adding a legal barrier to government acquisition. It amends Title 16 of Pennsylvania law to explicitly restrict eminent domain actions targeting these specific properties, with no exception provided in the cited text. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's 1929 Administrative Code to clarify the maximum size of the Pennsylvania State Police (4,310 total officers and enlisted members) and specifies that personnel assigned to the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, Delaware River Bridge Commission, and gaming enforcement do not count toward this limit. It also repeals an outdated reference in the Fiscal Code (Section 1733-E(3)) to align with this clarification. The change directly affects the State Police's staffing structure and reporting requirements. The bill makes a technical correction to existing law without creating new policies or changing operational responsibilities.

Maddy summaryHB 685 requires Pennsylvania schools to accept U.S. currency as payment for admission to school-sponsored activities, such as athletic events, assemblies, or field trips. It applies to all school entities, including public school districts, charter schools, and private schools participating in school activities. The bill mandates that cash must be accepted when fees are charged, while allowing schools to also accept other payment methods like credit cards. It defines "cash" as U.S. coins and paper money recognized as legal tender and clarifies that schools may refuse payments in large denominations that exceed the fee amount.

Maddy summaryPennsylvania's House Resolution 125 is a petition to Congress requesting an Article V constitutional convention to propose amendments focused on three specific areas: imposing fiscal restraints on the federal government, limiting federal power and jurisdiction, and setting term limits for federal officials and members of Congress. The resolution specifies that any convention must be limited to these topics only, cannot consider changes to the Bill of Rights, and requires two-thirds of states to apply for the same purpose before Congress acts. It details Pennsylvania's delegate selection process (five members chosen by the legislature with voting rules) and includes conditions like Congress only setting the convention's time/place, states having equal voting power, and delegates disqualifying if accepting gifts. The resolution explicitly recommends ratification of any amendments through state legislatures rather than conventions.

Maddy summaryHB 756 requires Pennsylvania prosecutors to notify U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) if they learn during a criminal case that a defendant is not a U.S. citizen or is present in the U.S. illegally under federal immigration law (8 U.S.C. Ch. 12). This affects criminal defendants with non-citizen status or potential immigration violations. The bill mandates that Commonwealth attorneys provide this notification "at any point during the course of a criminal proceeding" when they reasonably obtain such information.

Maddy summaryHB 691 amends Pennsylvania's Public Official Compensation Law to update how annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) are calculated and published for state legislators and legislative leaders. The bill maintains that COLA will continue to be based on the Consumer Price Index for the Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland area, with adjustments calculated using the most recent 12-month data. It specifies that adjusted salaries for legislators must be published within 10 days of determination, while adjustments for legislative leaders (like the Speaker or Majority Leader) must be published 20 days before the change takes effect. This bill directly affects the compensation of all members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly and their top leadership.

Maddy summaryHB 675 bans the sale or distribution of firefighting personal protective equipment (PPE) containing intentionally added PFAS chemicals in Pennsylvania starting January 1, 2028, directly affecting manufacturers, sellers, and distributors of such gear. The law includes an exception if the State Fire Commissioner determines PFAS use is unavoidable and issues official guidance. Violations carry civil penalties of up to $5,000 for first offenses and $10,000 for repeat offenses, with fines split equally between the Fire Company Grant Program and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program. This bill aims to reduce exposure to harmful PFAS chemicals while maintaining safety standards for firefighters.