Rep. Aaron Bernstine

Maddy summaryHB 1276 amends Pennsylvania's Commercial Code to clarify rules governing financial assets held by securities intermediaries (like banks or brokers). It establishes clear criteria for determining which state's law applies to these accounts (based on agreement terms or physical office locations), confirms that customers' interests in their financial assets take priority over the intermediary's creditors, and specifies that Pennsylvania law governs security interest perfection for investment property. This directly affects securities intermediaries, their customers holding financial assets, and creditors of these institutions. The bill makes procedural changes to existing code sections (8110, 8503, 8511, 9305) without altering core financial protections.

Maddy summaryHB 1272 amends Pennsylvania's electric utility laws to restructure the industry by defining key terms and setting new requirements for electric distribution companies. It introduces "long-term resource adequacy agreements" (where companies invest in new generation resources like natural gas, nuclear, battery storage, or renewable energy in exchange for customer surcharges) and mandates that utilities procure power through a "prudent mix" of spot market purchases, short-term contracts, and long-term contracts (up to 30 years) designed to ensure reliable service at reasonable cost. The bill directly affects electric distribution companies, which must now follow these procurement rules, and Pennsylvania customers, who may see costs reflected in nonbypassable surcharges. The law requires the state commission to evaluate utility plans based on achieving "reasonable cost" generation supply while maintaining reliability, with specific findings needed for approval.

Maddy summaryHB 1265 revises Pennsylvania's teacher certification rules under the Public School Code, effective after December 31, 2027. It establishes four new certificate types with defined grade spans: Early Childhood (pre-K to grade 3), Elementary/Middle (K-8 with subject limits in upper grades), Middle/Secondary (grades 6-12), and Specialized Areas (pre-K to grade 12). Existing certificates remain valid, and current teacher preparation program students enrolled before December 31, 2025, may complete under prior rules. The bill directly affects public school teachers, certification programs, and the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Maddy summaryHB 1221 requires nonprofit organizations entering public-private partnerships with the Pennsylvania state government (via executive order) to meet new transparency standards. Specifically, these nonprofits must comply with Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law, submit annual financial reports to the Governor and General Assembly using standard government accounting practices, publicly disclose all purchases involving state officials within 10 business days, and adhere to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The bill directly affects nonprofit entities partnering with the Commonwealth, imposing mandatory disclosure and reporting obligations. It takes effect 60 days after enactment, aiming to increase accountability in state-funded nonprofit partnerships.

Maddy summaryHB 1197 amends Pennsylvania's 1988 Private Academic Schools Act to update licensing rules for private schools, including online schools. It clarifies definitions (like specifying "online school" excludes cyber charters), revises application requirements (e.g., detailing program offerings, facilities, and teacher qualifications), and updates enforcement procedures. The bill directly affects private academic schools seeking or renewing licenses, the State Board of Private Academic Schools, and the Department of Education. Key changes include requiring written plans for student record handling if a school closes and specifying that the Department's Office of Elementary and Secondary Education issues licenses and enforces regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 1193 proposes a constitutional amendment to update voter qualifications in Pennsylvania. It would lower the voting age from 21 to 18, reduce residency requirements to 30 days for state and local election districts (from 90 and 60 days), and require government-issued ID for in-person voting and mail-in ballots (with signature matching). Voters must also register at least 30 days before an election, with registration requiring pre-confirmation of eligibility. The amendment must be approved by the General Assembly and then by voters in a statewide election.

Maddy summaryHB 764 establishes the Pennsylvania Fresh Food Financing Initiative, a program that provides grants to support the construction, renovation, or expansion of grocery stores, farmers' markets, and retail food businesses in underserved low-income and moderate-income communities across Pennsylvania. The initiative prioritizes projects located in, owned by, or primarily serving Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) communities, as defined by population data from the Center for Rural Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture will administer the program, develop eligibility guidelines, and ensure grants promote local food systems, job creation, and the use of Pennsylvania agricultural products. The bill also creates a dedicated "Fresh Food Financing Initiative Restricted Account" to hold program funds.

Maddy summaryHB 1170 allows Pennsylvania corrections officers to use electronic control gloves - gloves with electrodes emitting under 500 volts to temporarily immobilize individuals - in specific prison units. It requires these gloves only for officers assigned to units housing inmates who received disciplinary sanctions and are segregated from the general population. The department must create public policies on glove use, training, and maintenance, and officers must complete department-approved training before use. The bill also mandates compliance with existing use-of-force laws (18 Pa.C.S. § 508) and defines the gloves’ technical specifications.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends House Rule 45(a) to establish a Pennsylvania House Election Observer Program (PA HEOP) under the Government Oversight Committee. It allows current House members or candidates to request bipartisan election observers for House election districts 30 days before an election, with observers granted full access to all election processes (voting, counting, etc.) at polling locations and election offices. The committee must develop observer guidelines, notify election officials of observer assignments, and submit post-election reports assessing ballot security and vote totals. The program directly affects House members/candidates making requests, county election offices, and election workers, while maintaining strict rules prohibiting observers from handling ballots or interfering with voting procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 1158 designates Election Day (the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November) as a legal holiday in Pennsylvania, meaning state offices and many businesses would close. It also requires county election boards to prioritize using public buildings like schools and municipal offices for polling places whenever possible, rather than private locations. If public buildings aren't available, the bill allows for portable polling places or selecting adjacent public buildings that are directly accessible. This bill directly affects all Pennsylvania voters and election officials managing polling locations.