Rep. Aaron Bernstine

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Administrative Code to update how the Department of Labor and Industry collects fees from the public. It establishes a mechanism for automatically adjusting certain agency fees annually based on the Consumer Price Index to account for inflation, with increases published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. The changes apply to fees currently listed in the department's fee schedule and take effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill creates a new criminal offense for interfering with religious worship, which would apply to individuals who intentionally disrupt religious services or block access to places of worship. The law defines interference as knowingly entering or remaining in a religious building after being asked to leave and disrupting activities, or using force, threats, or physical obstruction to harm or impede people exercising their religion. Violations would be classified as third-degree misdemeanors for simple disruption and second-degree misdemeanors for actions involving force or threats. The bill takes effect 60 days after passage and defines religious worship locations as buildings or grounds regularly used for religious activities.

Maddy summaryHB 1750 regulates cremation services for deceased pets and companion animals. It requires service providers to disclose details about cremation processes, maintain facility standards, keep records, and provide notices to pet owners. The bill also establishes enforcement mechanisms and penalties for non-compliance. This directly affects pet cremation businesses and pet owners who use these services.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors the lives of three Pennsylvania law enforcement officers - Detective Sergeant Cody Michael Becker, Detective Isaiah Emenheiser, and Detective Mark Edward Baker - who died in the line of duty on September 17, 2025. The bill formally extends condolences to their families and recognizes their individual contributions to public service, including Becker's heroism in saving a family from a house fire, Emenheiser's leadership and lifesaving awards, and Baker's pioneering work in forensic investigations. As a noncontroversial resolution, it does not create new laws or funding but serves as a legislative acknowledgment of their sacrifice and dedication to their communities.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to update Pennsylvania's hunting regulations by clarifying restrictions on semiautomatic firearms used for big game hunting. The key provision would allow semiautomatic firearms only when modified to hold one shell in the chamber and no more than five shells in a magazine, with a specific exception for individuals who have suffered an amputation or lost the total use of one or both hands. The legislation directly affects hunters and firearm manufacturers by defining what equipment is permitted during hunting seasons. If passed, the changes would take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Dog Law to require state dog wardens and department employees to complete specific training and receive certification before carrying or using firearms or stun guns while performing their duties. The legislation establishes that these officials must have approval from the Secretary of Agriculture and hold valid certification under existing law enforcement training programs or a department-approved training course. It also sets conditions for employment, allowing the department to refuse hiring, suspend, or revoke employment for wardens who fail training requirements, have disqualifying criminal records, or misuse weapons. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for grandfathering existing wardens who have completed similar training and outlines specific grounds for disciplinary action related to weapon possession and enforcement conduct.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes enrollment caps for charter schools and cyber charter schools in Pennsylvania, allowing them to accept as many students as they choose without limits set by school boards or other governing authorities. The law also declares any existing enrollment limits currently in place as invalid. Once signed into effect, the changes will take place 60 days later.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific stretch of Pennsylvania Route 405 in Northumberland County as the PFC Richard F. "Ricky" Ritter Memorial Highway in honor of a local Marine who died in Vietnam. The legislation requires the Department of Transportation to install and maintain signs displaying the memorial name along the designated roadway. The act also includes background information about Ritter, noting his birth in Williamsport, his service in the Marine Corps, and the Purple Heart he received posthumously. This is a commemorative measure that does not alter traffic laws or funding but serves to recognize a fallen service member.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's criminal law by establishing a five-year statute of limitations for prosecuting specific serious offenses. It directly affects prosecutors and defendants by setting a deadline within which these cases must be filed after the alleged crime occurs. The law covers a wide range of crimes including murder-related attempts and conspiracies, violent offenses like kidnapping and robbery, financial crimes such as fraud and bribery, and other serious violations like arson and drug delivery resulting in death. The changes apply to all listed offenses regardless of whether the crime was completed or attempted, ensuring that serious allegations can still be pursued within a defined timeframe.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill proposes changes to state rape sentencing laws by introducing mandatory hormonal or surgical treatment options for convicted offenders. The legislation would allow courts to order convicted rapists to undergo medroxyprogesterone acetate treatment or voluntarily elect surgical castration as part of their sentence. These measures apply to individuals convicted under specific subsections of the state's rape statute, with maximum sentences ranging from 40 years to life imprisonment depending on the offense severity. The Department of Corrections would administer any ordered treatment starting within one week before the offender's release from incarceration.