Rep. Scott Barger

Maddy summaryHB 1354 requires Pennsylvania public school districts to allow private school students who reside in the district to participate in after-school sports, clubs, and other extracurricular activities if their private school does not offer the same activity and they meet all participation requirements. The law directly affects private school students seeking access to public school programs and public school districts managing extracurricular offerings. It mandates inclusion only when the private school does not provide equivalent opportunities, without changing funding or administrative requirements. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1316 amends Pennsylvania's sales tax filing rules to adjust deadlines based on a business's previous year's tax liability. It requires businesses with annual tax bills between $25,000 and $100,000 to file monthly returns starting in 2025, including a 50% prepayment of their expected tax for the month. Businesses with bills over $100,000 follow similar monthly filing rules with the same prepayment requirement. This change replaces quarterly filings for these businesses and adds a 5% penalty for late payments on the prepayment amount. The bill affects businesses meeting specific tax liability thresholds under Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code.

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 1206 would add a new section to Pennsylvania's Public School Code allowing public schools (including districts, charter schools, and cyber charters) to employ or approve volunteer "certified school chaplains." These chaplains must be certified by organizations like the National School Chaplain Association and pass background checks required for school staff/volunteers, but do not need state certification. School boards must vote within six months of the law's effective date to decide whether to permit chaplains in their schools. The bill directly affects Pennsylvania public schools and their students/employees who may interact with chaplains, creating a framework for optional chaplain services.

Maddy summaryHB 1190 amends Pennsylvania law to automatically classify veteran-owned small businesses as "small diverse businesses" under Title 51 (Military Affairs). This change eliminates the need for veteran-owned small businesses to seek separate verification to qualify under programs designated for small diverse businesses. The bill directly affects veteran entrepreneurs operating small businesses in Pennsylvania who previously faced additional administrative steps. The policy takes effect 60 days after enactment, streamlining access to relevant state contracting and support programs.

Maddy summaryHB 1172 defines "utility terrain vehicle" (UTV) as a four-wheel off-road vehicle with specific size and weight limits (max 64 inches wide or 1,700 pounds), excluding ATVs, snowmobiles, and other vehicle types. The bill clarifies that state, local, and county authorities can designate roads for UTVs, snowmobiles, and ATVs, including whether these roads may share space with regular traffic. It requires helmets for snowmobile and ATV operators and passengers on shared roads but exempts UTVs equipped with bucket seats, seat belts, and roll cages. The law also directs the Department of Transportation to specify approved helmet types through regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 1164 authorizes Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to propose a carbon dioxide emissions tax or fee after following a strict public process. It requires the DEP to hold 180 days of public comment, conduct four public hearings across the state, and submit detailed reports to lawmakers on economic impacts, facility-level emissions, and electricity price effects before any such tax can be considered. The bill directly affects electric generation facilities (like power plants) and electricity consumers by mandating transparency and analysis of how a carbon tax would impact costs and operations. Crucially, it does not impose a tax itself but creates the procedural framework for future legislative action on carbon emissions regulation.

Maddy summaryHB 1053 prohibits per diem payments to Pennsylvania state legislators for days served, requiring reimbursement only for documented actual expenses instead. It directly affects all members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly by changing how they receive compensation for travel or lodging. The bill does not impact legislators' base salaries, benefits, or other existing forms of compensation. This change applies specifically to daily service expenses and takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1047 creates a dedicated restricted account within the Agricultural College Land Scrip Fund to specifically support agricultural research and extension services at Pennsylvania's land grant university. The bill mandates that the State Treasurer distribute these funds equally each month during the fiscal year, beginning within ten days of the appropriation. This payment is guaranteed to occur without delay, withholding, or blocking by other laws, regardless of whether the university receives other appropriations for the same fiscal year. The policy ensures dedicated, uninterrupted funding for these agricultural programs.

Maddy summaryHB 569 amends Pennsylvania's Emergency and Law Enforcement Personnel Death Benefits Act to expand eligibility for death benefits. It explicitly includes coroners (and medical examiners) as covered personnel and adds a presumption that fatal heart attacks or strokes occurring during duty or within 24 hours of physical training/emergency response are work-related. This change directly affects surviving spouses, children, or parents of coroners, firefighters, ambulance/rescue personnel, law enforcement officers, and National Guard members who die in the line of duty. The bill updates the act's definition of "coroner" and ensures benefits are granted for these new circumstances.