Rep. Joe Hamm

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates April 13-19, 2025, as "National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week" in Pennsylvania. It honors 911 dispatchers (also called public safety telecommunicators) who serve as the first point of contact during emergencies and support emergency responders. The resolution recognizes their critical role in ensuring community safety through their professionalism and dedication during high-pressure situations. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryHB 1005 would repeal Pennsylvania's Use and Storage Tax Act of 1953, which imposed a tax on the use and storage of physical goods (like furniture, electronics, or vehicles) within the state. This law required businesses selling such goods to register, collect the tax from customers, and remit it to the state, with the revenue funding public schools. The bill would eliminate this tax obligation for businesses and remove the administrative requirements for collecting and reporting the tax. The repeal directly affects businesses that previously collected this tax and the public school funding mechanism tied to it.

Maddy summaryHB 1033 prohibits healthcare providers from performing gender transition procedures on minors under 18, including surgeries, cross-sex hormones, and puberty blockers. It also requires government health programs (like Medicaid) and health insurance policies to stop covering these procedures for minors. The bill defines "gender transition procedures" to include genital/nongenital surgeries, cross-sex hormones, and puberty blockers. Individuals aged 18 or older are not affected by the ban and may continue receiving such care.

Maddy summaryHB 962 allows eligible organizations, such as charities and non-profits, to conduct virtual raffles and drawings using electronic payments like credit cards or mobile apps. The bill requires organizations to verify that participants are physically in Pennsylvania, are at least 18 years old, and provide accurate identity information through methods like government ID checks. It also restricts how winners are announced - only simple internet-based conferencing (e.g., Zoom) without animations, images, or slot machine technology can be used. These rules aim to modernize virtual game operations while ensuring compliance with state and federal gambling laws.

Maddy summaryHB 1010 proposes a constitutional amendment to reduce Pennsylvania's state House districts from 203 to 151 while maintaining 50 Senate districts. It requires all districts to be compact, contiguous, and as equal in population as possible, with minimal division of counties or municipalities. The amendment must pass both legislative chambers and be approved by voters in the next general election. If ratified, new district maps would take effect for the 2040 legislative session.

Maddy summaryHB 954 amends Pennsylvania's 2008 Diesel-Powered Motor Vehicle Idling Act to adjust penalties for violations. It increases fines for drivers or owners of heavy diesel vehicles (over 10,001 pounds gross weight) engaged in commerce, or operators of locations where such vehicles load, unload, or park, who violate idling restrictions. The bill sets a fine range of $150 to $300 per offense, plus court costs. This directly affects commercial truck drivers, delivery fleets, and businesses operating large diesel vehicles. The change modifies existing penalty levels without altering the idling ban itself.

Maddy summaryHB 959 amends Pennsylvania's tax code to require the state to pay interest on overpaid personal income taxes. It specifies that interest on refunds will accrue at the same rate used by the U.S. Treasury for federal taxes, starting from the date the overpayment was received. Taxpayers who overpay their state income tax - such as those who paid too much through estimated installments or filed early returns - will now receive interest on the excess amount. The bill also clarifies that no interest applies if a refund is issued within 60 days of the tax return deadline.

Maddy summaryHB 955 (Pennsylvania House Bill 955) allows commercial vehicle operators to obtain special permits electronically instead of on paper. The bill requires these digital permits to be displayed on a mobile device during inspections and sets clear rules for officers checking them, including protection from liability if they accidentally access unrelated phone data while verifying the permit. If a device can't be accessed, operators must provide a physical copy within five business days. This change directly affects trucking companies and transporters hauling oversized loads who need permits under Pennsylvania's vehicle code.

Maddy summaryPennsylvania's House Resolution 131 is a non-binding statement urging the federal government to delay REAL ID enforcement until the program is eliminated. It argues that REAL ID requirements burden citizens' freedom of movement, disproportionately affect married women, and have been delayed for nearly two decades without security justification, causing public confusion. The resolution specifically asks the President to pause enforcement (with an upcoming May 2025 deadline) and urges Congress to abolish the program entirely. It does not create new laws or affect any individuals directly - it is solely a request sent to the President and federal lawmakers.

Maddy summaryHB 958 amends Pennsylvania's 1978 Storm Water Management Act to update the Department of Environmental Resources to the Department of Environmental Protection and clarify its responsibilities. The bill requires the department to provide technical assistance to local governments for implementing storm water plans and conduct annual water quality testing of surface waters, with backup options for testing if resources are limited. It also streamlines the approval process for watershed storm water plans and clarifies grant eligibility for municipalities and counties to cover storm water management costs. These changes directly affect local governments, small storm sewer systems, and the state environmental department in managing storm water infrastructure and water quality.