Rep. Joe Hamm

Maddy summaryHB 810 amends Pennsylvania's PennWATCH Act to require state agencies to publicly disclose settlement details paid through specific programs (like employee liability claims or tort claims). It directly affects all Commonwealth agencies that pay settlements, as they must submit settlement information (including agency, claim date, legal basis, payment date, and amount) to the PennWATCH database within five business days. The bill mandates that this data be posted online within 30 days of payment and sent electronically to all state legislators every 30 days, starting January 1, 2025. The changes apply to all settlements paid under the Employee Liability Self-Insurance Program, Automobile Liability Program, Motor License Tort Claim Fund, notary bonds, and General Tort Claims Fund.

Maddy summaryHB 746 revises the appointment process for members of Pennsylvania's Fish and Boat Commission and Game Commission. It requires sportsmen's groups in each district to nominate candidates, allows individual sportsmen to vote for nominees within 30 days, and directs the Governor to appoint from the top vote-getters (or fourth through sixth if refused). The bill mandates legislative confirmation by committees within five days, with specific rules for handling legislative opposition or delays. This directly affects commission members, sportsmen's groups, individual sportsmen who vote, and the Governor's appointment authority.

Maddy summaryHB 763 amends Pennsylvania's Dam Safety and Encroachments Act to clarify jurisdiction over stream maintenance and clearing activities. The bill removes the requirement for permits from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission for routine stream maintenance or clearing, stating such activities no longer need Commission approval. It also explicitly states the Department of Environmental Protection retains authority over these activities and cannot delegate it to the Fish and Boat Commission, though the Commission may offer advisory input for bridge or culvert projects. Enforcement by the Fish and Boat Commission is limited to specific violations under fish regulations, with no penalties for general bridge/culvert maintenance.

Maddy summaryHB 767 would allow Pennsylvania vehicle owners to obtain a special license plate featuring the Gadsden flag (a yellow flag with a coiled rattlesnake and the phrase "Don't Tread On Me") for an additional $26 fee on top of regular registration. The plate would be available for passenger cars, light trucks under 14,000 pounds, and motorcycles. This is a procedural change adding a new plate option, not a substantive policy shift affecting vehicle regulations or safety.

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 762 amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to exempt volunteer emergency service organizations from paying state sales and use tax on protective equipment. The bill specifically covers volunteer EMS companies, fire companies, and rescue companies - defined as nonprofit groups providing emergency medical, fire, or rescue services. It excludes purchases like helmets, turnout gear, boots, gloves, and respiratory protection units from taxation when bought for members performing their duties. This tax exemption will apply to sales occurring on or after July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 759 amends Pennsylvania's Election Code to update the definition of acceptable identification for voting. The bill specifies that voters must present one of several forms of ID, including a standard driver's license, a photo-less driver's license for religious objections, or alternative documents like state IDs, military IDs, or documents from Pennsylvania institutions (e.g., schools or care facilities). For mail-in or absentee voters without a driver's license, it allows using the last four digits of a Social Security number or other qualifying documents. These changes apply to all voters in Pennsylvania when casting ballots in person or by mail, clarifying existing ID requirements without eliminating the need for identification.

Maddy summaryHB 761 directs Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to remove specific counties from the enhanced vehicle emission inspection program within 60 days. These counties are defined by exact population ranges (e.g., third-class counties with 215,000-216,000 residents). The DEP must demonstrate these counties can maintain air quality standards without the inspection program and submit revised plans to the EPA by January 1, 2026. The bill affects only the listed counties and requires coordination with federal air quality requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 760 amends Pennsylvania's corporate net income tax rates under the 1971 Tax Reform Code, directly affecting corporations operating in the state. The bill reduces the annual corporate tax rate from 7.99% for 2025-2025 to 5.99% for 2026-2026, and further lowers it to 4% starting in 2027 and beyond. Key provisions include a phased reduction schedule with specific rates for each taxable year period, replacing prior rate structures. The changes take immediate effect upon enactment, altering the tax burden for corporations filing under Pennsylvania's corporate net income tax system.

Maddy summaryHB 791 adds a religious exemption to Pennsylvania's firefighter certification requirements. It allows individuals whose religion prohibits shaving or trimming beards to receive an exemption from beard-related training standards, provided they pass a fit test for self-contained breathing apparatus masks. The exemption applies only to certification standards under existing rules and requires meeting the State Fire Commissioner's mask seal standards. This directly affects individuals seeking firefighter certification who have religious objections to beard removal. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.