Rep. Joe Hamm

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws to standardize the three-year registration and recertification requirements for emergency medical responders, emergency medical technicians, and emergency medical services vehicle operators. Under the new rules, these professionals must renew their credentials every three years by passing exams or completing continuing education credits, while those whose licenses have expired for six years or less can regain certification through testing or additional training. The legislation also clarifies that EMS vehicle operator certifications are permanent but require triennial registration, except for those working exclusively for a specific regional system, and establishes stricter criteria for maintaining operator status, including limits on recent driving violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's budget rules by requiring the state to submit a seven-year financial plan to the General Assembly. The new requirement mandates that the budget include actual spending from the previous year, current available funds, the proposed budget for the next year, and estimated accounts for the following four years. This change directly affects how the executive branch prepares and presents financial information to lawmakers. The law will become active 60 days after it is signed.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Grant Recipient Employee Verification Act, requires businesses in Pennsylvania that receive state grants to verify the work authorization status of their employees using the federal E-Verify system. It prohibits these employers from knowingly hiring individuals who are not legally allowed to work in the United States and mandates that they keep records of these verifications for the duration of employment or three years, whichever is longer. The Department of Labor and Industry will be tasked with investigating complaints about violations, which includes the power to inspect business records and interview employees. Employers who fail to comply with these new verification requirements face potential penalties, while individuals filing false complaints could face criminal charges.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution formally recognizes November 11, 2024, as Veterans Day within the state. The measure highlights the significant number of veterans living in Pennsylvania and their contributions to the community and workforce. By passing this resolution, the legislature aims to honor the service and sacrifice of these individuals without creating any new laws or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires hospitals licensed in Pennsylvania to report the number of admissions and emergency visits made by individuals defined as illegal migrants. Hospitals must submit these figures annually to the state Department of Health, which will then publish a public report detailing the total costs of uncompensated care and its impact on hospital funding. The compiled data will also be shared with state legislative leaders and committee chairs to inform policy discussions. Ultimately, the legislation aims to increase transparency regarding the financial burden of providing care to undocumented immigrants within the state's healthcare system.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's election laws to require that all voter registration applicants provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship. It specifies acceptable documents, such as a valid passport, military ID, or a birth certificate paired with other supporting evidence, and mandates that election officials verify this information during the registration process. The legislation also establishes penalties for officials who fail to perform these duties and creates a legal pathway for individuals to sue if they believe their citizenship verification rights were violated. Additionally, it updates the rules for removing voter registration records, allowing for cancellation only when an elector is confirmed to be non-citizen or has moved away.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution designates August 7, 2024, as "Purple Heart Day" to honor state veterans who were wounded or killed in combat. The measure serves as a symbolic gesture acknowledging the sacrifices of Pennsylvanians who received the Purple Heart Medal, noting that the state was officially recognized as a Purple Heart state in 2019. While the bill does not create new laws or funding, it formally recognizes the date to align with the broader Purple Heart Trail that commemorates service members across the nation.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill updates vehicle laws to clarify that driver's licenses issued to undocumented immigrants in other states are invalid within the state. It requires all drivers to carry their license when requested by law enforcement and establishes specific penalties for driving without a valid license, including higher fines and potential jail time for repeat offenders. Additionally, the legislation introduces new criminal charges for causing homicide or aggravated assault while operating a vehicle, with enhanced penalties if the driver is under the influence. The bill also expands the types of vehicles subject to impoundment for unpaid fines and clarifies which nonresidents are exempt from needing a Pennsylvania license.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires employers in Pennsylvania's meat packing and food preparation industries to verify the work authorization status of their employees using the federal E-Verify system. It specifically targets businesses with 100 or more workers at a single facility and mandates that staffing agencies supplying workers to these industries also comply with verification rules. Under the law, employers must keep records of these verifications for the duration of employment or three years, whichever is longer. The Department of Labor and Industry will be empowered to investigate complaints, inspect business records, and enforce penalties against employers who knowingly hire unauthorized workers.

Maddy summaryThis resolution directs the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a comprehensive study of Pennsylvania's urban search and rescue capabilities. The assessment will evaluate the current readiness of the state's task force, identify operational gaps, and recommend necessary improvements based on modern emergency management standards. This action addresses the fact that the last major review of these services was conducted in 2001 and may no longer reflect current needs. The study aims to ensure the state's disaster response systems are effective and aligned with federal guidelines.