Rep. Joe Hamm

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution that officially designates the week of October 6 through 12, 2024, as "Fire Prevention Week" in Pennsylvania. It does not change any laws or require specific actions from residents, landlords, or businesses but instead serves to raise public awareness about fire safety. The text highlights statistics on home fire risks and provides safety tips, such as turning pot handles inward, maintaining smoke alarms, and having an escape plan. Additionally, the resolution commends firefighters and first responders for their efforts in preventing and responding to fires.

Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates September 28, 2024, as National Hunting and Fishing Day within Pennsylvania. It serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of the state's long history of hunting and fishing traditions and highlights the economic contributions of outdoor recreation to the local economy. The document does not alter any laws or regulations but instead celebrates the role of hunters and anglers in wildlife conservation and funding management agencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Taxpayers' Bill of Rights to require the Department of Revenue to automatically remove interest and penalties caused by the department's own errors or delays. It also mandates that property liens be removed within 24 hours if the debt is paid, if removing the lien helps collect the debt, or if a payment plan is in place. Additionally, the law requires the department to publish technical memoranda and advisory opinions on its website and to respond to taxpayer requests for legal guidance within 90 days. These changes aim to increase transparency and speed up administrative processes for taxpayers dealing with the state tax authority.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to distribute revenue collected from oil and gas leases on publicly owned streambeds directly to the counties where those streambeds are located. For money earned between January 1, 2014, and the bill's effective date, the department must calculate the total amount and send it as a single lump-sum payment to each affected county. Any revenue collected after the bill takes effect will be distributed to the respective county on an ongoing basis. The law requires that these funds be used exclusively for the maintenance of creeks and streams within the receiving county, with the specific allocation decisions left to county discretion.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Dam Safety and Encroachments Act to update rules for emergency permits related to stream clearing. It specifically allows state agencies and local governments to request emergency permits for maintenance activities around water obstructions when a disaster declaration is in effect. Under the new provision, these permits would authorize clearing work for a minimum distance of 250 feet from the water obstruction. The law applies to any emergency permit issued under state law and takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's parole laws to establish specific rules for denying release to inmates who commit new crimes while already in prison. It defines "violent offenses" and "obstruction of justice offenses" by listing specific crimes such as murder, rape, and witness intimidation. Under the new provisions, the Board of Probation and Parole cannot grant parole to individuals convicted of a violent crime committed while incarcerated until they have served at least 24 months after their original minimum sentence ends or after the new conviction, whichever is longer. Similarly, parole is barred for those convicted of obstruction of justice offenses committed while incarcerated until they have served at least 12 months after their original minimum sentence ends or after the new conviction, whichever is longer. These restrictions apply only to crimes committed on or after the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows minors who are family members of active-duty military personnel to receive credit for driving experience gained in other states when applying for a Pennsylvania driver's license. Specifically, it permits these minors to count the time they held a learner's permit and the hours of practical driving completed elsewhere toward the state's requirements, provided they now live with the service member in Pennsylvania. The law applies to minors under 18 seeking a junior driver's license, including those wanting to operate a motorcycle. The changes take effect 60 days after the bill is passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the membership rules for Pennsylvania's State Veterans' Commission to ensure broader representation of different veteran groups. It mandates that the commission include representatives from sixteen specific national veterans' organizations, such as the American Legion and VFW, along with four members appointed by the Governor who must be female or Vietnam-era veterans. The legislation also clarifies the roles of state-level leaders from the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, and Veterans of Foreign Wars as nonvoting members. These changes aim to modernize the commission's composition while maintaining its existing structure under Pennsylvania law.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Regulatory Review Act to require agencies to submit a specific analysis alongside any proposed regulations related to fuel, energy, or electricity. The new provision mandates that these agencies explain how their rules might increase electricity costs and discuss the potential negative impacts on low-income residents. By adding this requirement, the legislation ensures that the Independent Regulatory Review Commission and relevant legislative committees receive more detailed information during the review process. The changes take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill restricts public universities from requiring students or employees to take ideological oaths or provide statements about their race, ethnicity, or views on diversity and social justice. It also bans institutions from creating diversity, equity, and inclusion offices or hiring staff dedicated to those roles. Additionally, the law prohibits mandatory training on these topics and requires universities to include specific language in their mission statements and handbooks regarding academic freedom. Institutions that violate these rules regarding diversity could face the revocation of tenure for affected faculty members.