Rep. Joe Hamm

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates February 22, 2026, as "United States Men's and Women's Olympic Hockey Gold Medal Champions Day" to honor the state's hockey teams' achievements at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The resolution formally recognizes the athletes' gold medal victories and congratulates the teams on their performance, while also acknowledging the support of coaches, staff, and communities who contributed to their success. It is a commemorative measure intended to celebrate the accomplishments of the hockey teams rather than to change laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania vehicle registration rules to allow special plates for individuals with specific disabilities and their immediate family members. It defines eligibility for these plates based on conditions such as blindness, limited mobility, respiratory issues, or heart disease, while also including parents and spouses of those who qualify. The legislation permits each eligible applicant to receive up to two special plates for their own vehicles and allows motorcycles to display an access decal instead of a full plate. These changes would officially designate the vehicles as being used by people with disabilities, with the new rules taking effect 60 days after the bill is passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to temporarily exempt the sales tax on protective gear purchased by firefighters, volunteer ambulance workers, and volunteer rescue personnel. The exemption applies specifically to items such as helmets, turnout coats, boots, and respiratory protection units during a six-month period starting on July 1, 2026. To ensure clarity, the legislation requires the Department of Revenue to publish online guidance on how to implement this temporary exclusion. The law defines the equipment and purchaser terms precisely, noting that the tax break applies even if the gear is delivered after the six-month window closes.

Maddy summaryThis bill introduces a new junior driver's license for 16 and 17-year-olds in Pennsylvania, which automatically converts to a regular license at age 18. Under the proposed rules, junior drivers would generally be prohibited from driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent, spouse, or guardian. However, the legislation creates an exception allowing these drivers to drive during those hours for school-sponsored activities if they possess a letter from the school confirming the event. If a junior driver is stopped by police without this letter but can later prove they had it, the charges would be dismissed. The law also defines terms like "school-sponsored activity" to include events such as field trips, athletic activities, and club meetings.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates July 4, 2026, as "Valley Forge National Historical Park Day" to celebrate the park's 50th anniversary. The bill directly affects the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Valley Forge National Historical Park by officially recognizing the date for commemorative purposes. It does not create new laws or change existing policies, but rather serves as a symbolic designation to honor the site's historical significance during its half-century milestone.

Maddy summaryHB 2599 amends Pennsylvania's firearm laws to require a valid license for anyone carrying a concealed firearm on their person or inside a vehicle, with specific exceptions for those who already hold a valid license from another state or the federal government. The bill establishes that carrying a concealed firearm without a license is a third-degree felony for those with a prior criminal record, while reducing the penalty to a first-degree misdemeanor for first-time offenders. It also clarifies that individuals must present their license or proof of eligibility to law enforcement upon request and sets the law into effect 60 days after passage.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution designates June 2026 as "Life Month" in Pennsylvania to honor the four-year anniversary of the Supreme Court's decision overturning Roe v. Wade. The measure calls on churches, businesses, and communities across the state to celebrate this date and reaffirm the protection of unborn lives. As a symbolic gesture, the bill does not create new laws or policies but serves to recognize a specific timeframe for public observance.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Public School Code to clarify attendance rules for charter and cyber charter schools while protecting students from unfair penalties. It requires cyber charter schools to define how students are marked present for online classes, specifically mandating that students be visible on camera during live lessons and complete weekly benchmarks for independent work. The legislation also prohibits school districts from counting absences as unexcused when students miss school due to a lack of transportation or when they arrive late to a single class, and it establishes a formal appeal process for parents to contest these determinations. Additionally, the bill strengthens reporting requirements, mandating that cyber charter schools submit data on student attendance and weekly benchmark completion to the state department.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates July 4, 2026, as "Knoebels Amusement Resort Day" in Pennsylvania to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Knoebels Amusement Resort, a family-owned park in Elysburg that opened on July 4, 1926. The resolution recognizes the park's history, including its origins as a picnic destination and its growth into a major attraction with over 50 rides and games. It highlights the Knoebel family's long-standing connection to the land and the park's resilience through various natural challenges, including multiple flooding events. The designation serves as a symbolic celebration of the resort's century of operation and its contribution to Pennsylvania's tourism and entertainment industry.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution officially designates December 29, 2026, as the 175th Anniversary of the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) in the state. The bill recognizes the YMCA's long history of providing community services, including youth programs, fitness activities, and child care, noting that Pennsylvania hosts more YMCA locations than any other state. It expresses appreciation for the organization's staff and volunteers while encouraging continued support for their efforts to foster community connection and well-being.