Rep. Joe Hamm

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's gross receipts tax rules for electric, waterpower, and hydro-electric utilities. It establishes a six-month tax holiday where these companies pay no gross receipts tax, starting in July 2026. The legislation requires utilities to pass the savings from this holiday directly to consumers as a reduction in their bills, with penalties for non-compliance. Additionally, the bill mandates that money transferred from the Alternative Fuels Incentive Act for the 2026-2027 fiscal year must match or exceed the amount transferred in the previous year.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's personal income tax law to establish a temporary lower tax rate of 2.99% for six months starting in 2026, before reverting to the standard rate of 3.07%. It applies this reduced rate to income earned by residents and nonresidents from sources within the state. Additionally, the legislation requires employers to withhold taxes from employee paychecks in a way that accounts for this temporary rate change. The changes are set to take effect on July 1, 2026, or later if the law is not signed into effect sooner.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Professional Nursing Law to update the legal definitions and scope of practice for certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs). It allows CRNAs to perform anesthesia services under the overall direction of a physician, podiatrist, or dentist who is present and available onsite during the procedure. The legislation grants CRNAs expanded authority to prescribe and administer certain medications, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and manage patient care throughout the anesthesia process, including preoperative preparation, induction, maintenance, and post-anesthesia care. These changes formalize the professional responsibilities of CRNAs within the state's nursing regulatory framework without altering the requirement for collaborative oversight by licensed medical professionals.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Pennsylvania vehicle owners to choose a two-year registration option instead of renewing annually. Under the new provision, drivers can pay a fee equal to twice the standard annual rate, reduced by at least 10% of the total registration fee excluding local use charges. The option applies to most motor vehicles but excludes those registered under the International Registration Plan, seasonal registrations, and circus or carnival plates. The change would take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill, HB 2338, amends the Public School Code of 1949 to protect student expression in K-12 schools by requiring school entities to adopt policies safeguarding religious, political, and ideological speech. The legislation prohibits discrimination or penalties against students for expressing viewpoints in class, assignments, presentations, or student-led gatherings, provided such expression occurs in the same time, place, and manner as other students. While protecting student speech, the bill allows schools to restrict unprotected expression like threats, obscenity, or conduct that substantially disrupts school operations. Students who believe their rights are violated can file lawsuits seeking damages and other relief, with the state waiving immunity to allow such cases in federal court.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Administrative Code to update how the Department of Labor and Industry collects fees from the public. It establishes a mechanism for automatically adjusting certain agency fees annually based on the Consumer Price Index to account for inflation, with increases published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. The changes apply to fees currently listed in the department's fee schedule and take effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill creates a new criminal offense for interfering with religious worship, which would apply to individuals who intentionally disrupt religious services or block access to places of worship. The law defines interference as knowingly entering or remaining in a religious building after being asked to leave and disrupting activities, or using force, threats, or physical obstruction to harm or impede people exercising their religion. Violations would be classified as third-degree misdemeanors for simple disruption and second-degree misdemeanors for actions involving force or threats. The bill takes effect 60 days after passage and defines religious worship locations as buildings or grounds regularly used for religious activities.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 8, 2026, as "THON Day" in Pennsylvania to honor a student-run fundraising event at Pennsylvania State University that raises money to fight pediatric cancer. The resolution recognizes the event's efforts to support Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Golisano Children's Hospital, which provides treatment, research, and family support for children with cancer. It highlights the significant contributions of over 16,500 volunteers and the millions of dollars raised through the 46-hour dance marathon. The measure serves as a formal acknowledgment of the event's impact and the dedication of the students and organizations involved.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the Scarlet Tanager as Pennsylvania's official migratory bird, recognizing the species' importance to the state's natural heritage and ecosystems. The legislation formally acknowledges that Pennsylvania supports 17% of the global Scarlet Tanager population during breeding season and provides critical habitat in mature oak forests across the Commonwealth. By establishing this official designation, the bill aims to promote awareness of the bird's habitat needs and underscore the state's commitment to conservation and forest management. The act takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors the lives of three Pennsylvania law enforcement officers - Detective Sergeant Cody Michael Becker, Detective Isaiah Emenheiser, and Detective Mark Edward Baker - who died in the line of duty on September 17, 2025. The bill formally extends condolences to their families and recognizes their individual contributions to public service, including Becker's heroism in saving a family from a house fire, Emenheiser's leadership and lifesaving awards, and Baker's pioneering work in forensic investigations. As a noncontroversial resolution, it does not create new laws or funding but serves as a legislative acknowledgment of their sacrifice and dedication to their communities.