Rep. Joe Hamm

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to update Pennsylvania's hunting regulations by clarifying restrictions on semiautomatic firearms used for big game hunting. The key provision would allow semiautomatic firearms only when modified to hold one shell in the chamber and no more than five shells in a magazine, with a specific exception for individuals who have suffered an amputation or lost the total use of one or both hands. The legislation directly affects hunters and firearm manufacturers by defining what equipment is permitted during hunting seasons. If passed, the changes would take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryHR 362 is a procedural resolution that directs the House to discharge the Committee on Education from further consideration of House Bill 158, allowing HB 158 to move directly to the full House floor for a vote. This action bypasses the committee's review process, which typically requires committee approval before a bill can be debated on the floor. The resolution was placed on the calendar under Rule 53 on October 29, 2025, signaling it will now proceed to a floor vote. This change affects the legislative workflow for HB 158 but does not alter the content or policy of HB 158 itself.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes enrollment caps for charter schools and cyber charter schools in Pennsylvania, allowing them to accept as many students as they choose without limits set by school boards or other governing authorities. The law also declares any existing enrollment limits currently in place as invalid. Once signed into effect, the changes will take place 60 days later.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the week of April 12 through 18, 2026, as "National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week" in Pennsylvania. It directly honors 911 dispatchers and public safety telecommunicators who coordinate emergency responses for medical, fire, and police services. The resolution acknowledges the critical role these professionals play as the first point of contact for residents during emergencies. This is a commemorative measure that recognizes the diligence and professionalism of these workers without changing any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection to remove a specific third-class county with a population between 215,000 and 216,000 from the enhanced vehicle emission inspection program within 60 days of the bill's effective date. The department must then submit a revised State implementation plan to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency by January 1, 2027, demonstrating that the county can maintain federal air quality standards without the inspection program. The plan must comply with federal law and ensure it does not interfere with air quality goals or federal funding, with formal notifications sent to state legislative committee chairs upon EPA approval.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill proposes changes to state rape sentencing laws by introducing mandatory hormonal or surgical treatment options for convicted offenders. The legislation would allow courts to order convicted rapists to undergo medroxyprogesterone acetate treatment or voluntarily elect surgical castration as part of their sentence. These measures apply to individuals convicted under specific subsections of the state's rape statute, with maximum sentences ranging from 40 years to life imprisonment depending on the offense severity. The Department of Corrections would administer any ordered treatment starting within one week before the offender's release from incarceration.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates the week of May 10 through 16, 2026, as "National Police Week" and May 15, 2026, as "Peace Officers Memorial Day" within the state. The measure formally acknowledges the service and sacrifice of police officers who have died in the line of duty and aligns Pennsylvania with the federal observance dates established by Congress. It does not create new laws, funding, or operational requirements but serves as a symbolic recognition of law enforcement contributions.

Maddy summaryHB 2240 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to require charter school applications to include detailed information about each physical facility, such as its address, ownership, and lease arrangements. The bill specifies that every facility must be located entirely within a single school district's boundaries. Charter schools must also provide this facility information to the relevant school district and notify them of any changes within 10 days. This applies to all new charter school applications and updates to existing school locations.

Maddy summaryHB 2211 ends automatic annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for Pennsylvania public officials after specific dates. It stops future COLAs for judges (effective January 1, 2026), the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, State Treasurer, Auditor General, Attorney General, department heads, and General Assembly members (effective November 30, 2025). The bill amends existing law to replace the current CPI-U-based COLA mechanism with a fixed end date for these adjustments. This change applies to all affected officials whose compensation was previously tied to the Consumer Price Index for the Pennsylvania-New Jersey-Delaware-Maryland area.

Maddy summaryHB 2209 requires all state-funded institutions of higher education in Pennsylvania to implement a mandatory one-credit course on "the dangers and realities of communism and socialism" starting in the 2027-2028 school year. The course must cover specific topics including definitions of capitalism, communism, and socialism; historical examples like China, Cuba, and the Soviet Union; comparisons between free markets and communist systems; and the impact on civil liberties. It applies to all public universities, community colleges, and state-funded private institutions as defined in the bill. The law mandates this curriculum for all students at these institutions, with no exemption for existing courses. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.