Rep. David Rowe

Maddy summaryThis bill expands death benefit eligibility under Pennsylvania's Emergency and Law Enforcement Personnel Death Benefits Act to include telecommunicators, who are now formally recognized as covered personnel alongside firefighters, law enforcement officers, and other first responders. The legislation adds telecommunicators to the list of individuals presumed to have died in the line of duty if they suffer a fatal heart attack or stroke while on duty or within 24 hours of responding to an emergency. It also clarifies that telecommunicators are considered to be acting in the performance of their duties when following 911 emergency communication service protocols, ensuring they receive the same death benefits as other covered emergency personnel.

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 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.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific bridge on Pennsylvania Route 601 in Paint Borough, Somerset County, as the Staff Sergeant John P. Parks Memorial Bridge in honor of a local World War II veteran. The legislation requires the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to install and maintain official signs displaying the new name for traffic traveling in both directions. The bill includes background information about Staff Sergeant Parks, detailing his military service, heroic actions in France, and the awards he received during his deployment. This is a commemorative measure that formally recognizes Parks' legacy through a permanent change to the bridge's official name.

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 summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Dog Law to require state dog wardens and department employees to complete specific training and receive certification before carrying or using firearms or stun guns while performing their duties. The legislation establishes that these officials must have approval from the Secretary of Agriculture and hold valid certification under existing law enforcement training programs or a department-approved training course. It also sets conditions for employment, allowing the department to refuse hiring, suspend, or revoke employment for wardens who fail training requirements, have disqualifying criminal records, or misuse weapons. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for grandfathering existing wardens who have completed similar training and outlines specific grounds for disciplinary action related to weapon possession and enforcement conduct.

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 a specific stretch of Pennsylvania Route 405 in Northumberland County as the PFC Richard F. "Ricky" Ritter Memorial Highway in honor of a local Marine who died in Vietnam. The legislation requires the Department of Transportation to install and maintain signs displaying the memorial name along the designated roadway. The act also includes background information about Ritter, noting his birth in Williamsport, his service in the Marine Corps, and the Purple Heart he received posthumously. This is a commemorative measure that does not alter traffic laws or funding but serves to recognize a fallen service member.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's driver licensing laws to clarify how the state handles cases where a driver is deemed medically incompetent to operate a vehicle. It requires the Department of Transportation to recall or suspend driving privileges for individuals whose incompetence has been established, with the recall lasting indefinitely until the person can prove they are safe to drive again. The legislation also creates a specific exemption for drivers who experience fainting due to coronary conditions if they have received a working pacemaker, have not fainted for seven days after the procedure, and have a doctor confirm the implant should prevent future episodes. This exemption does not apply to commercial drivers, and the law takes effect 60 days after passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Election Code to require candidates for state, local, and federal offices to file affidavits confirming their eligibility, campaign expense compliance, and party affiliation when submitting nomination petitions. It also adds a separate affidavit specifically for verifying candidate residence and post office address, which will be kept confidential and not subject to public disclosure under state right-to-know laws. The changes apply to a wide range of offices including state representatives, judges, party delegates, and federal candidates, though U.S. presidential candidates would only need to provide their post office address without filing the full affidavit. The bill takes effect 60 days after passage and aims to streamline candidate verification while protecting personal address information from public records.