Rep. David Rowe

Maddy summaryHB 1494 would amend Pennsylvania's Controlled Substance Act to allow ivermectin (for human use) to be sold over-the-counter without a prescription or consultation with a healthcare provider. This change directly affects consumers who can purchase ivermectin at pharmacies or stores without needing a doctor's visit, and pharmacies that would sell it. The bill specifies that ivermectin must be "suitable for human use" to qualify as an over-the-counter medication under state law. It takes effect 60 days after enactment, making this a concrete policy shift in how the medication is distributed in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates Bridge Key 48006 (on State Route 3007 over Carson Run in Knox Township, Clearfield County) as the "Sgt. Ronald Bloom Memorial Bridge." It honors Sergeant Ronald Bloom, a Clearfield County native who enlisted in the Marines in 1967, was killed in action in Vietnam at age 21, and received multiple military medals including the Purple Heart. The bill requires the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to install and maintain signs naming the bridge, effective 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1469 amends the Health Care Facilities Act to establish requirements for hospital price transparency. It mandates that hospitals publish a comprehensive list of their standard charges for all items and services on their public websites in a readable digital format. This list must include gross charges, discounted cash prices, and various negotiated rates with third-party payors. The bill also provides for a prohibition on debt collection action against patients by hospitals that do not comply with these requirements, aiming to give patients clearer access to pricing information.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a symbolic resolution designating May 20, 2025, as "Jimmy Stewart Day" in Pennsylvania. It honors the late actor Jimmy Stewart, who was born in Indiana, Pennsylvania, and had a significant film career including roles in *It's a Wonderful Life* and *Mr. Smith Goes to Washington*. The resolution highlights his birthplace, career achievements, and honorary awards like the Presidential Medal of Freedom. As a commemorative resolution, it has no legal effect or policy impact - it simply recognizes Stewart's legacy through a designated day.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution designates April 12, 2025, as "Volunteer Firefighter Day" in Pennsylvania to honor volunteer firefighters who protect communities without pay. It recognizes their service through a ceremonial designation only, with no new policies, funding, or legal requirements. The resolution references Pennsylvania's historical ties to volunteer firefighting, including Benjamin Franklin's 1736 fire company and the state's current volunteer force of 36,000-38,000 members. It does not affect any individuals or create new obligations.

Maddy summaryHB 1465 amends Pennsylvania law concerning false reports of child abuse. The bill changes the penalty for individuals who intentionally or knowingly make a false report of child abuse or induce a child to do so. It upgrades the offense from a second-degree misdemeanor to a first-degree misdemeanor. This change directly affects individuals convicted of such actions by increasing the severity of the criminal charge.

Maddy summaryHB 1461 establishes the Career and Technical Education Investment Incentive Program within the Public School Code of 1949. This program allows business firms to make contributions - including cash, property, or services - to support career and technical education. These contributions can go to non-profit partnership organizations or directly to participating public and charter schools. Funds are intended to cover program-related costs or expand enrollment for eligible students in these programs, particularly those focused on high-priority occupations.

Maddy summaryHB 800 amends Pennsylvania's hunting laws to prohibit specific actions that disrupt lawful wildlife activities. It directly affects hunters, trappers, and landowners by banning behaviors like disturbing wildlife to interfere with others' hunting, blocking hunters, tampering with equipment, or entering lands without permission to disrupt permitted activities. Key provisions define eight prohibited actions under Section 2302(a.1), including creating barriers, interjecting in line of fire, or altering property used for wildlife observation. Violations are punishable as summary offenses, with the most severe penalty (a one-year hunting/trapping ban) applying specifically to tampering with equipment (Section 2302(d)(2)). The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution recognizes May 2025 as "National Water Safety Month" to promote awareness of water safety education. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture highlighting efforts to prevent water-related injuries and drownings, referencing statistics on boating safety and drowning incidents. The resolution aims to support existing community education initiatives by the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance, American Red Cross, and other water safety organizations.

Maddy summaryHB 1438 designates a specific segment of State Route 2051 in Osceola Mills Borough, Clearfield County, as the "IC3 James S. Dunlap Memorial Highway." The bill names the portion from Elizabeth Street (segment 0020/offset 1600) to the Decatur Township Line (segment 0030/offset 0000) to honor Petty Officer Third Class James S. Dunlap, a U.S. Navy Interior Communications Electrician (IC3) who died on the USS Stark in 1987. The Department of Transportation will install and maintain directional signs along this highway segment. This is a ceremonial designation with no policy changes or funding impacts.