Maddy summaryHB 1218 amends Pennsylvania's Election Code to enhance election oversight. It creates an "independent prosecutor" appointed 90 days before primaries to review election complaints (Section 1778), requires the Secretary of the Commonwealth to maintain a fraud hotline and share reports with this prosecutor (Section 201(i)), and mandates county boards to cooperate with election integrity officers (Section 302(n.1)). The bill also requires counties to provide authorized representatives meaningful access to observe absentee ballot canvassing, record meetings with audio-visual recordings (available only after polls close), and investigate concerns (Section 1308(j)). These changes directly affect state election officials, county boards, and election integrity officers by adding new reporting duties, oversight mechanisms, and transparency requirements for election processes.
Rep. David Rowe
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 1198 amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to change how the Department of Revenue examines personal income tax records. It requires the department to conduct in-person examinations (at the taxpayer's location) for requests involving 25 or more pages of documents and mandates 14 business days' written notice to taxpayers before such examinations. This procedural change applies to all personal income taxpayers subject to tax audits. The bill does not alter tax rates, eligibility, or liability - only the process for document review during examinations.
Maddy summaryHB 1203 amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code of 1971 to expand exemptions from realty transfer tax for certain family transfers. It adds specific relationships - such as between stepparents/stepchildren, grandparents/grandchildren, and siblings - to the list of transactions exempt from the tax, while clarifying that subsequent transfers within one year of the initial exempt transfer become taxable. This directly affects individuals transferring property between these family members, particularly in estate planning or intra-family property movements. The changes apply to transactions occurring after December 31, 2025.
Maddy summaryHB 1206 would add a new section to Pennsylvania's Public School Code allowing public schools (including districts, charter schools, and cyber charters) to employ or approve volunteer "certified school chaplains." These chaplains must be certified by organizations like the National School Chaplain Association and pass background checks required for school staff/volunteers, but do not need state certification. School boards must vote within six months of the law's effective date to decide whether to permit chaplains in their schools. The bill directly affects Pennsylvania public schools and their students/employees who may interact with chaplains, creating a framework for optional chaplain services.
Maddy summaryHB 1193 proposes a constitutional amendment to update voter qualifications in Pennsylvania. It would lower the voting age from 21 to 18, reduce residency requirements to 30 days for state and local election districts (from 90 and 60 days), and require government-issued ID for in-person voting and mail-in ballots (with signature matching). Voters must also register at least 30 days before an election, with registration requiring pre-confirmation of eligibility. The amendment must be approved by the General Assembly and then by voters in a statewide election.
Maddy summaryHB 1205 defines "mini trucks" as small Japanese-imported vehicles (with engine displacement ≤660cc, overall length ≤130 inches, and other specific size limits) and establishes new rules for their operation in Pennsylvania. It requires mini trucks to carry minimum insurance coverage of $15,000 per person for injuries, $30,000 for multiple injuries, and $5,000 for property damage, while exempting them from other insurance requirements. The bill mandates specific equipment (like brakes, speedometers, and seat belts) and restricts operation to roads with speed limits of 55 mph or lower, with potential exceptions up to 70 mph by the transportation secretary. This directly affects owners of these imported vehicles by creating a separate regulatory category for their use on Pennsylvania roads.
Maddy summaryHB 1208 amends Pennsylvania's Clean Streams Law to allow construction sites disturbing 1 to 5 acres of land to apply for a waiver from the standard stormwater discharge permit requirement. This waiver follows a specific federal regulation (40 CFR 122.26(b)(15)(i)) that governs stormwater permits for smaller projects. The bill directly affects smaller construction developments by offering a streamlined permitting path instead of the usual process. It does not change pollution control standards but simplifies compliance for sites within this size range.
Maddy summaryHB 1201 amends Pennsylvania's Milk Sanitation Law to allow dairy permit holders to sell raw milk and dairy products containing raw milk. It directly affects licensed dairy producers by removing a prior restriction under 7 Pa. Code § 59a.402(b), which had limited such sales. The bill adds a new provision requiring the Secretary of Agriculture to permit these sales, effective 60 days after enactment. This change specifically updates regulatory handling of raw milk products under existing dairy permits.
Maddy summaryHB 1190 amends Pennsylvania law to automatically classify veteran-owned small businesses as "small diverse businesses" under Title 51 (Military Affairs). This change eliminates the need for veteran-owned small businesses to seek separate verification to qualify under programs designated for small diverse businesses. The bill directly affects veteran entrepreneurs operating small businesses in Pennsylvania who previously faced additional administrative steps. The policy takes effect 60 days after enactment, streamlining access to relevant state contracting and support programs.