Rep. David Rowe

Maddy summaryHB 22 amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code of 1971 to clarify the definition of "compensation" for personal income tax purposes. It specifically adds exclusions to what counts as taxable compensation, such as certain disability payments, retirement benefits, public assistance, foster care payments, and National Guard service income. These changes directly affect Pennsylvania taxpayers and employers who must apply these definitions when calculating income tax liability. The bill does not alter tax rates but provides clearer guidance on which income types are taxable under state law.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Pennsylvania's election commission to create a process allowing homeowners and landlords to report voters registered at their addresses who no longer live there. When such a report is made, the commission must immediately notify the affected voter and attempt to reach them at any other known address to update their registration information. The law adds this reporting mechanism to existing voter removal procedures without replacing them, and it becomes effective 60 days after passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the creation of a Gold Star Families Memorial Monument on Pennsylvania State Capitol grounds to honor military members who died in service and their families. The monument, designed by Woody Williams and Kenton Blackwood, will consist of four black granite slabs featuring inscriptions and scenes representing homeland, patriotism, family, and sacrifice. The MI Charitable Foundation is designated to fund and manage the construction and ongoing maintenance of the site, while the Department of General Services will assist in preparing the location and facilitating the project. The specific location is defined as the area south of the Forum Building, east of the Speaker K. Leroy Irvis Office Building, and north of Walnut Street.

Maddy summaryHB 93 requires institutions of higher education and private licensed schools in Pennsylvania to offer voluntary, free human trafficking prevention and education programs to first-year students. These programs must cover specific topics such as how traffickers profile victims, the role of online activity, and the differences between prostitution and trafficking. Schools are also required to submit an annual report to the Department of Education confirming that they have implemented these educational initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Administrative Code to establish a new set of rules governing how state agencies process permit applications. It creates a strict 30-day deadline for agencies to either approve or deny requests for permits, renewals, or modifications, and it mandates that incomplete applications be returned to applicants within 10 days with a specific list of missing information. To prevent delays, the law includes a provision where an application is automatically deemed approved if the agency fails to act within the statutory timeframe or if the applicant submits a sworn affidavit confirming that all legal requirements have been met. These changes apply to various regulated activities but explicitly exclude personal licenses issued to individuals by professional boards.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's tax code to provide specific definitions for volunteer firefighter retirement plans and to clarify how their contributions are treated for tax purposes. It directly affects volunteer firefighters and the fire companies or municipalities that sponsor their benefit programs by distinguishing these contributions from regular taxable compensation. The legislation establishes clear rules for two types of plans: defined benefit plans, which offer a guaranteed payout, and defined contribution plans, which rely on specific deposits. By explicitly stating that these contributions are not considered compensation, the bill aims to prevent them from being taxed as income for the firefighters. These changes apply to taxable years starting on or after January 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws to standardize the three-year registration and recertification requirements for emergency medical responders, emergency medical technicians, and emergency medical services vehicle operators. Under the new rules, these professionals must renew their credentials every three years by passing exams or completing continuing education credits, while those whose licenses have expired for six years or less can regain certification through testing or additional training. The legislation also clarifies that EMS vehicle operator certifications are permanent but require triennial registration, except for those working exclusively for a specific regional system, and establishes stricter criteria for maintaining operator status, including limits on recent driving violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Ballot Access Improvement Act, establishes a new option for candidates in Pennsylvania to gain access to the ballot by paying a filing fee instead of submitting a traditional nomination petition. It applies to a wide range of offices, including federal positions, statewide roles, and local judgeships, allowing candidates to choose between the standard petition process or a direct fee payment. The legislation sets specific fee amounts based on the office sought, ranging from $3,000 for state representatives to $38,500 for the presidency, and outlines how these funds will be distributed to counties and the Department of State for election administration. Additionally, the bill defines strict deadlines for fee payment, mandates the issuance of receipts to candidates, and clarifies that these fees are non-refundable even if a candidate withdraws.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's budget rules by requiring the state to submit a seven-year financial plan to the General Assembly. The new requirement mandates that the budget include actual spending from the previous year, current available funds, the proposed budget for the next year, and estimated accounts for the following four years. This change directly affects how the executive branch prepares and presents financial information to lawmakers. The law will become active 60 days after it is signed.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Pennsylvania school districts and other educational institutions from purchasing or using biometric identifying technology for any purpose, including school security. It defines biometric technology as tools that verify identity through physical or behavioral characteristics like fingerprints, facial features, voice, or DNA. The law applies to all types of public and private schools within the state and takes effect 30 days after passage.