Rep. David Rowe

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws to clarify the medical requirements for individuals seeking a school bus driver endorsement. It mandates that drivers must have a physical and vision check from a recognized doctor within the last 13 months, allowing optometrists or ophthalmologists to perform the eye exam. Additionally, the legislation specifies that drivers using hearing aids must pass a hearing test proving the device functions correctly to meet minimum standards, while exempting them from a more invasive electroacoustic analysis report if the basic test passes. These changes aim to standardize health qualifications for school bus operators and will become effective 60 days after the law is passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Grant Recipient Employee Verification Act, requires businesses in Pennsylvania that receive state grants to verify the work authorization status of their employees using the federal E-Verify system. It prohibits these employers from knowingly hiring individuals who are not legally allowed to work in the United States and mandates that they keep records of these verifications for the duration of employment or three years, whichever is longer. The Department of Labor and Industry will be tasked with investigating complaints about violations, which includes the power to inspect business records and interview employees. Employers who fail to comply with these new verification requirements face potential penalties, while individuals filing false complaints could face criminal charges.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's election laws to require that all voter registration applicants provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship. It specifies acceptable documents, such as a valid passport, military ID, or a birth certificate paired with other supporting evidence, and mandates that election officials verify this information during the registration process. The legislation also establishes penalties for officials who fail to perform these duties and creates a legal pathway for individuals to sue if they believe their citizenship verification rights were violated. Additionally, it updates the rules for removing voter registration records, allowing for cancellation only when an elector is confirmed to be non-citizen or has moved away.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution designates August 7, 2024, as "Purple Heart Day" to honor state veterans who were wounded or killed in combat. The measure serves as a symbolic gesture acknowledging the sacrifices of Pennsylvanians who received the Purple Heart Medal, noting that the state was officially recognized as a Purple Heart state in 2019. While the bill does not create new laws or funding, it formally recognizes the date to align with the broader Purple Heart Trail that commemorates service members across the nation.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's corporate tax code to create a specific tax deduction for medical cannabis businesses, allowing them to claim ordinary business expenses that were not deducted on their federal tax returns. It also updates the procedures for taxpayers to request tax reassessments and board reviews, extending the deadline for these petitions to 90 days for corporate taxes instead of the standard 60 days. Additionally, the legislation establishes a new settlement conference process where independent attorneys appointed by the tax board can help resolve disputes between taxpayers and the Department of Revenue. These changes directly affect medical marijuana organizations and other corporations subject to state net income tax by altering how they calculate deductions and how they appeal tax assessments.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution designates November 7, 2024, as "Victims of Communism Memorial Day" to honor individuals who suffered under communist regimes. The measure does not create new laws or alter government operations but serves as a symbolic gesture to raise awareness about the history and impact of communism. By officially naming this date, the bill directs the state's House of Representatives to post the designation on its website and send a copy to the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Liquor Code to allow breweries and limited distilleries to operate at the same physical location under a single entity. The key provision permits one business to hold both a brewery license and a limited distillery license, provided the manufacturing areas for each are clearly marked and may overlap. Both licenses must adhere to their specific operating hours, and any violations at the shared site can result in citations against one or both licenses. Additionally, businesses operating both types of licenses that serve alcohol on-site will be counted as a single entity when calculating state-mandated ratios.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows police officers and state employees to issue written violation notices to drivers or owners when they have probable cause to believe a vehicle is unsafe, improperly equipped, or non-compliant with regulations. The notice must list specific violations and set a deadline for corrections, typically 15 days for most issues or 30 days for emission problems, during which the vehicle owner must provide proof of repairs or pass an inspection. Once the deadline passes without evidence of compliance, the vehicle is prohibited from being driven on Pennsylvania highways until the required corrections are verified and submitted to authorities.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 18, 2024, as "Lineworker Appreciation Day" to honor the electrical workers in Pennsylvania who maintain the state's power grid. The resolution acknowledges the dangerous and essential work these lineworkers perform to ensure electricity is delivered reliably to homes and businesses. It does not create new laws or change regulations but serves as a formal expression of gratitude from the House of Representatives.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution officially recognizes October 2024 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and designates October 18, 2024, as National Mammography Day within the state. The measure aims to encourage Pennsylvanians to learn about breast cancer risks and prioritize regular screenings, such as mammograms, to support early detection. By highlighting these specific dates, the bill seeks to raise public awareness and show solidarity with individuals affected by the disease.