Rep. David Rowe

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific bridge in Middletown Township, Bucks County, as the Lance Corporal John F. Muffler Memorial Bridge to honor a Marine who died in the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing. The legislation requires the Department of Transportation to install and maintain official signs displaying the new name for traffic traveling in both directions. The act also includes background details about Muffler's life and service, noting his connection to the local marching band and his family's efforts to promote a memorial in Philadelphia.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's County Code to update the list of purchases that county commissioners can make without requiring public advertising or competitive bidding. Specifically, it clarifies that the purchase of milk by second-class A counties falls under this exemption, allowing these entities to acquire milk directly without a formal bidding process. The change applies only to second-class A counties and does not alter the procedures for other county classes or types of purchases. The legislation is set to take effect 60 days after it is signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill amends the state's Tax Reform Code to update how corporations can deduct net losses against their taxable income. It establishes new rules that increase the maximum amount of net loss a company can use to reduce its tax bill in any given year, with the limit rising over time until it reaches 100% of taxable income for years starting after December 31, 2024. The legislation also clarifies how long past losses can be carried forward to offset future profits, extending the carryover period for losses generated after 1997 to 20 years. These changes directly affect corporations filing state income tax returns by allowing them to lower their current tax liability more aggressively when they have incurred losses.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's tax laws by adjusting personal income tax rates and eliminating a specific tax on the gross receipts from the sale of electric energy. It requires electric utilities to pass the savings from these tax changes directly to consumers through reductions in state tax surcharges, with civil penalties of up to $5,000 for companies that fail to do so. Additionally, the legislation mandates that $6 million annually be transferred to the Alternative Fuels Incentive Fund starting in the 2024-2025 fiscal year. The bill also establishes a revenue-neutral reconciliation rule that will remain in effect until the end of 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a comprehensive study of all permits issued by the Department of Environmental Protection. The review will examine the department's legal authority, track permit wait times and application methods, and compare state practices to identify areas for improvement. The committee must submit a final report with its findings and recommendations to the chairs of the relevant environmental committees within one year. This action is intended to assess the efficiency and clarity of the permitting process without changing any existing laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Dog Law by refining definitions and regulations for dog kennels, particularly regarding the importation of animals. It clarifies what constitutes a commercial kennel versus a nonprofit service dog kennel, establishing a lower annual licensing fee of $35 for the latter. The legislation also mandates stricter health protocols for imported dogs, requiring specific veterinary tests and a 14-day quarantine period unless certain conditions are met. Additionally, the bill outlines criteria for revoking kennel licenses if owners are convicted of animal cruelty or sexual offenses against animals.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends a House resolution that urges Congress to continue supporting Taiwan and marks the 45th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act. The specific changes remove references to the Organization and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change from the resolution text. These edits refine the language of the commemorative measure without altering its core message of support for Taiwan.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Regulatory Review Act to require state agencies to submit additional documentation when proposing new regulations. Specifically, if a proposed rule adopts guidance from the World Health Organization, the United Nations, or the World Economic Forum, the agency must provide a statement explaining how that guidance applies to the state and include detailed data supporting its relevance. The bill also places the burden of proof on the agency to demonstrate that any data used is acceptable. These requirements aim to increase transparency and scrutiny for international regulatory influences within the state's rulemaking process.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates October 2024 as "Crime Prevention Month" to raise awareness about crime and safety within the state. The measure encourages residents, local law enforcement, schools, and businesses to collaborate on initiatives that promote personal safety and community engagement. By officially recognizing this month, the resolution aims to foster a shared sense of responsibility among citizens to work together toward reducing crime.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws to better handle child custody issues when a parent is deployed for military service. It repeals older rules that restricted custody changes during deployment and replaces them with the Uniform Deployed Parents Custody and Visitation Act. Under the new provisions, courts can temporarily assign custody to family members if a deployed parent requests it, provided this arrangement does not exceed the original custody rights and serves the child's best interest. Additionally, the law ensures that a parent's absence due to deployment cannot be used as a reason to change custody or that their absence is not considered when deciding what is best for the child.