Rep. Thomas Kutz

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates September 27, 2026, as Gold Star Mother's Day within the state. The measure formally acknowledges the sacrifice of mothers who lost sons or daughters in military service and honors their ongoing contributions to their communities. By recognizing this specific date, the resolution aims to provide a day of remembrance for Gold Star Families in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's personal income tax code to clarify that certain educational savings distributions are not taxable. Specifically, it ensures that withdrawals from qualified tuition programs rolled over into a Roth IRA remain exempt from state taxation, aligning state rules with federal tax exemptions. The change directly affects Pennsylvania residents who utilize these specific financial vehicles for education savings. By updating the Tax Reform Code, the legislation provides clear guidance on which income classes are excluded from state tax liability.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Pennsylvania Common Cents Act, requires government agencies, municipalities, and public utilities to round cash payments to the nearest five-cent increment when collecting face-to-face sales. Specifically, totals ending in one, two, six, or seven cents will be rounded down, while those ending in three, four, eight, or nine cents will be rounded up. The rule applies only to physical cash transactions and does not affect payments made by card, check, or other digital methods. It takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies how Pennsylvania distributes fees collected from unconventional gas wells, specifically directing 25% of those funds to a state account for bridge improvements. The legislation allows counties and municipalities to use these monies to repair or upgrade bridges regardless of whether they qualify for federal funding assistance. Additionally, it permits larger counties to allocate these funds toward improving bridges owned by public transportation authorities. The changes take effect 60 days after the bill becomes law.

Maddy summaryHB 2162 amends Pennsylvania's Wholesale Prescription Drug Distributors License Act to clarify definitions and license application requirements. It specifically defines "virtual manufacturer" as a business that doesn't physically handle drugs in Pennsylvania but has FDA approval processes underway, including submitting or planning to submit FDA applications within 12 months. The bill adds new application requirements: manufacturers of unapproved drugs must state they've applied to or plan to apply to the FDA within 12 months, and virtual manufacturers must provide similar documentation. Crucially, it states the state department cannot require FDA approval as a condition for licensure. This directly affects drug distributors operating under the "virtual manufacturer" model and unapproved drug manufacturers seeking state licenses.

Maddy summaryHB 538 requires colleges and private licensed schools to implement education, prevention, and response programs addressing sexual violence, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking for students and staff. It updates the 1949 Public School Code by adding specific definitions, mandating annual training, and requiring follow-up procedures after incidents. The bill expands existing requirements to cover all institutions of higher education, ensuring consistent policies across affected schools. This is a substantive policy change focused on improving safety protocols, not a procedural or commemorative measure.

Maddy summaryHB 1135 prohibits the use of paraquat, a specific chemical pesticide, within Pennsylvania. It defines paraquat by its chemical identifier (CAS number 4685-14-7) and includes related salts, making it unlawful for farmers, agricultural businesses, or any pesticide users to apply it in the state. The bill amends Pennsylvania's 1973 Pesticide Control Act to add this prohibition, effective one year after enactment, and overrides any conflicting existing regulations. This directly affects pesticide users and applicators operating in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania law to clarify which vehicles and personnel qualify as "emergency vehicles" and outlines specific rules for how their drivers may operate on public roads. It expands the official definition to include a wide range of vehicles, such as those used by correctional institutions in first-class cities for internal emergencies or prisoner transport, as well as privately owned cars driven by specific high-ranking officials during emergencies. Additionally, the legislation sets clear conditions for when drivers of these vehicles can legally ignore red lights or stop signs, requiring them to first confirm they have the right-of-way before proceeding. The changes apply only to vehicles and drivers meeting the new criteria and will take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 1941 amends Pennsylvania's vehicle code to clarify that drivers must obey authorized personnel directing traffic, such as police officers or emergency responders. This directly affects all drivers operating vehicles in Pennsylvania when encountering such personnel. The key provision specifies that drivers must comply with directions given by these authorized individuals to ensure traffic safety during emergencies or traffic control. The bill aims to strengthen existing traffic laws by making the requirement for obedience explicit and enforceable.

Maddy summaryHB 377 adds tianeptine - a medication sometimes misused as an opioid substitute - to Pennsylvania's list of prohibited substances under the Controlled Substance Act. It makes it illegal for unregistered individuals or unlicensed practitioners to manufacture, deliver, or possess tianeptine with intent to distribute. Violators face felony charges punishable by up to five years in prison, a $15,000 fine, or both. The bill directly affects healthcare providers, pharmacies, and anyone handling tianeptine without proper authorization under state drug laws. This amendment updates existing penalties to address emerging misuse of tianeptine.