Rep. Rob Kauffman

Maddy summaryHB 2094 amends Pennsylvania's 1929 Administrative Code to update how the state handles revenue estimates in its budget process. It requires the Department of Revenue and Budget Secretary to jointly prepare revenue estimates that separately show State revenues, Federal funds, and other sources when creating the budget. The bill also sets rules for the Governor to veto spending that exceeds the official revenue estimate plus unused budget funds, and allows adjustments if new laws change revenue projections during the fiscal year. These changes apply to all state budget decisions after the law takes effect.

Maddy summaryHB 2096 establishes a legal framework for direct primary care in Pennsylvania, allowing physicians to provide routine health services (like preventive care and chronic condition management) through written agreements with patients in exchange for a direct fee (e.g., monthly membership or retainer). These medical service agreements are explicitly exempt from state insurance regulations and must clearly state they do not provide comprehensive health insurance coverage. Patients may use health savings accounts or flexible spending accounts to pay for these agreements, subject to federal and state rules. The bill requires all agreements to be in writing, specify covered services and fees, allow termination with notice, and include the required disclaimer.

Maddy summaryHB 2092 requires Pennsylvania school districts to use state funds received for approved school construction projects to reduce the associated debt rather than treating them as general revenue. Districts that received funds before the bill's effective date must reduce debt by the full amount of those funds, while districts receiving funds after must apply the funds directly to the project's debt. As debt is reduced, districts must lower their property tax rates (millage) proportionally. This applies to all school districts with construction projects approved under the Fiscal Code, directly affecting how they manage debt and local tax rates.

Maddy summaryHB 2093 requires Pennsylvania state agencies to report unspent budget funds annually to the Auditor General. Specifically, agencies must submit detailed financial data by November 15 each year, and the Auditor General must analyze these reports and submit a comprehensive written report to the legislature by December 30. The report must break down unspent funds by agency and budget line item, summarize totals by fund type, and provide recommendations to prevent waste, inefficiency, or fraud. This applies to all Commonwealth agencies, including departments, boards, universities (like Penn State and Pitt), and entities such as the Gaming Control Board and Turnpike Commission. The bill aims to improve fiscal transparency and accountability for state spending.

Maddy summaryHB 2097 requires Pennsylvania's Governor to create and publish an annual Commonwealth capital improvement plan by February 1 each year. The plan must detail proposed capital projects (like building construction or major equipment) for the next three years, their costs, funding methods (including bond issuance), and a review of past projects, with public posting for comment. It also establishes a debt limit for capital projects and prohibits exceeding this limit, requiring legislative oversight to monitor compliance. This affects state agencies managing capital projects and the Governor's office in planning and reporting state spending.

Maddy summaryHB 2091 requires Pennsylvania state agencies to submit detailed pre-acceptance reports to the Governor, General Assembly, Auditor General, and other oversight bodies before taking federal funds. These reports must include program details, performance goals, funding timelines, cost breakdowns (personnel, maintenance, etc.), and analysis of how federal requirements impact state operations. Agencies must also establish a public transparency portal showing daily federal spending and use federal funds to offset existing state costs - rather than creating new programs - while ensuring no budget deficit if federal funding ends. The bill mandates quarterly updates to oversight bodies and requires reporting of fraud to state and federal agencies like the Attorney General and U.S. Inspector General.

Maddy summaryHB 2081 designates Bridge Key 11669 (over Mosquito Creek on Quehanna Highway in Karthaus Township, Clearfield County) as the "Gerald Reiter and Leon Hahn Memorial Bridge." The bill honors two U.S. Marine Corps veterans: PFC Gerald Reiter, who died in Vietnam in 1967, and Sgt. Leon Hahn, who died from injuries sustained in Vietnam in 1968. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation must install and maintain directional signs naming the bridge. This is a commemorative resolution with no policy changes or direct impact on constituents beyond the memorial designation.

Maddy summaryHB 2066 repeals Pennsylvania's inheritance tax system by removing Article XXI ("Inheritance and Estate Tax Act") from the 1971 Tax Reform Code. This eliminates the state-level inheritance tax that would have applied to property transferred upon death. The bill directly affects individuals who would have owed this tax on estates or gifts, removing a layer of state taxation on inherited assets. The repeal is comprehensive, striking the entire framework of definitions, exemptions, and procedures related to inheritance tax from the tax code.

Maddy summaryHB 430 requires the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to block the construction or installation of wind turbines that interfere with military operations at nearby installations. This bill directly affects wind energy developers seeking permits near military bases and the DEP, which would enforce the prohibition. The key provision mandates the DEP to deny permits for turbines causing negative impacts - such as radar interference - without requiring new studies or cost-benefit analyses. It does not alter existing wind energy policies but adds a specific military safety requirement to DEP permitting decisions.

Maddy summaryHB 2029 is a joint resolution proposing constitutional amendments to Pennsylvania's election process for judicial positions. It aims to change how justices, judges, and justices of the peace are elected, address vacancy procedures, and define their tenure terms. The bill directly affects judicial officers and voters, as it would alter election rules for these roles and require voter approval for any constitutional changes. If passed by the legislature, it would need to be ratified by Pennsylvania voters to take effect.