Rep. Rob Kauffman

Maddy summaryHB 1509 amends Pennsylvania's Scrap Material Theft Prevention Act to add a new penalty for intentionally possessing a detached catalytic converter without a commercial account and proper justification. It classifies this as a misdemeanor of the third degree, targeting individuals who remove catalytic converters from vehicles and keep them without being part of a registered scrap processor business or having a valid reason. The law directly affects people handling catalytic converters outside authorized commercial channels, such as thieves or those storing stolen parts. This change specifically addresses unauthorized possession of catalytic converters, which are frequently stolen for their valuable metals. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1514 creates a tax credit for Pennsylvania taxpayers who earn tips, allowing them to get back the income tax paid on those tips. The credit equals 100% of the tax paid on "tipped wages" (wages received as voluntary customer tips, not set by employers) and is fully refundable, meaning it can reduce tax bills or generate refunds even if no tax was owed. Taxpayers must claim the credit using their employer's statement of tipped wages (required under 34 Pa. Code § 231.36) when filing their annual tax return on the standard PA 40 form. This change applies to tax returns for years starting after December 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1499 updates Pennsylvania's child custody laws under Title 23. It clarifies definitions, establishes clearer rules for awarding primary physical custody, and requires courts to consider criminal convictions when making custody decisions. The bill also mandates parenting plans and specifies factors judges must evaluate, directly affecting parents, judges, and child welfare agencies involved in custody cases. The legislation was recently referred to the Judiciary Committee on May 28, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1489 establishes the Lifeline Scholarship Program, enabling eligible Pennsylvania students to receive financial assistance for tuition and fees at participating nonpublic schools. To qualify, students must be Pennsylvania residents, not have a high school diploma, and meet income criteria (household income below 350% of the federal poverty level) or reside within a low-achieving school's attendance boundary. The State Treasury administers the Lifeline Scholarship Fund, allowing parents to apply for funds covering tuition, school-related fees, and special education services at qualifying nonprofit nonpublic schools. This program amends the Public School Code of 1949 to create a new funding mechanism for student enrollment in nonpublic schools.

Maddy summaryHB 1494 would amend Pennsylvania's Controlled Substance Act to allow ivermectin (for human use) to be sold over-the-counter without a prescription or consultation with a healthcare provider. This change directly affects consumers who can purchase ivermectin at pharmacies or stores without needing a doctor's visit, and pharmacies that would sell it. The bill specifies that ivermectin must be "suitable for human use" to qualify as an over-the-counter medication under state law. It takes effect 60 days after enactment, making this a concrete policy shift in how the medication is distributed in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates Bridge Key 48006 (on State Route 3007 over Carson Run in Knox Township, Clearfield County) as the "Sgt. Ronald Bloom Memorial Bridge." It honors Sergeant Ronald Bloom, a Clearfield County native who enlisted in the Marines in 1967, was killed in action in Vietnam at age 21, and received multiple military medals including the Purple Heart. The bill requires the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to install and maintain signs naming the bridge, effective 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1465 amends Pennsylvania law concerning false reports of child abuse. The bill changes the penalty for individuals who intentionally or knowingly make a false report of child abuse or induce a child to do so. It upgrades the offense from a second-degree misdemeanor to a first-degree misdemeanor. This change directly affects individuals convicted of such actions by increasing the severity of the criminal charge.

Maddy summaryHR 101 designates the week of May 11-17, 2025, as "National Hospital Week" in Pennsylvania through a symbolic resolution. It honors hospitals and health care workers for providing critical services (including 56 trauma centers and 120,000+ births annually), supporting over 273,000 direct jobs, and contributing $186.5 billion to Pennsylvania's economy. The resolution does not create new laws, funding, or obligations - only a formal recognition and call for public appreciation. It highlights hospitals' role in community health without specifying policy changes or outcomes.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (not a binding bill), not a law with policy changes. It formally recognizes March 29, 2025, as "National Vietnam War Veterans Day" within Pennsylvania, aligning with the existing federal observance established by the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act (2017). The resolution honors veterans who served between 1955-1975, including Pennsylvania residents who died, were wounded, or are unaccounted for, but does not create new programs, funding, or legal obligations. It serves solely as a ceremonial acknowledgment by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

Maddy summaryHB 1438 designates a specific segment of State Route 2051 in Osceola Mills Borough, Clearfield County, as the "IC3 James S. Dunlap Memorial Highway." The bill names the portion from Elizabeth Street (segment 0020/offset 1600) to the Decatur Township Line (segment 0030/offset 0000) to honor Petty Officer Third Class James S. Dunlap, a U.S. Navy Interior Communications Electrician (IC3) who died on the USS Stark in 1987. The Department of Transportation will install and maintain directional signs along this highway segment. This is a ceremonial designation with no policy changes or funding impacts.