Rep. Rob Kauffman

Maddy summaryHB 1164 authorizes Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to propose a carbon dioxide emissions tax or fee after following a strict public process. It requires the DEP to hold 180 days of public comment, conduct four public hearings across the state, and submit detailed reports to lawmakers on economic impacts, facility-level emissions, and electricity price effects before any such tax can be considered. The bill directly affects electric generation facilities (like power plants) and electricity consumers by mandating transparency and analysis of how a carbon tax would impact costs and operations. Crucially, it does not impose a tax itself but creates the procedural framework for future legislative action on carbon emissions regulation.

Maddy summaryThis is a House Resolution (not a bill), urging Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) leadership to be transparent about any potential closure of its 12 Commonwealth campuses. It asks the university president to publicly share criteria for closures, demonstrate alignment with Penn State’s land-grant mission, and detail plans to maintain educational access for affected students and communities. The resolution emphasizes that campus closures would disproportionately impact rural and underserved areas, reduce local economic activity, and undermine public trust. It does not create new laws or funding but formally requests Penn State to engage communities and provide clear, open communication before making closure decisions.

Maddy summaryHB 1105 requires Pennsylvania state agencies to undergo regular zero-based budget reviews, mandating that every program be justified from scratch at least once every five years. Starting in 2026, the Secretary of the Budget must review approximately one-fifth of the state budget annually, with agencies required to submit detailed plans explaining each program's legal basis, estimated impacts if discontinued, and itemized costs for maintaining services at both minimum and current levels. This directly affects all state agencies and the Budget Secretary, shifting budget decisions away from incremental adjustments to past spending. The bill aims to eliminate outdated programs by requiring agencies to prove the necessity and cost-effectiveness of each activity through specific documentation, not just historical spending patterns. It takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1092 establishes a program to refund a portion of Pennsylvania's state budget surplus directly to eligible taxpayers. It requires the State Treasurer and Department of Revenue to identify resident individuals who filed 2024 tax returns and paid their liabilities, then calculate payments based on the General Fund surplus (capped at the June 2024 surplus amount) and the Budget Stabilization Reserve Fund (capped at the fund balance minus 6% of 2024-2025 General Fund revenues). The bill specifies that payments must be made within 45 days of a funding appropriation, with any unused funds returned to the Budget Stabilization Reserve Fund. This program directly affects Pennsylvania residents who filed 2024 individual income tax returns and paid their tax liability.

Maddy summaryHB 1076 shortens Pennsylvania's statute of limitations for collecting most assessed taxes from 10 years to 7 years. It applies to taxes where the settlement, determination, or assessment becomes final after January 1, 2026, including taxes from nonfiled returns due after that date. The bill specifies that filing a tax lien does not extend this 7-year collection period. This change directly affects taxpayers with unpaid taxes and the Department of Revenue, which must collect within the new timeframe. The law takes effect on January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution (HR 2) designates March 25, 2025, as "National Medal of Honor Day" within the state. It symbolically recognizes the Medal of Honor - the military's highest award for valor - as first presented on March 25, 1863, and highlights Pennsylvania's 379 Medal of Honor recipients (second-highest in the U.S.). The resolution has no binding effect or new policy requirements; it solely serves to honor recipients and their service through a ceremonial designation. It does not directly affect any individuals or alter existing laws.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution (HR 146) urges Congress to cooperate with efforts to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education. It argues that education policy should be managed by states like Pennsylvania, citing federal funding mandates and claims that the Department has not improved student outcomes (referencing NAEP data). The resolution does not change any laws or funding but formally requests federal action to transfer education authority to states. It reaffirms Pennsylvania's constitutional duty to manage its public education system for 1.7 million students across 500 school districts.

Maddy summaryHB 1061 requires Pennsylvania voter registration applicants to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when applying to register. This applies to all registration methods - online, in-person, by mail, or with a driver's license application. Acceptable proof includes passports, birth certificates, military IDs, naturalization documents, or other government-issued IDs showing U.S. birthplace. The bill mandates that election officials verify citizenship during registration and adds penalties for officials who fail to comply. It directly affects anyone seeking to register to vote in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to Pennsylvania that would ban all taxes on real property, including land and buildings owned by individuals or businesses. The change would take effect on July 1, 2030, and would apply to taxes imposed by the state government, local municipalities, school districts, or any other political subdivision within the Commonwealth. To become law, the amendment must pass both houses of the General Assembly and then be approved by voters in a statewide election. The bill argues that taxing property violates the inherent right to own and protect property, a principle recognized since Pennsylvania's founding in 1776.

Maddy summaryPennsylvania's HB 167 increases the amount financial institutions can pay directly to a deceased person's family without probate from $10,000 to $20,000. It requires families to provide a receipted funeral bill or an affidavit from a licensed funeral director to qualify for this payment. The bill affects banks, credit unions, and other savings institutions, which can now pay eligible family members (spouse, children, parents, or siblings) directly. This change eliminates the need for probate court approval for these smaller payments, streamlining the process for families handling final arrangements. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.