Rep. Rob Kauffman

Maddy summaryHB 796 amends Pennsylvania's inheritance tax rate for property transferred to siblings under the Tax Reform Code of 1971. Currently set at 12%, the bill changes this rate (though the new specific percentage is not detailed in the provided text) to apply to estates of decedents dying after June 30, 2025. It directly affects individuals inheriting property from siblings, as this tax rate governs such transfers. The bill modifies the existing tax provision without altering other categories like transfers to spouses or descendants. This change is a substantive policy adjustment to inheritance tax rates, not a procedural matter.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes where table game tax revenue goes in Pennsylvania. It redirects taxes paid by casinos on table games (like blackjack or poker) from the General Fund into the Property Tax Relief Fund instead. This means money collected from casino table games will now specifically support property tax relief programs for Pennsylvania residents. The change affects casino operators who pay these taxes and ensures the funds are used for property tax assistance.

Maddy summaryHB 750 requires municipalities to hold a voter referendum before approving new "high impact warehouses or distribution centers" that meet specific size thresholds (3+ acres or 100,000+ square feet). The bill defines these facilities as large-scale logistics operations (excluding retail) and mandates that governing bodies must submit such projects to a public vote at the next election occurring at least 100 days after initial approval. Ballots must include details like location, acreage, and building size, with approval requiring a majority "yes" vote. This directly affects local governments and developers seeking to build qualifying facilities, adding a new layer of community input to the approval process under Pennsylvania's Municipalities Planning Code.

Maddy summaryHB 720, or "Simon's Law," amends Pennsylvania's Health Care Facilities Act to require written parental consent for do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders for minors. It prohibits healthcare facilities or providers from implementing DNR orders or restricting life-sustaining measures without written permission from at least one parent or legal guardian. The bill mandates detailed documentation of consent (including names, relationships, and dates) and allows parents to revoke consent in writing, which overrides prior agreements. It also requires facilities to make good-faith efforts to contact parents within 48 hours and prohibits interfering with parents seeking second opinions or transferring care to another facility. This directly affects hospitals, clinics, and healthcare providers treating minors in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryHB 703 proposes constitutional amendments to require the Secretary of the Commonwealth to be elected directly by voters in the same election as the Auditor General, State Treasurer, and Attorney General, rather than appointed. It establishes new qualifications, including being at least 30 years old, a Pennsylvania resident for seven years, and a U.S. citizen. The bill also prohibits current members of Congress or certain state officeholders from serving as Secretary and updates procedures for contested elections. If approved by voters, these changes would take effect, altering how the state's chief elections officer is selected and qualified. This is a constitutional amendment requiring voter approval after legislative passage.

Maddy summaryHB 701 amends a Pennsylvania law that gives the Governor authority over U.S. flag displays on public grounds and buildings. The bill requires that any U.S. flag displayed under this law must be manufactured in the United States. This affects public institutions, schools, and certain other organizations that display the flag on their property. The change adds a sourcing requirement to existing flag display regulations without altering the Governor's regulatory role.

Maddy summaryHR 87 is a resolution directing Pennsylvania's Joint State Government Commission to study security risks to critical infrastructure from foreign purchases of infrastructure assets and adjacent land. The study will examine current state protections, compare approaches used by other states, and assess whether adopting a process similar to the federal CFIUS review (which evaluates foreign investments for national security risks) would be feasible. It requires the Commission to report findings and recommendations to the General Assembly within 24 months. This resolution does not create new laws but aims to inform future policy decisions about protecting critical infrastructure.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's definition of "exotic wildlife" in wildlife permit rules. It specifically adds nonhuman primates and expands the list of protected big cats, bears, wolves, and coyotes to include scientific species names (like *Panthera leo* for lions). The definition also explicitly excludes common native species (such as deer, moose, and rabbits), domestic animals, and birds from the "exotic" category. These changes clarify which animals require special permits under existing wildlife regulations, directly affecting wildlife permit applicants and regulators.

Maddy summaryHB 695 requires health insurance plans to cover vaccinations administered on schedules chosen by parents or guardians that differ from CDC recommendations, provided at least one vaccine is given annually. It prohibits insurers from offering financial incentives to providers based on per-member vaccination rates. Health care practitioners must continue providing pediatric care for patients on non-CDC schedules and cannot bill for discussions about alternative schedules. Violations by practitioners could result in disciplinary action from their licensing board.

Maddy summaryHB 686 amends Pennsylvania's 1970 law to give parents or legal guardians full access to their minor child's medical, dental, and mental health records until the child turns 18, subject to federal law. This new provision (Section 1.3) overrides a prior rule allowing minors to control their mental health records, directly affecting minors under 18 and their parents/guardians. The bill changes how healthcare providers handle record access requests, requiring disclosure to parents unless federal law prohibits it. The changes take effect 60 days after the bill is signed.