Rep. Rob Kauffman

Maddy summaryHB 621 creates a new criminal offense for unauthorized aliens who possess, use, or attempt to use Pennsylvania's benefit transfer devices, such as the ACCESS card or electronic benefit transfer card. The law defines "unauthorized alien" as someone not eligible for state benefits under federal law (8 U.S.C. § 1621(a)) and classifies each violation as a separate third-degree felony. This directly affects non-citizens who are ineligible for state benefits but attempt to access programs like food assistance through these devices. The bill amends Pennsylvania’s criminal code to specifically address fraud involving benefit cards, without changing eligibility rules for benefits themselves.

Maddy summaryHB 617 proposes a constitutional amendment to guarantee every Pennsylvanian the right to refuse any medical treatment, including vaccines, without government interference. The amendment would prohibit denying legal rights to individuals based on their refusal of such treatments. It requires the state legislature to pass the resolution twice before submitting it to voters for approval, following Pennsylvania's constitutional amendment process. If approved by voters, this amendment would become part of the state constitution, altering how medical consent is legally protected.

Maddy summaryHB 613 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to require a public comparison tool for higher education institutions to include each school's endowment data. This change directly affects students, families, and researchers who use the tool to compare colleges, as it adds financial transparency about institutional resources. The bill mandates that the existing comparison tool must allow users to identify and compare institutions based on endowment size, alongside other metrics. It does not alter college operations or funding but expands available data for informed decision-making. The requirement becomes effective 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 633 designates Bridge Key 8387, carrying Pennsylvania Route 53 over Patty's Run in Gallitzin Township, Cambria County, as the "USMCR Mary A. Lidwell Memorial Bridge." The bill honors Mary A. Lidwell, a former U.S. Marine Corps Women's Aviation Reserve Squadron member during WWII who later served her community in Ashville Borough. The Department of Transportation must install and maintain signs displaying the new name on the bridge. This is a commemorative act with no policy changes or direct impact on residents or regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 645 amends Pennsylvania vehicle laws to allow salvors (businesses handling salvage vehicles) to reconstruct nonrepairable vehicles (vehicles deemed unsafe and valueless except for parts) into safe, roadworthy vehicles. This requires the vehicle to pass an enhanced safety inspection and for the salvor to apply for a special certificate of title through the state. Previously, nonrepairable vehicles could not be rebuilt, but this bill creates a regulated process for reconstruction under strict safety conditions. The bill also updates definitions and procedures for transferring vehicles to salvage dealers or scrap processors, ensuring nonrepairable vehicles cannot be rebuilt without state approval.

Maddy summaryHB 610 amends Pennsylvania's 1929 Administrative Code to require public works contractors and subcontractors to verify new employees' work eligibility using the federal E-Verify program (EVP). It mandates that contractors provide a verification form to public bodies before awarding or executing contracts, confirming their enrollment in EVP and compliance with the law. Contractors without employees may submit an affidavit instead of EVP enrollment but must enroll and provide verification upon hiring. The bill also prohibits discrimination during verification and includes protections for contractors acting in good faith. These changes directly affect all entities working on public construction projects funded by the Commonwealth or its political subdivisions.

Maddy summaryHB 647 amends Pennsylvania's Election Code to require county election boards to enter agreements with the judicial system. Specifically, it directs boards to receive records about county residents claiming juror ineligibility due to citizenship status and investigate the voter registration of those individuals. This provision directly affects county election boards by adding a new administrative duty to verify voter eligibility through jury qualification records. The bill does not change voting rights or election procedures, but creates a formal process for cross-checking voter registration with jury eligibility claims. The change takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 651 amends Pennsylvania's Local Tax Collection Law to allow local taxing districts (like counties, cities, and townships) to permit property tax payments in up to twelve installments, increasing the current limit from four. This change directly affects property taxpayers who choose to pay their taxes in installments rather than a single lump sum. The bill specifies that no tax discounts or abatements will apply to taxes paid through this extended installment plan. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 677 amends Pennsylvania's Apprenticeship and Training Act to establish new supervisor-to-apprentice ratio requirements based on occupational hazard levels. It requires that for high-hazard occupations (with fatality rates ≥9 per 100,000 workers), no more than three supervisors may be required per apprentice; for medium-hazard occupations (2-9 fatalities per 100,000), no more than two supervisors; and for low-hazard occupations (≤2 fatalities per 100,000), no more than one supervisor. These ratios are determined annually using U.S. Department of Labor fatality data, with updates published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin and implemented July 1 each year. The bill directly affects all registered apprenticeship programs in Pennsylvania, particularly those in construction, manufacturing, and other high-risk industries.

Maddy summaryHB 648 creates a new first-degree felony offense for intentionally delivering a controlled substance (in violation of Pennsylvania's drug laws) that results in another person's death. The bill explicitly removes defenses that the victim voluntarily used the drug or used it with other substances, such as alcohol or additional drugs. This law directly affects drug sellers, distributors, or those who illegally provide controlled substances leading to a fatal overdose. It changes the legal standard by making such deaths prosecutable without the previous defenses that could have been raised in court.