Rep. Rob Kauffman

Maddy summaryHB 451 reinstates licenses suspended or revoked for failing to comply with Pennsylvania's pandemic-related health orders during the state's emergency period (March 6, 2020, to when the Governor's proclamation ended). It directly affects healthcare professionals and other licensed workers whose licenses were disciplined for non-compliance with specific COVID-19 protocols, including Governor proclamations, health department orders, or pandemic guidance. The bill automatically removes these disciplinary actions from records without requiring new applications or hearings. It takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 450 amends Pennsylvania's Liquor Code to remove disciplinary actions against liquor licensees who had their licenses suspended or revoked for not following pandemic-related health protocols during the state's emergency period (March 2020 to when the emergency ended). The bill requires the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board to automatically reinstate licenses or remove penalties for non-compliance with Governor's orders, health department directives, or official guidance specifically related to COVID-19. This applies only to actions taken during the declared disaster emergency, not for ongoing violations. The policy directly affects bars, restaurants, and other businesses holding liquor licenses that faced penalties during the pandemic.

Maddy summaryHB 454 repeals Pennsylvania's requirement for a license to carry a firearm (openly or concealed) for most individuals, making it legal to carry without a license statewide, including in Philadelphia where previous restrictions on public streets and property are removed. The bill also repeals provisions about proof of license and related exceptions, while maintaining existing prohibitions for convicted felons and other restricted locations like schools. Additionally, it includes a new provision for a sportsman's firearm permit and specific regulations for antique firearms. The changes directly affect law-abiding Pennsylvanians who previously needed a license for general firearm carry.

Maddy summaryHB 445 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would explicitly add "land" to the list of protected items under Pennsylvania's right to security from unreasonable searches and seizures. The amendment updates Article I, Section 8 of the state constitution to state that "the people shall be secure in their persons, houses, papers, land and possessions" from such searches. This change directly affects all Pennsylvania residents by clarifying that land ownership (e.g., property, parcels) is explicitly protected under this constitutional right, mirroring existing protections for other property types. The bill also outlines the procedural steps required for constitutional amendments, including legislative passage and voter approval at the next applicable election. As a proposed amendment, it does not take effect until ratified by voters.

Maddy summaryHB 403 preempts Pennsylvania municipalities from adopting policies that block law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. It prohibits local governments from restricting officers from complying with federal immigration requests, assisting ICE, allowing ICE access to county jails, inquiring about immigration status of people in custody, or sharing release information. The bill establishes an "Immigration Cooperation Fund" to support this cooperation, though specific funding mechanisms are not detailed in the provided text. This directly affects all Pennsylvania cities, towns, counties, and their law enforcement officers, judicial staff, and correctional personnel.

Maddy summaryHB 419 creates special vehicle license plates in Pennsylvania for residents who have received specific military commendation or achievement medals. It allows holders of medals like the Army Commendation Medal or Joint Service Achievement Medal to apply for a plate by paying a $26 fee (in addition to regular registration costs). The plates display the specific medal type and its name, and can only be used on passenger cars or light trucks under 14,000 pounds gross weight. This bill directly affects Pennsylvania veterans or military personnel who qualify for these specific medals. The policy change is purely procedural, adding new plate options without altering military benefits or eligibility.

Maddy summaryHB 398 amends Pennsylvania's transportation law to regulate the use of state-owned aircraft by Commonwealth agencies and the General Assembly. It requires officials to sign a declaration confirming flights are for exclusive official business (prohibiting political activities or sporting events), bans lobbyists from using these aircraft, and mandates a publicly accessible monthly flight log detailing trip purposes, event names, sponsors, and attendees. All costs for aircraft use must be paid into a special Aviation Restricted Account. The bill also restricts out-of-state flights to emergencies, as verified by the emergency management agency.

Maddy summaryHB 318 amends Pennsylvania's Unemployment Compensation Law to expand ineligibility for benefits when claimants unreasonably discourage their own employment opportunities. The bill requires claimants to make a good faith effort to secure work and prohibits actions like refusing job interviews or offers without good cause before discussing job details. Employers can report such behavior using new forms the Department of Labor must create within 90 days. This change directly affects unemployed Pennsylvanians applying for or receiving unemployment benefits.

Maddy summaryHB 351 amends Pennsylvania law to create a new misdemeanor offense for municipal elected officials or public employees who undermine state law enforcement. Specifically, it prohibits officials from approving laws that decriminalize state-prohibited activities, altering penalties for state offenses, directing peace officers not to enforce state laws, or creating alternative enforcement methods. Any municipal law, regulation, or policy conflicting with state law is declared null and void. The bill excludes the Attorney General, district attorneys, and peace officers from these provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 277 allows victims of sex trafficking to sue individuals or entities that recruit, profit from, or advertise for sex trade activities. The bill amends Pennsylvania's criminal code to create a civil legal pathway for victims to seek remedies in court, specifically targeting those who recruit victims, maintain them in sex trade acts, or cause bodily harm during such acts. It directly affects victims of sex trafficking and those who exploit them through recruitment, advertising, or financial gain. The law does not change criminal penalties but adds a civil remedy for victims to pursue compensation.