Rep. Rob Kauffman

Maddy summaryThis bill requires telecommunications companies to pay volunteer fire companies $1,000 per hour when a system failure causes a 911 outage that forces them to station firefighters at fire stations. It directly affects volunteer fire companies in Pennsylvania that must provide physical coverage during such outages due to telecom company failures. The key provision establishes a mandatory hourly compensation rate for the time volunteer firefighters are required to maintain presence at stations. This creates a new financial obligation for telecom companies to cover costs incurred by volunteer fire departments during 911 system disruptions.

Maddy summaryHB 330 requires Pennsylvania state agencies that use federal funds to join the federal "Do-Not-Pay Initiative" by verifying payments through an online system and reviewing payment data to prevent errors. Agencies must submit annual reports detailing improper payments identified or prevented, associated savings, and weaknesses in financial controls. The law mandates participation within two years of the bill's effective date and requires reports to be shared with state oversight bodies and the legislature. It directly affects all Commonwealth agencies managing federal funds by adding new verification and reporting obligations to reduce payment errors.

Maddy summaryHB 347 allows oil and gas companies to lease subsurface rights beneath Pennsylvania's state forests and parks for drilling, provided the drilling originates outside these areas. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) must review applications, with disapproval possible for environmental violations or projects causing significant harm, and companies can appeal denials to court. All lease revenue goes into the Oil and Gas Lease Fund, with upfront payments specifically directed to a restricted account funding stream maintenance and clearing projects. The bill also cancels prior executive orders and policies restricting such leasing on state lands.

Maddy summaryHB 298 (Pennsylvania, 2025) requests federal approval for a waiver to change how medical assistance eligibility is managed for certain adults. It would allow Pennsylvania to deny eligibility for up to six months if nondisabled, nonpregnant adults aged 19-64 fail to report changes affecting their benefits, require biannual eligibility reviews (instead of annual), and eliminate automatic renewal requirements. The bill directly affects adults in this age group who don’t report income or other changes impacting their medical assistance. If approved, the state must report the waiver to state officials and publish it in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. This focuses on administrative process changes, not eligibility criteria.

Maddy summaryHB 299 designates March 4 as Charter Day, June 14 as Flag Day, and September 17 as Constitution Day for annual observance in Pennsylvania. The bill explains these dates commemorate historical events: William Penn's 1681 charter, the 1777 adoption of the U.S. flag, and the 1787 signing of the U.S. Constitution. Crucially, the bill clarifies that these designations do not require employers to treat the days as official holidays or provide paid leave. This is a commemorative measure with no new legal obligations for businesses or government entities.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to Pennsylvania's Constitution that would establish term limits for state legislators. It would limit senators to three consecutive terms (12 years total) and representatives to six consecutive terms (12 years total), with both required to wait four years after serving the maximum terms before running again. The amendment would amend Article II, Section 3 of the Constitution and requires two legislative passages followed by voter approval at the next qualifying election. This is a procedural constitutional amendment proposal, not an enacted law, and would directly affect current and future members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly.

Maddy summaryHB 310 proposes a constitutional amendment to end Pennsylvania school districts' authority to levy property taxes after June 30, 2029. It requires the state to fund school districts annually with amounts equal to their 2029 property tax revenue (minus debt service) through new state and local taxes on retail sales, income, and earned income. These new tax revenues would be deposited into a dedicated "Stabilization of Education Fund" exclusively for school support, prohibiting any future property taxes on school districts. The amendment would replace property tax reliance with a statewide funding mechanism for school district budgets.

Maddy summaryHB 279 amends Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law to require state agencies (Commonwealth, legislative, and judicial) to submit contracts over $10,000 to the Treasury Department within 10 days of execution. Agencies must provide a detailed summary including contract dates, amounts, parties, and subject matter, and submit semi-annual attestations confirming compliance. Non-compliant agencies risk delayed or rejected payments for associated contracts. This bill directly affects all state agencies entering qualifying contracts, increasing the reporting threshold from $5,000 to $10,000 while standardizing contract data submission and public disclosure.

Maddy summaryHB 284 requires Pennsylvania voters to provide proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote for the first time. Acceptable documents include birth certificates, passports, naturalization papers, driver's licenses showing citizenship verification, or other federal-issued proof as listed in the bill. County election offices must verify this documentation before finalizing voter registrations for federal, state, and local elections. The bill applies to all new registrants and aligns with federal voter registration requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 311 amends Pennsylvania vehicle laws to expand exemptions for agricultural vehicles. It adds a new exemption (Section 1302(2.3)) allowing commercial farm equipment to operate without registration when transported within 50 miles of the owner's business to a nearby farm. This exemption automatically waives the requirement for an official vehicle inspection certificate under Section 4703(b)(2.2). The bill directly affects farmers and agricultural businesses transporting equipment for farm use within the specified distance. The changes take effect 60 days after enactment.