Maddy summaryThis bill allows Pennsylvania municipalities to voluntarily pause the review of new applications for high-impact data centers for up to 18 months. The measure is designed to give local governments time to assess infrastructure needs, such as water and electrical grid capacity, and to draft updated zoning rules before approving such facilities. While the moratorium blocks new filings and variances, it does not affect existing data centers or their routine maintenance, and it includes a process for applicants to request waivers if they face unique hardships. Municipalities must hold public hearings and make reasonable progress on planning studies during the pause, and the law clarifies that this temporary measure does not constitute a legal taking of property.
Rep. Rob Kauffman
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill repeals the existing tax incentive program for computer data center equipment and replaces it with a new system that transfers taxes collected from the sale of such equipment into a restricted account within the Motor License Fund. The legislation defines specific equipment and facilities that qualify for the transfer, including servers, cooling systems, and power management infrastructure used in data centers. By redirecting these funds, the bill aims to support the Motor License Fund without providing direct tax breaks to businesses or individuals.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific bridge in Cambria County as the Brown Brothers Memorial Bridge to honor five brothers who served in the U.S. Army during World War II. The legislation requires the state Department of Transportation to install and maintain signs displaying the new name for the bridge carrying Pennsylvania Route 271. The act takes effect 60 days after being signed into law.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's alimony laws to explicitly allow courts to deny spousal support to a party who subjected their spouse to a pattern or continuous threat of abuse during the marriage. The legislation also clarifies that marital misconduct occurring after the date of final separation will generally not be considered in alimony decisions, with the specific exception of abuse. By defining 'abuse' according to existing state definitions, the bill ensures that victims of domestic violence are protected from being financially penalized in divorce proceedings.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates the Monday after Thanksgiving as Pennsylvania Sportsmen's Day to honor hunters, anglers, boaters, and trappers. The resolution recognizes the contributions of these groups to wildlife conservation, habitat management, and local businesses. It also highlights the importance of family traditions and mentorship in passing outdoor skills to younger generations. The bill is a symbolic gesture with no operational changes or new funding requirements.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates sentencing laws in Pennsylvania to impose stricter penalties for specific serious crimes, including second-degree murder, the murder of unborn children, and the murder of law enforcement officers. Under the new rules, defendants convicted of these offenses would face a minimum prison term of 35 years, with life imprisonment without parole becoming mandatory if a judge finds the person directly caused the death or was an active participant in the killing. The legislation also expands the definition of "crime of violence" to include these offenses, which could lead to harsher sentences for individuals with prior criminal records. Additionally, the bill requires courts to consider victim impact statements and various factors related to the crime and the defendant's history when deciding on life sentences.
Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution officially designates the week of May 10 through 16, 2026, as "National Hospital Week" within the state. The measure aims to honor healthcare workers and hospitals by encouraging residents to show appreciation for their services and urging state representatives to visit local facilities. While it highlights the significant economic and community contributions of hospitals, it does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic recognition of the healthcare system's role in Pennsylvania.
Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates May 2026 as "Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month" to highlight the impact of ALS on patients and their families. The bill does not change laws or allocate funding; instead, it serves as a symbolic gesture to increase public understanding of the disease and support ongoing research efforts. By formally recognizing the month, the resolution aims to draw attention to the challenges faced by those living with ALS and the importance of continued medical investigation.
Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 20, 2026, as "Jimmy Stewart Day" in Pennsylvania. It honors the late actor Jimmy Stewart, who was born in Indiana, Pennsylvania, and is celebrated for his film career and contributions to American culture. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it is a ceremonial recognition of Stewart's Pennsylvania ties and legacy. No specific individuals or groups are directly affected by this designation.
Maddy summaryThis resolution designates April 18, 2025, as "Lineworker Appreciation Day" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically recognizes Pennsylvania's electrical lineworkers for their critical role in maintaining the state's power grid, without creating new laws or affecting regulations. The resolution honors their work in ensuring reliable electricity delivery, acknowledging their safety-focused efforts in hazardous conditions.