Rep. Rob Kauffman

Maddy summaryThis bill requires individuals applying for or receiving public assistance in Pennsylvania to participate in an identification program that includes placing their photograph on electronic benefit cards and may involve fingerprinting. County officials would be tasked with verifying this photographic identification before issuing any aid to ensure proper recipient verification. The law aims to update administrative procedures within the Human Services Code by mandating these specific identification methods for all assistance recipients.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Temporary Budget Continuity Act, allows Pennsylvania state agencies to continue operating if the legislature fails to pass a new budget by the start of the fiscal year. It authorizes the State Treasurer to spend up to 85% of the funding levels from the previous year for existing programs and services. Any money spent under this temporary authority will be subtracted from the final budget amounts when the new appropriation act is eventually passed. The law ensures that government functions can continue without interruption while maintaining strict limits on spending to prevent budget overruns.

Maddy summaryHB 1929 designates an annual "Charlie Kirk Day" in Pennsylvania for commemoration. The bill requires the governor to issue a yearly proclamation recognizing Charlie Kirk, though the bill does not specify his role or contributions. This is a procedural, symbolic measure with no policy changes, funding, or direct impact on residents or programs. It remains pending in the Tourism, Recreation & Economic Development committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific section of Pennsylvania Route 18 in Beaver Falls as the Sgt. Allan R. Bevington Memorial Highway. The designation honors Sergeant Allan R. Bevington, a local veteran who served in the Army and died while disarming an explosive device in Iraq in 2006. The Department of Transportation is required to install and maintain signs displaying the new name for traffic traveling in both directions on that road segment.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Medicare Supplement Insurance Act to allow individuals to switch insurance companies without being denied coverage or facing higher prices due to their health status or medical history. It specifically applies to people aged 65 or older who are already enrolled in Medicare and wish to change their current supplement plan within 60 days of their birthday while keeping the same type of coverage. Under the new rules, a new policy issued under these conditions must take effect on the first day of the month that is at least 30 days after the application is signed, and the changes will become effective on January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill, HB 2338, amends the Public School Code of 1949 to protect student expression in K-12 schools by requiring school entities to adopt policies safeguarding religious, political, and ideological speech. The legislation prohibits discrimination or penalties against students for expressing viewpoints in class, assignments, presentations, or student-led gatherings, provided such expression occurs in the same time, place, and manner as other students. While protecting student speech, the bill allows schools to restrict unprotected expression like threats, obscenity, or conduct that substantially disrupts school operations. Students who believe their rights are violated can file lawsuits seeking damages and other relief, with the state waiving immunity to allow such cases in federal court.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill creates a new criminal offense for interfering with religious worship, which would apply to individuals who intentionally disrupt religious services or block access to places of worship. The law defines interference as knowingly entering or remaining in a religious building after being asked to leave and disrupting activities, or using force, threats, or physical obstruction to harm or impede people exercising their religion. Violations would be classified as third-degree misdemeanors for simple disruption and second-degree misdemeanors for actions involving force or threats. The bill takes effect 60 days after passage and defines religious worship locations as buildings or grounds regularly used for religious activities.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors the lives of three Pennsylvania law enforcement officers - Detective Sergeant Cody Michael Becker, Detective Isaiah Emenheiser, and Detective Mark Edward Baker - who died in the line of duty on September 17, 2025. The bill formally extends condolences to their families and recognizes their individual contributions to public service, including Becker's heroism in saving a family from a house fire, Emenheiser's leadership and lifesaving awards, and Baker's pioneering work in forensic investigations. As a noncontroversial resolution, it does not create new laws or funding but serves as a legislative acknowledgment of their sacrifice and dedication to their communities.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific bridge on Pennsylvania Route 601 in Paint Borough, Somerset County, as the Staff Sergeant John P. Parks Memorial Bridge in honor of a local World War II veteran. The legislation requires the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to install and maintain official signs displaying the new name for traffic traveling in both directions. The bill includes background information about Staff Sergeant Parks, detailing his military service, heroic actions in France, and the awards he received during his deployment. This is a commemorative measure that formally recognizes Parks' legacy through a permanent change to the bridge's official name.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Dog Law to require state dog wardens and department employees to complete specific training and receive certification before carrying or using firearms or stun guns while performing their duties. The legislation establishes that these officials must have approval from the Secretary of Agriculture and hold valid certification under existing law enforcement training programs or a department-approved training course. It also sets conditions for employment, allowing the department to refuse hiring, suspend, or revoke employment for wardens who fail training requirements, have disqualifying criminal records, or misuse weapons. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for grandfathering existing wardens who have completed similar training and outlines specific grounds for disciplinary action related to weapon possession and enforcement conduct.