Rep. Marla Brown

Maddy summaryHB 1541 (Pennsylvania) modifies a 1970 law governing construction contracts. It voids and makes unenforceable clauses requiring one party (like contractors, architects, or owners) to cover negligence-related damages (such as bodily injury, property damage, or economic loss caused by their own negligence). The bill also limits insurance coverage for "additional insureds" (entities added to a policy) to match the contract’s requirements and applicable law. This directly affects construction industry participants in contracts involving design, building, or infrastructure projects. The changes take effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis resolution directs the Joint State Government Commission to study Pennsylvania's disability waiver programs. It specifically examines how to improve experiences for individuals receiving Home and Community-Based Services waivers through the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) and Office of Developmental Programs (ODP). The study will assess medical care access, healthcare support barriers, and staffing challenges for waiver participants. The findings will inform future improvements to these services, focusing on people with disabilities who rely on community-based care instead of institutional settings. (HR 134, 2025)

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Municipalities Planning Code to restrict where large data centers can be built. It specifically prohibits municipalities from allowing hyperscale data centers, which cover more than five acres, in areas designated for agriculture unless they are allowed in every district within that community. Additionally, the law bans data centers on agricultural land if at least half of the property consists of prime agricultural soil or land rated as fourth class by the USDA. Local governments will need to update their zoning ordinances to comply with these new definitions and restrictions on data center development.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a temporary sales tax exemption for individuals purchasing gardening supplies in Pennsylvania. It directly affects residents buying items such as tools, seeds, plants, and flowers for personal, non-business use. The exemption applies only during a six-month window starting from the bill's effective date, which is set for July 1, 2026. Purchasers must pay for these items by cash or credit within that six-month period, even if the delivery arrives later. The Department of Revenue will be required to publish online guidance to help consumers understand how to claim this temporary exclusion.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to temporarily exempt sales and use tax on items related to homecoming and prom events. The exemption applies to individuals purchasing formal attire, shoes, flowers, and accessories for nonbusiness use during a six-month window starting July 1, 2026. The law defines specific terms like "homecoming" and "prom" to clarify which events qualify, and it states that the tax exclusion remains in effect even if the purchased items are delivered after the six-month period ends.

Maddy summaryHB 910 amends Pennsylvania's criminal code to elevate "dealing in infant children" from a misdemeanor to a first-degree felony. It makes it a crime to trade, buy, sell, or deal with infants under one year old, directly targeting individuals involved in illegal infant trafficking. The bill explicitly excludes legal surrogacy and adoption from this offense. This law takes effect 60 days after enactment, focusing on criminalizing the commercial exchange of very young children.

Maddy summaryHB 2118, the Museum Unclaimed Loaned Property Act, establishes clear rules for Pennsylvania museums handling property loaned to them that has not been claimed by the lender for extended periods. It defines "unclaimed loaned property" as items on indefinite loan for 20 years or on fixed-term loans for five years after the term expired, without contact from the lender. Museums must make reasonable efforts to contact the lender before taking action, and if the lender cannot be reached, the museum may return the property or, after following specific procedures, take title to it. This law aims to resolve ownership disputes and reduce the financial burden on museums holding unclaimed items for decades.

Maddy summaryHB 888 amends Pennsylvania's criminal sentencing laws, primarily affecting those convicted of specific violent crimes. It mandates life imprisonment without parole for first-degree murder of an unborn child (explicitly excluding the death penalty), while requiring the same sentence for murder of law enforcement officers. The bill also establishes automatic appellate review for death sentences and tightens requirements for DNA testing motions in capital cases, requiring applicants to prove actual innocence through sworn statements. These changes apply to cases under Titles 18, 42, and 61 of Pennsylvania's statutes.

Maddy summaryHB 2432 amends Pennsylvania's Local Option Small Games of Chance Act to increase prize limits for eligible organizations, such as charities and clubs, that run games of chance. The bill raises the maximum prize for a single chance to $3,000 and the seven-day aggregate prize limit to $50,000, while also establishing new monthly and annual caps for raffles. Additionally, it streamlines licensing by reducing the time required to issue a license to 10 days and clarifies the rules for auxiliary groups operating under a main organization's license.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires maternity care providers in Pennsylvania, including nurses, doctors, and social workers, to complete four hours of trauma-informed care training when renewing their licenses. It mandates that state licensing boards approve specific training curricula within 180 days of the law's effective date. The legislation defines trauma-informed care as a practice that prioritizes safety, trust, and empowerment while addressing the impact of trauma and historical inequities.