Rep. Mike Jones

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Municipalities Planning Code to update the required contents of local subdivision and land development ordinances. Specifically, it allows municipalities to permit new residential homes that replace demolished one- or two-family dwellings to follow the setback rules of the original structure if the new building is substantially similar in use and design. The change applies to cities, boroughs, towns, and townships across the state and requires local governments to provide these specific setback standards to building permit applicants. The legislation becomes effective 60 days after its passage.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill restricts public universities from requiring students or employees to take ideological oaths or provide statements about their race, ethnicity, or views on diversity and social justice. It also bans institutions from creating diversity, equity, and inclusion offices or hiring staff dedicated to those roles. Additionally, the law prohibits mandatory training on these topics and requires universities to include specific language in their mission statements and handbooks regarding academic freedom. Institutions that violate these rules regarding diversity could face the revocation of tenure for affected faculty members.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes adding a new crime in Pennsylvania that makes it illegal to use social media platforms to commit, encourage, or help others commit a felony. It defines social media sites as online spaces where users primarily post their own content, while excluding traditional news websites and email services. If someone is convicted of using these platforms to facilitate a felony, they could face a fine of up to $15,000, imprisonment for up to seven years, or both. The law treats each separate instance of using social media for this purpose as a distinct crime.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's Air Pollution Control Act to address specific monitoring requirements for cement plants. It allows the state department to remove the mandate for opacity monitors at these facilities if they are already subject to federal particulate matter limits and have appropriate particulate monitors in place. The change applies only to cement plants regulated under specific federal hazardous air pollutant standards. The legislation takes effect 60 days after being passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a curfew law for minors under 18 in Pennsylvania municipalities, making it a summary offense for them to remain in public places during designated curfew hours. The legislation allows minors to avoid penalties if they are accompanied by an adult, traveling by motor vehicle or public transit, going to or from work without detours, responding to an emergency, or attending or returning from school, religious, or recreational activities. Local governments will have the authority to set specific curfew times and enforce these rules within their jurisdictions. The law defines "minor" as anyone under 18 and "adult" as anyone 18 or older, and it will become effective 60 days after passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new crime called looting in Pennsylvania, specifically targeting theft that occurs during or right after natural disasters, lawful protests, or civil disobedience demonstrations. It defines looting as committing burglary, retail theft, or organized retail theft during these specific events and classifies the offense as a second-degree felony. The legislation includes a detailed list of what counts as a natural disaster, such as hurricanes, floods, fires, and earthquakes. If passed, the law will take effect 60 days after it is signed.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill authorizes the Department of Corrections to issue electronic control gloves to corrections officers, with mandatory distribution required for officers working in units housing inmates who have received disciplinary sanctions and are segregated from the general population. The legislation mandates that the department create public written policies for the use, training, maintenance, and storage of these devices and requires all officers to complete an approved training course before receiving them. Additionally, the bill defines electronic control gloves as gloves with electrodes that emit less than 500 volts to temporarily immobilize or restrain individuals and requires their use to comply with existing state guidelines on law enforcement use of force.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new defined contribution retirement plan for employees of Pennsylvania counties, shifting the system from a traditional model to one where individual accounts track investment performance. Under the new rules, both employees and their employers must make regular contributions to separate personal accounts, with any investment gains or losses applied directly to those specific accounts. The legislation also introduces a "pickup" provision where the county covers the cost of mandatory employee contributions by reducing the employee's paycheck, while allowing for optional voluntary savings. All funds in the plan are held in a trust managed by the county board, which is responsible for setting plan terms, handling investments, and ensuring compliance with federal tax laws.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution designates August 19, 2024, as "York County Day" in Pennsylvania to celebrate the 275th anniversary of York County. The bill acknowledges the county's historical significance as the temporary home of the Continental Congress during the American Revolution and highlights its modern economy, which includes manufacturing and agriculture. It also notes the county's diverse population of over 550,000 people living across various municipalities. As a commemorative measure, the resolution has no impact on laws or funding but serves to recognize local history and community pride.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution designates November 15, 2024, as "Articles of the Confederation Day" to honor the historical adoption of the Articles of Confederation. The bill also recognizes the document as an early framework for American self-governance and looks forward to celebrating the 250th anniversary of this event in 2027. As a commemorative measure, the legislation does not alter laws or policies but serves to acknowledge a specific date in state and national history.