Rep. Carol Hill-Evans

Maddy summaryHB 1471 amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to adjust how residents can claim credits for income taxes paid to other states or territories (including U.S. territories, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia) on income also subject to Pennsylvania tax. The bill limits the credit to the proportion of Pennsylvania tax corresponding to the income taxed by the other jurisdiction, preventing credits that exceed Pennsylvania's tax liability. It also simplifies documentation by allowing taxpayers to submit a certified statement instead of full copies of their state tax returns to verify tax paid. This change applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2021.

Maddy summaryHB 1487 requires county boards of elections in first-class counties to establish an additional polling place inside county prisons for individuals who register their residence at the prison. It clarifies that incarcerated people (for misdemeanor or summary offenses) in these counties may choose to register and vote at the prison or use absentee ballots, without changing voting eligibility. The bill does not alter who can vote but adds a new in-person voting option for eligible incarcerated individuals. The changes take effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1484 increases Pennsylvania jury compensation to a flat $40 per day for all days jurors serve, replacing the previous tiered rate ($9 for first three days, $25 after). It also sets a travel allowance of 17¢ per mile circular (with no allowance in the first judicial district) and allows county commissioners to choose how jurors receive payments (e.g., check, debit card), without changing the compensation amount. The bill directly affects all Pennsylvanians summoned to serve on juries statewide. It makes no changes to eligibility or jury service requirements, only to payment structure and methods.

Maddy summaryHB 789 amends Pennsylvania's Property Assessed Clean Energy Program to include electric vehicle charging infrastructure as a qualifying project for financing. It defines "electric vehicle charging infrastructure project" as equipment for charging electric vehicles and expands the program to cover such installations alongside energy efficiency, renewable energy, and water conservation projects on commercial, agricultural, and industrial properties. The bill requires local governments to notify the Department of Revenue upon project completion, providing details and property owner contact information to ensure proper tax collection for electric vehicle charging. This update aims to streamline financing access for clean energy improvements while clarifying administrative requirements for local and state agencies.

Maddy summaryHB 193 requires Pennsylvania state buildings to install automated external defibrillators (AEDs) - devices that can restart heartbeats during cardiac arrest - in all regularly occupied facilities. It mandates at least one AED per building, plus one additional AED for every 70,000 square feet, with all devices clearly visible and accessible. The law applies to buildings owned by the Commonwealth and maintained by the Department of General Services, excluding unoccupied storage facilities, maintenance sheds, and temporary structures. The Department of General Services must implement and maintain these devices, with the law taking effect in 60 days.

Maddy summaryHB 630 amends Pennsylvania's Equal Pay Law to strengthen protections against wage discrimination based on sex, race, or ethnicity. It adds definitions for "comparable work" (requiring similar skill, effort, responsibility, and working conditions) and clarifies that "wages" include all compensation like fringe benefits. The bill explicitly bans employers from requiring employees to refrain from discussing wages, using salary history to set pay, or asking about prior wages during hiring. It also establishes an Equal Pay Enforcement Fund to support enforcement efforts and clarifies that job titles alone cannot determine if jobs are comparable.

Maddy summaryHB 1470 proposes to amend the Human Services Code to establish a subscription-like model for GLP-1 agonists used to treat obesity within public assistance programs. The bill directs the state department to seek a waiver from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to allow the Commonwealth to enter into value-based arrangements with drug manufacturers. These arrangements are defined as "supplemental rebate agreements," where the Commonwealth pays an agreed amount per treatment up to a cap, after which additional treatments are provided at no cost. If federal approval is granted, the department would then develop regulations to implement this new payment system.

Maddy summaryHB 1468 amends Pennsylvania's Liquor Code to adjust sales practices for Pennsylvania Liquor Stores, primarily affecting businesses and entities that purchase alcoholic beverages at wholesale prices. The bill increases the wholesale discount for licensees, such as hotels, restaurants, and clubs, from 10% to 15% off the retail price. It also expands wholesale offerings to include ready-to-drink cocktails for distributors and importing distributors holding the necessary permits. Additionally, the bill mandates the establishment of a program to provide further discounts to wholesale licensees who pick up their purchases at designated locations.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1469 amends the Health Care Facilities Act to establish requirements for hospital price transparency. It mandates that hospitals publish a comprehensive list of their standard charges for all items and services on their public websites in a readable digital format. This list must include gross charges, discounted cash prices, and various negotiated rates with third-party payors. The bill also provides for a prohibition on debt collection action against patients by hospitals that do not comply with these requirements, aiming to give patients clearer access to pricing information.

Maddy summaryHB 1463, known as the Smoke Alarm Responsibility Act, regulates smoke alarms in rented dwelling units across Pennsylvania. It requires owners to install specific types of smoke alarms, such as those with a 10-year battery or electrical power, and ensure they are operational for new tenants. Tenants are responsible for maintaining and annually testing these smoke alarms, and must notify owners in writing of any deficiencies. Owners must then address reported issues within 96 hours. Violations of this act may result in a fine of up to $50.