Rep. Nikki Rivera

Maddy summaryHB 1409 repeals Pennsylvania's 1937 Store and Theatre Tax Act, which required stores and theatres to pay an annual license fee to operate. The repealed law imposed a minimal tax (ranging from $1 for the first location to $200 for additional locations beyond 15) based on the number of businesses operated. This bill eliminates the requirement for businesses to pay this outdated tax and obtain a specific license under the 1937 law. The repeal directly affects store and theatre owners who were subject to this obsolete tax, which has been in place for over 80 years with no modern relevance.

Maddy summaryHR 114 is a resolution that recognizes the week of March 10 through 14, 2025, as "Civic Learning Week" in Pennsylvania. It highlights the importance of civic education for an informed and engaged citizenry.

Maddy summaryHB 1414 amends Pennsylvania's corporate income tax rates under the 1971 Tax Reform Code. It lowers the annual corporate tax rate for taxable years starting in 2026 (from 7.49% to 6.99%), 2027 (from 6.99% to 5.99%), and 2028 onward (from 6.49% to 4.99%). This directly affects corporations operating in Pennsylvania that pay state corporate income tax. The bill makes these rate changes effective immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1400 modifies Pennsylvania's film production tax credit by requiring productions employing children to have adults in direct contact with children submit documentation proving compliance with child safety rules. The Department of Revenue will review credit applications, considering the anticipated number of employees under 18, and set application periods of up to 90 days. Taxpayers claiming the credit who fail to meet the expense requirements or this new child contact rule must repay the credit. This bill directly affects film producers in Pennsylvania seeking the tax credit for productions involving children.

Maddy summaryHB 1399 expands Pennsylvania's mandatory child abuse reporting requirements to include film industry workers. It adds to the list of mandated reporters any adult (paid or unpaid) reasonably expected to have direct contact with children during film production, as defined under the Tax Reform Code of 1971. The bill also requires these individuals to submit specific documentation to employers or supervisors before working with children on film sets, aligning them with existing requirements for other child-contact roles. This amendment applies to all film productions in Pennsylvania and takes effect 180 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 921 establishes Pennsylvania's Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program to help residents with overdue water or wastewater bills after the federal program ends. It requires the Department of Human Services to create the program by July 1, 2026, with eligibility based on income, owning/renting a home in PA, and having overdue bills (including termination notices). Water or wastewater utility companies can apply for grants on behalf of eligible customers to prevent service termination, pay past-due bills, or restore services. The program mandates annual reports to the Governor and legislative committees detailing grant recipients, amounts, and expenditures. This policy directly affects low-income households facing water service disruptions and utility providers serving them.

Maddy summaryHB 1411 requires Pennsylvania's Department of Health to partner with healthcare providers (including OB/GYNs and community health centers) to create and distribute educational materials about perimenopause and menopause. The materials must cover symptoms, treatments, biological processes, and communication strategies for women identified by their providers as experiencing or approaching these stages. This directly affects women in Pennsylvania who are navigating perimenopause or menopause, providing them with standardized information to better understand and manage these health transitions. The bill amends the 1929 Administrative Code to add this specific duty to the Department of Health's responsibilities.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 2025 as "Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically recognizes the contributions of Asian-American and Pacific Islander communities to Pennsylvania and the nation, citing historical milestones like the arrival of the first Japanese immigrant in 1843 and Chinese railroad workers in 1869. The resolution encourages all Pennsylvania residents to learn about this heritage but does not create new laws, funding, or obligations. It directly affects the entire Commonwealth by formally designating a month for commemoration. As a non-binding resolution, it has no legal or financial impact beyond raising awareness.

Maddy summaryHB 1394 proposes to repeal the inheritance tax in Pennsylvania, directly affecting estates and beneficiaries who would no longer be subject to this tax on inherited assets. The bill also modifies procedures for taxpayers to petition for a reassessment of taxes. Additionally, it updates existing provisions related to how government-issued obligations are treated for tax purposes.

Maddy summaryHB 1374 changes Pennsylvania's fee structure for birth records issued by the Department of Health. It requires the Department to provide one free certified copy of a birth record to anyone born in Pennsylvania upon request, and allows a second copy within the same four-year period at no cost. For any additional certified copies requested during that four-year window, the Department must charge a $20 fee. This policy directly affects Pennsylvania residents seeking birth records for personal, medical, or legal purposes. The bill amends the 1929 Administrative Code to implement this fee structure.