Rep. Nikki Rivera

Maddy summaryHB 1124 amends Pennsylvania's Taxpayer Relief Act to protect eligible seniors from losing property tax or rent rebates due to automatic Social Security cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs). It directly affects seniors currently receiving these rebates who exceed income limits solely because of COLAs. The bill modifies the definition of "income" to specifically state that seniors eligible as of December 31, 2024, remain eligible if their income limit is exceeded only due to Social Security COLAs. This exception applies until December 31, 2028. The change ensures these seniors maintain their rebate eligibility during temporary income spikes caused by federal COLAs.

Maddy summaryHB 1114 prohibits possessing a firearm in any building, property, or parking area of a polling place during an election, with three specific offense types: simple possession, possession with intent to commit a crime, or causing a firearm to be used in a crime. Simple possession is a third-degree misdemeanor, while intent or causing use is a first-degree misdemeanor. Key exceptions include law enforcement officers performing duties, individuals with concealed carry permits (who own the firearm and have a valid license), and military personnel on duty. Polling places must post notices of the law, and failure to post prevents conviction for simple possession or intent offenses. The bill directly affects voters, poll workers, and anyone entering polling areas during elections.

Maddy summaryHB 1150 raises Pennsylvania's minimum wage to $15 per hour starting January 1, 2026, with annual increases thereafter. It also establishes a phased timeline for tipped employees: requiring higher base cash wages starting in 2025 (e.g., $5.00/hour after June 2025) and mandating that by July 1, 2029, employers must pay the full minimum wage without relying on tips. The bill ensures all tips received by employees remain their property and cannot be used by employers to meet minimum wage requirements. This directly affects most private-sector employers and tipped workers in Pennsylvania, particularly in hospitality and service industries.

Maddy summaryHB 1116 (Study of PFAS Chemicals in Biosolids Act) requires Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection to study PFAS chemicals (a group of persistent industrial chemicals) in biosolids used on farmland. The study must test PFAS levels in biosolids and soil/water near treated fields compared to untreated areas, analyze contamination pathways to food (including crops, livestock, and milk), and evaluate testing/treatment methods. The Department must coordinate with the Department of Agriculture and other agencies and submit a report to relevant legislative committees within 180 days. This bill directly affects Pennsylvania farmers applying biosolids to fields, food safety systems, and state environmental monitoring practices.

Maddy summaryHB 1081 imposes a temporary ban on cyber charter schools and their management companies from buying, leasing, or owning new property. The ban takes effect 60 days after the bill becomes law and does not apply to property already owned or acquired before that date. This policy directly affects cyber charter schools and the educational management service providers that operate them, restricting their ability to expand physical facilities through new property transactions. The bill does not impact existing buildings or operations of these schools.

Maddy summaryHB 1080 requires solar energy facility operators (grantees) in Pennsylvania to plan and fund the removal and land restoration of solar farms after operations end. It mandates that facility owners submit detailed decommissioning plans and proof of financial assurance to county recorders at specific intervals: 10% of estimated costs 30 days before construction begins, then 40% at 10 years, and 60% at 15 years (adjusted for salvage value). The bill ensures funds are available to cover removal costs, with third-party engineers verifying estimates every five years. These requirements apply to all new solar energy facility agreements executed after the law's effective date, directly affecting solar developers and landowners leasing property for solar installations.

Maddy summaryHB 1087 establishes Pennsylvania's Active Volunteer First Responder Education Tax Credit Program under the Tax Reform Code of 1971. It allows businesses to claim a tax credit for donating to eligible schools, with funds used to provide scholarships for certified volunteer firefighters and emergency medical services workers. To qualify, applicants must be Pennsylvania residents, certified volunteers with at least one year of service, enrolled in approved educational programs at participating institutions, and provide proof of membership from their agency. The Department of Community and Economic Development administers the program, requiring eligible schools to submit accreditation details and ensuring donations directly fund tuition and school-related fees for qualifying students. This program directly affects volunteer first responders seeking higher education and businesses contributing to their scholarships.

Maddy summaryHB 1078 updates Pennsylvania's school health requirements to strengthen vision screening and eye health examinations for students. It mandates annual vision screenings by trained school personnel for all school-aged children, with comprehensive eye exams by licensed professionals required if screenings fail. The bill specifies that students must receive eye health exams upon school admission, in fourth grade, and eighth grade, and adds requirements for exams related to special education evaluations. Schools must notify parents of failed screenings and provide resources, but are not responsible for covering exam costs or treatment. This directly affects all public and nonpublic school students in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryHB 1097 creates a new minor criminal offense in Pennsylvania for organizing or operating events where live pigeons are used as targets for shooting contests, either for amusement or skill testing. This applies to anyone who willfully runs such events at a designated location, including using mechanical aids to present pigeons to shooters. The bill explicitly excludes legal hunting under state game laws, dog training activities, or permitted special events. It takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1070 requires all health insurance policies covering maternity benefits in Pennsylvania to provide 24 additional hours of elective postpartum observation and care beyond the existing 48-96 hours of inpatient coverage, starting January 1, 2026. It also prohibits hospitals from involuntarily discharging postpartum patients or newborns between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m., with billing under "observation status" if discharge is refused. The bill directly affects mothers, newborns, hospitals, and health insurers by extending coverage duration and restricting nighttime discharges. The Department of Human Services must seek a federal waiver to extend government program coverage for this additional 24-hour period.