Rep. Steve Mentzer

Maddy summaryHB 1646 amends Pennsylvania's Barbers' License Law (1931) to change the quorum requirement for the State Board of Barber Examiners. It replaces the previous rule requiring six board members to be present with a new rule stating that a majority of serving members constitutes a quorum. This procedural change primarily affects the board's internal operations, making it easier to conduct meetings and business without waiting for a fixed number of members. The bill does not alter licensing standards, fees, or barber practice requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1862 updates Pennsylvania's laws regarding driving under the influence (DUI) and related offenses. It revises definitions for DUI, modifies chemical testing procedures for drivers, and changes requirements for ignition interlock devices (which prevent a car from starting if alcohol is detected). The bill repeals outdated provisions about ignition interlock limited licenses, adds online services for managing interlock requirements, and specifies penalties for driving without an interlock device. This directly affects drivers convicted of DUI or driving under the influence of drugs, particularly those with prior offenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution that officially recognizes September 2026 as 'International Underground Railroad Month' within Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or change how the state operates, but rather serves as a formal acknowledgment of the state's historical role in the Underground Railroad network. The resolution honors the individuals who helped enslaved people escape to freedom and highlights the significance of related historical sites across the Commonwealth.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Fiscal Code to create a disaster recovery grant program for fruit and vegetable growers affected by freeze events between April 1 and April 21, 2026. It allocates up to $20 million from previously set-aside funds for highly pathogenic avian influenza to assist growers of specialty crops, including pome and stone fruits, grapes, berries, and vegetables, who suffered production losses exceeding 30%. The legislation explicitly excludes costs already covered by federal funding, insurance, or other contracts from receiving these state grants and requires the Department of Agriculture to publish implementation guidelines within 90 days of the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 2687 amends Pennsylvania's Public Official Compensation Law to establish automatic annual salary increases for judges, the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, State Treasurer, Auditor General, Attorney General, public utility commissioners, department heads, and General Assembly members. The bill mandates that these raises, effective each January 1, be calculated using the lower of two inflation measures: the regional Consumer Price Index or the nationwide index for wage earners. Under this new system, the Supreme Court determines judicial raises, the Governor sets executive branch increases, and the legislative leaders calculate adjustments for lawmakers. The legislation also requires these salary changes to be published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin within a specific timeframe after the calculation is made.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution urges the U.S. Congress to review the actions of Major Richard D. Winters during World War II and award him the Congressional Medal of Honor. The bill highlights Winters' leadership at Heteren Crossroads in Holland in 1944, where he led a small force against a larger German unit, resulting in significant enemy casualties and preventing an attack on American headquarters. By formally requesting this review, the resolution aims to recognize Winters' military service and the events depicted in the television series Band of Brothers.

Maddy summaryHB 158, the "Fairness in Women's Sports Act," requires public schools and colleges in Pennsylvania to explicitly designate athletic teams as male, female, or coed based on biological sex. It prohibits teams designated for females from allowing male students to participate and allows students who face denied opportunities or harm due to violations to sue for damages. Schools can also sue entities that punish them for following the law. The bill applies directly to all public school districts, colleges, and athletic programs covered under Pennsylvania's Public School Code.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution designates the week of August 19 through 30, 2026, as "Little League World Series Week" throughout Pennsylvania. The bill directly affects the state's residents and officials by formally recognizing the annual youth baseball tournament held in South Williamsport. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to celebrate the event's impact on the local economy and community spirit. The resolution encourages Pennsylvanians to attend games and support the volunteers who help run the program.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution designates September 27, 2026, as "Gold Star Mother's and Family's Day" within the state. The measure honors families of military service members who died in the line of duty, acknowledging the grief and sacrifice experienced by parents, siblings, and children. By setting a specific date, the bill aims to create an official day of recognition for these families, following the national tradition established by Congress and the White House.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution designates September 18, 2026, as "U.S. Air Force Birthday" within the state. The measure is a symbolic gesture that formally recognizes the anniversary of the Air Force's establishment as an independent military branch in 1947. It does not create new laws, allocate funding, or change any existing policies. The bill directly affects the Pennsylvania House of Representatives by adding a commemorative designation to the state record.