Rep. Tom Jones

Maddy summaryHB 1867 would amend Pennsylvania's criminal code to prohibit courts from issuing extreme risk protective orders (ERPOs), which are court orders temporarily removing firearms from individuals deemed a risk to themselves or others. This bill directly affects individuals who might be subject to such orders, as well as law enforcement and courts that currently use ERPOs under existing state law. The key provision would eliminate the legal mechanism for ERPOs in Pennsylvania, preventing judges from issuing these orders even when requested by law enforcement or family members. The bill is currently in the Judiciary committee following its referral on September 17, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1584 amends Pennsylvania's Agricultural Area Security Law to expand state funding for purchasing conservation easements. This allows the state to acquire land protections from farmers and landowners, preventing development on farmland. The key mechanism increases the state's capacity to secure these easements through dedicated funding, directly affecting agricultural landowners who may sell such protections to keep their land in farming use. The bill aims to preserve working farmland by making it easier for the state to protect agricultural areas.

Maddy summaryHB 1815 would repeal the 1935 Individual Net Income Tax Act (P.L.970, No.314), which was the state's original personal income tax law. This bill removes the outdated 1935 statute from the legal code. The repeal would affect the state's tax legal framework but would not change current tax rates or filing procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 1774 modifies Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to allow the Department of Revenue to review refund requests for overpaid taxes submitted more than three years after payment. It directly affects taxpayers who paid excess taxes years ago and seek refunds beyond the standard three-year window. The key provision grants the Department discretion to approve refunds for "the number of years of overpayment as the department deems necessary." This changes the process by giving the Department authority to grant refunds for older overpayments, rather than automatically denying them after three years. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1782 designates September 17 as "Constitution Day" in Pennsylvania, aligning with the federal observance established in 1962. The bill encourages publicly funded schools and universities to hold educational programs about the U.S. Constitution on that date but explicitly states it does not require employers to treat the day as a paid holiday or official holiday. This is a symbolic designation without new mandates or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 1740 would prohibit abortions for pregnancies at 24 or more weeks gestational age in Pennsylvania, directly affecting medical providers performing such procedures. The bill requires medical providers to examine for a fetal heartbeat before proceeding with an abortion and mandates that medical judgment be based on that examination. It also specifies that medical consultation must address the fetal heartbeat and the patient's condition. The bill is currently referred to the Judiciary committee, with no further action taken as of July 16, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 286) is a non-binding request from Pennsylvania's House of Representatives urging the federal government to address requirements under the EPA's MS4 stormwater program. It states that Pennsylvania municipalities struggle to fund federally mandated stormwater management projects without federal support, leading to increased fees for residents and businesses. The resolution specifically asks the President, Congress, and EPA to relieve this financial burden on taxpayers and update the Clean Water Act to create fairer funding solutions. It does not create new law but seeks federal action on an unfunded mandate affecting over 1,000 local stormwater systems in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryHB 1723 amends Pennsylvania's vehicle registration laws to clarify which vehicles qualify for exemption from registration requirements. It directly affects vehicle owners who currently hold or may qualify for registration exemptions under the updated provisions. The bill's key mechanism is refining the statutory language defining exempt vehicle types within Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes. This change aims to provide clearer guidance for both vehicle owners and state agencies administering registration rules. The bill is currently pending in the Transportation committee.

Maddy summaryHB 1726 amends the Child Labor Act to update definitions, specify permissible occupations for minors (including in performances), and clarify employer responsibilities. It repeals the existing work permit requirement for minor employees. The bill also includes specific provisions for newspaper delivery jobs and updates administrative procedures. This legislation directly affects minors working in covered occupations and the employers who hire them.

Maddy summaryHB 615 expands legal protection for individuals and organizations donating food to charities by strengthening the existing Donated Food Limited Liability Act. It directly affects food donors (like grocery stores, farms, and businesses) and food banks/receiving organizations by shielding them from liability claims if donated food causes harm - unless the donor acted with gross negligence. The key provision clarifies that donors cannot be sued for injuries related to donated food, provided they followed safety standards. This policy change aims to encourage more food donations by reducing legal risks for donors.