Rep. Tom Jones

Maddy summaryHB 1619 establishes a new regulatory program within the Department of Revenue to oversee "skill gaming" (games where skill determines outcomes, not chance). It requires businesses offering such games to obtain licenses, comply with specific zoning rules for where they can operate, and follow new operational standards. The bill imposes both criminal penalties for serious violations and civil penalties for lesser breaches. This directly affects skill gaming businesses, local governments managing zoning, and the Department of Revenue, which gains authority to issue licenses and enforce rules.

Maddy summaryHB 1601 amends Pennsylvania's Regulatory Review Act to update procedures for reviewing state agency regulations. It requires a concurrent resolution (approval from both legislative chambers) for regulations deemed economically significant and establishes clear processes for reviewing disapproved regulations or those considered "withdrawn." The bill also clarifies definitions and procedures for handling proposed, final, and omitted regulations during the review process. This directly affects state agencies creating regulations and the legislature responsible for oversight.

Maddy summaryHB 1586 creates a refundable tax credit for Pennsylvania taxpayers who earn overtime wages. It allows eligible workers to reduce their state income tax bill by 100% of taxes paid on overtime wages, calculated using employer-provided documentation (as required by 34 Pa. Code § 231.36). The credit applies to tax returns filed for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025, and will be integrated into the standard PA 40 tax form. This directly affects Pennsylvania workers receiving overtime pay under the Minimum Wage Act of 1968.

Maddy summaryHB 1571 is a proposed amendment to Pennsylvania's Human Relations Act, which establishes protections against discrimination. The bill would modify provisions related to the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, though specific changes to the Commission's structure or authority are not detailed in the provided context. It directly affects the Commission's operational framework and potentially impacts how discrimination complaints are handled. The bill was recently referred to the State Government committee on June 9, 2025, but no further details about its provisions are available in the current context.

Maddy summaryHB 1579 is a comprehensive bill that updates Pennsylvania's laws governing constables, townships, police officers, and related roles. It replaces outdated rules with new requirements for constable uniforms, bonds, debt collection, and conflict-of-interest restrictions, while repealing obsolete provisions like those for forest law arrests and impounding fees. The bill directly affects local law enforcement officials, townships, and bail bond agents by restructuring their legal duties and compensation rules. It also creates county constabulary review boards and assigns oversight duties to the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. The bill was recently referred to the Judiciary Committee for review.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates June 23, 2025, as "Widows' and Widowers' Day" in Pennsylvania to honor bereaved spouses. It is a symbolic, commemorative measure with no policy changes, funding, or direct impact on laws or regulations. The bill was referred to the Health Committee, reported as committed, and later laid on the table (not advanced) by the House on June 4, 2025. It does not affect any specific individuals or groups beyond recognizing the day for awareness.

Maddy summaryHB 1514 creates a tax credit for Pennsylvania taxpayers who earn tips, allowing them to get back the income tax paid on those tips. The credit equals 100% of the tax paid on "tipped wages" (wages received as voluntary customer tips, not set by employers) and is fully refundable, meaning it can reduce tax bills or generate refunds even if no tax was owed. Taxpayers must claim the credit using their employer's statement of tipped wages (required under 34 Pa. Code § 231.36) when filing their annual tax return on the standard PA 40 form. This change applies to tax returns for years starting after December 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1499 updates Pennsylvania's child custody laws under Title 23. It clarifies definitions, establishes clearer rules for awarding primary physical custody, and requires courts to consider criminal convictions when making custody decisions. The bill also mandates parenting plans and specifies factors judges must evaluate, directly affecting parents, judges, and child welfare agencies involved in custody cases. The legislation was recently referred to the Judiciary Committee on May 28, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1494 would amend Pennsylvania's Controlled Substance Act to allow ivermectin (for human use) to be sold over-the-counter without a prescription or consultation with a healthcare provider. This change directly affects consumers who can purchase ivermectin at pharmacies or stores without needing a doctor's visit, and pharmacies that would sell it. The bill specifies that ivermectin must be "suitable for human use" to qualify as an over-the-counter medication under state law. It takes effect 60 days after enactment, making this a concrete policy shift in how the medication is distributed in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryHB 1461 establishes the Career and Technical Education Investment Incentive Program within the Public School Code of 1949. This program allows business firms to make contributions - including cash, property, or services - to support career and technical education. These contributions can go to non-profit partnership organizations or directly to participating public and charter schools. Funds are intended to cover program-related costs or expand enrollment for eligible students in these programs, particularly those focused on high-priority occupations.