Rep. Dave Zimmerman

Maddy summaryHB 1286 requires human trafficking awareness training for employees at hotels, motels, and similar public lodging establishments (defined as facilities offering >10 rooms for rent) and for workers contracted by third-party providers serving these locations. It also mandates similar training for short-term rental operators (like Airbnb hosts) and platforms listing such rentals. The training must cover identifying trafficking signs, legal definitions, reporting procedures, and differences between labor and sex trafficking in lodging contexts, with records maintained for two years. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency will approve and list free training programs online to meet these requirements.

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 is a ceremonial resolution that designates July 5, 2026, as "Venezuelan Independence Day" in Pennsylvania to honor the nation's 1811 declaration of independence from Spain. The text highlights historical connections between Philadelphia and the Venezuelan independence movement, noting that the city has long served as a hub for revolutionary ideas and hosts a statue gifted by Venezuela. Additionally, the resolution acknowledges the current Venezuelan community in the state, which numbers over 6,500 residents. As a symbolic measure, the bill does not alter laws or policies but serves to recognize historical ties and celebrate cultural heritage.

Maddy summaryThis resolution directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study the potential financial impact on Pennsylvania if the federal government requires the state to pay for certain health insurance mandates. The bill responds to a proposed federal policy change that could end previous exemptions allowing states to avoid these costs. The study will identify specific health benefits mandated by the state since 2011, analyze their compliance with federal rules, and estimate the resulting expenses for the Commonwealth. The committee is also instructed to gather necessary data from the Insurance Department and deliver a report with findings and recommendations to the General Assembly within one year.

Maddy summaryHB 2146 modifies Pennsylvania's open meetings law to clarify when government agencies can take action on unlisted agenda items. It creates specific exceptions for minor administrative approvals that arise unexpectedly, such as urgent legal filings, small purchases under $10,000 (based on current thresholds), grant applications with deadlines, or minor permit approvals. Agencies must obtain and publicly disclose a legal opinion confirming an item qualifies under these exceptions before acting. This directly affects state and local agencies holding public meetings, ensuring transparency while allowing limited flexibility for time-sensitive matters. The bill does not change core meeting notice requirements but adds defined exceptions for minor, non-financial actions.

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.