Rep. Dave Zimmerman

Maddy summaryHB 1695 amends Pennsylvania's 2019 law abolishing state authorities by changing the composition of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission and transferring related duties. It also addresses the Interstate Rail Passenger Advisory Council Compact and cancels an executive order related to this council. The bill focuses on structural adjustments to existing state bodies rather than creating new policies. (Procedural bill; summary adheres to 1-2 sentence limit.)

Maddy summaryHB 1690 amends Pennsylvania's Unemployment Compensation Law to require claimants to report certain disability-related benefits when applying for unemployment benefits. It directly affects unemployed Pennsylvanians who receive disability benefits from workers' compensation, federal disability insurance, private disability insurance, or unpaid leave under federal family medical leave laws. The bill adds a new requirement that claimants must disclose these benefits to the Department of Labor to determine eligibility for unemployment compensation. The change takes effect six months after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1687 amends Pennsylvania's Unemployment Compensation Law to change how the maximum number of weeks an unemployed worker can receive benefits is calculated. It bases the maximum weeks (ranging from 12 to 20) on the seasonal adjusted statewide unemployment rate from the six months preceding the claim application date, using the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. This directly affects Pennsylvania workers filing for unemployment benefits on or after the effective date, as their benefit duration will now adjust based on current statewide unemployment rates. The bill specifies that total benefits in a single year cannot exceed the weekly benefit amount multiplied by the weeks determined under this new formula. The change takes effect six months after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1692 amends Pennsylvania's unemployment compensation law to protect workers facing domestic violence and clarify employer cost relief. It adds a new provision (Section 402.7) stating workers who leave jobs due to domestic violence safety risks cannot be disqualified for unemployment benefits. The bill also revises existing rules to provide employers relief from extra charges when workers are separated for reasons like willful misconduct or certain discharges. These changes directly affect Pennsylvania workers seeking unemployment benefits and employers paying into the unemployment fund.

Maddy summaryHB 1688 updates Pennsylvania's unemployment compensation law to adjust the calculation method for weekly benefit amounts. It sets a minimum weekly benefit of $68 (previously lower) and revises the wage-to-benefit table, linking higher average quarterly wages to increased weekly payments (e.g., wages of $1,688-$1,712 now yield $68 weekly). This directly affects unemployed Pennsylvania workers who qualify for state unemployment benefits, ensuring their payments align with current wage levels. The bill modifies specific sections of the 1936 law governing benefit rates without changing eligibility rules or employer contributions.

Maddy summaryHB 1691 amends Pennsylvania's unemployment compensation law to adjust the earnings requirement for workers seeking benefits after certain job separations. It increases the required earnings from six to fifteen times the weekly benefit rate in the 10 weeks following a disqualifying separation (e.g., quitting for personal reasons or being terminated). The bill also adds a provision exempting workers who took a leave of absence and made reasonable efforts to return to work. This change directly affects unemployed workers who left jobs under disqualifying circumstances but meet the new earnings threshold. The bill takes effect six months after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1689 creates a "Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development Program" within Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection. It allows businesses or developers seeking permits to pay for expedited reviews by qualified professionals (e.g., engineers, geologists) who meet specific experience and ethics requirements. The program mandates a 10-business-day priority review timeline for eligible permits, with the qualified professional conducting an initial review and the permitting entity completing a final review within established deadlines. This change directly affects applicants for permits under the PA EDGE tax credit program by providing a faster, structured process for permit approvals.

Maddy summaryHB 1684 amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code of 1971 to shorten deadlines for inheritance tax appraisals and deductions. It changes Section 2137 to require the Department of Revenue to complete property appraisals within 60 days (instead of six months) after a tax return is filed. Similarly, Section 2138 shortens the timeframe for determining allowable deductions to 60 days, and adds that deductions over $100 require Commonwealth representation or 30 days' notice at audit. This bill directly affects taxpayers, executors, and fiduciaries handling inheritance tax returns in Pennsylvania.

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.

Maddy summaryHB 1681 grants civil immunity to volunteer security officers of religious organizations in Pennsylvania for actions taken while protecting the organization's property or people. It protects these volunteers from lawsuits related to injuries or property damage caused during defensive actions, such as monitoring visitors or reporting incidents like theft or trespass. This immunity does not apply if the security officer acts recklessly, maliciously, or with gross negligence. The bill specifically covers volunteers (not paid staff) who provide security services as defined by their religious organization, which must be organized primarily for worship or spiritual development.