Rep. Dave Zimmerman

Maddy summaryHB 1201 amends Pennsylvania's Milk Sanitation Law to allow dairy permit holders to sell raw milk and dairy products containing raw milk. It directly affects licensed dairy producers by removing a prior restriction under 7 Pa. Code § 59a.402(b), which had limited such sales. The bill adds a new provision requiring the Secretary of Agriculture to permit these sales, effective 60 days after enactment. This change specifically updates regulatory handling of raw milk products under existing dairy permits.

Maddy summaryHB 1190 amends Pennsylvania law to automatically classify veteran-owned small businesses as "small diverse businesses" under Title 51 (Military Affairs). This change eliminates the need for veteran-owned small businesses to seek separate verification to qualify under programs designated for small diverse businesses. The bill directly affects veteran entrepreneurs operating small businesses in Pennsylvania who previously faced additional administrative steps. The policy takes effect 60 days after enactment, streamlining access to relevant state contracting and support programs.

Maddy summaryHB 1204 amends Pennsylvania's State Highway Law to require the Department of Highways to fund and maintain all State highways within boroughs and incorporated towns at state expense. The bill specifically mandates that the department improve, reconstruct, and maintain these highways to widths and types determined by the Secretary, and also covers surface and subsurface drainage facilities connected to them. This directly affects Pennsylvania municipalities (boroughs and towns) by shifting responsibility for highway upkeep from local governments to the state. The changes take effect 60 days after enactment, clarifying state funding for infrastructure maintenance in incorporated areas.

Maddy summaryHB 1175 amends Pennsylvania's Religious Freedom Protection Act to clarify that municipalities cannot restrict land use for religious organizations' charitable activities within existing facilities. It defines "charitable use" to include relief of poverty, education, advancement of religion, and disease prevention/treatment. The bill prohibits local governments from regulating these charitable uses related to religious practice unless the regulation is necessary to protect community health/safety/welfare and no less restrictive alternative exists. This directly affects religious organizations operating in Pennsylvania and local municipalities managing land use rules. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 184) directs Pennsylvania's Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study the state's trespassing laws and how they are enforced. The study aims to identify ways to better deter trespassing on private property. It does not change existing laws but requires the committee to report findings to several legislative committees, including Judiciary and Game and Fisheries committees. The resolution is procedural and affects only the committees conducting the study, not the public or property owners.

Maddy summaryHB 1184 imposes a temporary pause on new or expanded health insurance coverage requirements (mandated benefits) in Pennsylvania. It directly affects insurers and employers who would otherwise be required to cover new treatments, equipment, or provider-specific services under health insurance policies. The bill requires the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study existing state-mandated health benefits by December 2026, analyzing their costs, fiscal impact, and effectiveness. The study must also determine if current mandates trigger federal payment obligations. The moratorium takes effect immediately and remains in place until the committee submits its report.

Maddy summaryHB 990 amends Pennsylvania statutes to give boroughs and incorporated towns new authority over stormwater management. It requires municipalities to develop stormwater management plans and facilities, and allows them to charge fees based on property characteristics - particularly impervious surfaces like driveways, roofs, and pavement - which are presumed to benefit from stormwater systems. Property owners may qualify for fee exemptions or credits if they install approved stormwater facilities meeting "best management practices." The bill directly affects local governments (boroughs and incorporated towns) and property owners through new planning requirements and potential fees.

Maddy summaryHB 991 amends Pennsylvania's First Class Township Code to establish new storm water management authority for townships. It authorizes township boards to plan, construct, and maintain storm water facilities (like retention systems and piping) and acquire existing property owner systems through purchase or eminent domain. The bill requires townships to base fees for these systems on property characteristics, particularly impervious surfaces (e.g., roofs, driveways, parking lots), while allowing exemptions for properties with approved storm water management practices. All activities must comply with state storm water laws and approved watershed plans, directly affecting first-class townships and property owners paying associated fees.

Maddy summaryHB 401 designates the eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina) as Pennsylvania's official state reptile. This symbolic designation recognizes the turtle as a native species found across the state in diverse habitats and facing population declines due to habitat loss and other threats. The bill contains no new regulations, funding, or policy changes - only formal recognition to raise awareness about the species. It takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryHB 1037 amends Pennsylvania's Municipalities Planning Code to allow municipalities to permit the replacement of demolished one- or two-family homes with structurally similar residential buildings using the original property's setback standards. This provision directly affects homeowners seeking to rebuild single-family or duplex properties and local governments issuing building permits. The key mechanism requires municipalities to provide these original setback standards to applicants when approving such replacements, streamlining the rebuilding process while maintaining consistent lot coverage. The bill does not change zoning requirements but offers flexibility for residential reconstruction within existing development patterns.