Rep. Dave Zimmerman

Maddy summaryPennsylvania's House Resolution 131 is a non-binding statement urging the federal government to delay REAL ID enforcement until the program is eliminated. It argues that REAL ID requirements burden citizens' freedom of movement, disproportionately affect married women, and have been delayed for nearly two decades without security justification, causing public confusion. The resolution specifically asks the President to pause enforcement (with an upcoming May 2025 deadline) and urges Congress to abolish the program entirely. It does not create new laws or affect any individuals directly - it is solely a request sent to the President and federal lawmakers.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week of May 18-24, 2025, as "Emergency Medical Services Week" in Pennsylvania. It formally recognizes emergency medical services (EMS) providers - including paramedics, first responders, dispatchers, and volunteers - for their 24/7 lifesaving work. The resolution has no policy or funding changes; it is purely a ceremonial acknowledgment of EMS teams' contributions to public health and safety. It directly affects Pennsylvania EMS personnel by honoring their service during this designated week.

Maddy summaryHB 952 requires public utilities in Pennsylvania to provide landlords with written notice at least seven days before terminating utility service to a property they own. Landlords must have previously notified the utility in writing about their ownership interest, and utilities must send the notice via mail, email, or text (with the landlord's prior consent for electronic contact). If the issue causing the termination isn't resolved, a final notice must be sent by mail on the termination date. This applies to landlords but excludes "landlord ratepayers." The bill aims to prevent abrupt service disruptions for property owners.

Maddy summaryHB 958 amends Pennsylvania's 1978 Storm Water Management Act to update the Department of Environmental Resources to the Department of Environmental Protection and clarify its responsibilities. The bill requires the department to provide technical assistance to local governments for implementing storm water plans and conduct annual water quality testing of surface waters, with backup options for testing if resources are limited. It also streamlines the approval process for watershed storm water plans and clarifies grant eligibility for municipalities and counties to cover storm water management costs. These changes directly affect local governments, small storm sewer systems, and the state environmental department in managing storm water infrastructure and water quality.

Maddy summaryHB 685 requires Pennsylvania schools to accept U.S. currency as payment for admission to school-sponsored activities, such as athletic events, assemblies, or field trips. It applies to all school entities, including public school districts, charter schools, and private schools participating in school activities. The bill mandates that cash must be accepted when fees are charged, while allowing schools to also accept other payment methods like credit cards. It defines "cash" as U.S. coins and paper money recognized as legal tender and clarifies that schools may refuse payments in large denominations that exceed the fee amount.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates October 14, 2025, as "William Penn Day" in Pennsylvania to honor the legacy of William Penn, the founder of the Commonwealth. It does not create new laws or affect specific groups, but formally recognizes Penn's historical contributions through commemorative recognition. The resolution cites his role in establishing Pennsylvania's early governance, religious tolerance, and influence on American founding principles.

Maddy summaryHB 943 requires water and wastewater utilities planning to sell their systems to obtain and publicly share three specific analyses from Pennsylvania's Independent Fiscal Office before any acquisition proceeding begins. These analyses must cover the costs/benefits of maintaining the utility under current ownership, benefits of acquisition by a public utility under this bill, and benefits under existing Section 1327. The bill mandates that this documentation be made available both in-person and on a public website. It takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 945 repeals specific provisions in Pennsylvania law that governed how the fair market value of water and wastewater systems is calculated when one utility acquires another. The bill removes a detailed 5-step valuation process requiring two independent appraisals, standardized appraisal methods, and specific rate base incorporation rules. This directly affects water and wastewater utilities involved in voluntary acquisition transactions within Pennsylvania. The repeal simplifies the process by eliminating these valuation requirements, though it does not change how acquisition costs are ultimately handled in rate cases.

Maddy summaryHB 946 requires water and wastewater utilities seeking to acquire another utility to include specific documentation - like appraisals, purchase price, and rate base calculations - with their application to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. It mandates a ratepayer referendum for sales valued at $1 million or more, where customers vote on the acquisition using plain-language ballots that clearly state potential rate impacts. Utilities must mail referendum ballots with at least 45 days' notice and 30 days to respond, with non-response counted as disapproval. This bill directly affects utility companies, ratepayers (customers), and the PUC, which must approve acquisitions only if the referendum shows majority support.

Maddy summaryHB 927 proposes a constitutional amendment to Pennsylvania that would prohibit the state from issuing driver's licenses or similar vehicle operation permits to individuals without lawful presence in the United States. This would directly affect non-citizens residing in Pennsylvania without legal immigration status, preventing them from obtaining or renewing driver's licenses under this policy. The amendment requires approval by the Pennsylvania General Assembly and subsequent voter approval at the next applicable election, as outlined in Section 2 of the resolution. If adopted, it would change the state constitution to mandate legal immigration status as a prerequisite for license issuance.