Rep. Dave Zimmerman

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the week of May 16 through 22, 2026, as "National Safe Boating Week" in Pennsylvania to highlight the importance of safety on the state's waterways. It directly affects all boaters, including those using powerboats and personal watercraft, by encouraging them to review safety rules such as wearing life jackets and avoiding alcohol. The resolution does not change any laws or create new requirements but serves as a symbolic reminder of existing safety standards and available educational resources. By promoting these practices, the bill aims to raise public awareness about the risks of boating and the steps needed to prevent accidents.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires law enforcement agencies in Pennsylvania to provide seized individuals with specific documents within 14 days, including a copy of the relevant statute and a sample motion for returning property. The Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts will create and publish this sample motion on its public website, though it will not be the only form courts accept. The law applies to state police, local police departments, and campus police, and it takes effect 60 days after passage.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1434 amends Pennsylvania's Crimes and Offenses statute to specifically address the sale of electronic nicotine delivery systems to minors. This legislation introduces new penalties for retailers who violate this prohibition. For a first or second offense, a retailer would face a $5,000 fine. A third offense would result in a $5,000 fine and the permanent revocation of their cigarette license. This bill directly affects retailers by imposing stricter financial and licensing consequences for selling these products to minors.

Maddy summaryHB 1585 amends Pennsylvania's criminal code to prohibit the commercial use of booking photographs taken during arrests. It directly affects businesses or websites that currently sell, license, or profit from publishing these images of individuals arrested but not yet convicted. The bill creates a legal barrier by making it unlawful to publish or disseminate such photographs for commercial purposes. This change aims to prevent the exploitation of arrest imagery for profit, focusing on the specific policy shift in the law.

Maddy summaryHB 78 establishes rules for businesses handling consumer data, requiring them to be transparent about data collection, secure personal information, and allow consumers to access or delete their data. It directly affects companies that collect personal information (like names, addresses, or online activity) from residents of the state. Key provisions include mandating clear privacy notices, implementing security measures, and giving consumers control over their data. Violations would result in fines imposed by the state's consumer protection agency. The bill passed final passage in October 2025 and is now law.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Agriculture-Linked Investment Program to provide farmers with access to affordable, low-interest capital. The program is designed to encourage the adoption of conservation measures that improve soil health, protect water quality, and reduce farm odors. To qualify for these loans, eligible borrowers must develop and implement approved plans for managing nutrients, manure, or soil erosion. The legislation also includes updated definitions for key terms like "beginning farmer" and "best management practices" to clarify who can participate and what actions are required.

Maddy summaryHB 2663 amends the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act to establish specific deadlines for municipalities to review building permit applications and issue decisions. The bill requires that permits for single-family and two-family homes be decided within 15 business days, while other construction permits must be addressed within 30 business days. Additionally, the law mandates that if a permit application is denied, the code administrator must provide a written explanation citing the specific code violations. These changes aim to streamline the permitting process for homeowners, contractors, and local building officials by enforcing consistent review timelines.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution designates June 27, 2026, as PTSD Awareness Day in Pennsylvania to highlight the mental health condition caused by traumatic events. The measure aims to increase public understanding of PTSD symptoms and reduce the stigma surrounding the disorder among all residents, including veterans and first responders. By officially recognizing this date, the bill encourages discussions about available treatments and the importance of seeking help.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Public School Code to standardize how school districts verify student residency and how cyber charter schools handle enrollment notifications. It requires parents to submit a specific, limited form with proof of address, such as a lease, utility bill, or driver's license, by March 1 each year, while exempting homeless students from these requirements. Additionally, the law mandates that cyber charter schools notify a student's local district within 10 business days of enrollment and requires parents to report any changes in address promptly. These measures aim to clarify administrative procedures for attendance and ensure that all students, including those in online charter programs, are properly registered in their districts.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week of June 22 through 28, 2026, as "Amateur Radio Week" in Pennsylvania to honor the contributions of licensed amateur radio operators, known as "hams." The measure highlights the community's role in providing free communications for public events and emergency services, including weather spotting and disaster response. It specifically acknowledges the upcoming "Amateur Radio Field Day" exercise, which demonstrates the group's ability to maintain independent communications during emergencies. The bill is a symbolic gesture with no changes to laws or regulations.