Rep. Dave Zimmerman

Maddy summaryHB 791 adds a religious exemption to Pennsylvania's firefighter certification requirements. It allows individuals whose religion prohibits shaving or trimming beards to receive an exemption from beard-related training standards, provided they pass a fit test for self-contained breathing apparatus masks. The exemption applies only to certification standards under existing rules and requires meeting the State Fire Commissioner's mask seal standards. This directly affects individuals seeking firefighter certification who have religious objections to beard removal. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 741 allows senior hunters (65+ years old with valid licenses) to harvest antlered deer meeting specific size criteria. The bill permits taking deer with at least two points on one antler or a spike antler three inches or longer. This change modifies existing hunting rules under Pennsylvania's Game Code by establishing new, more lenient harvest standards for senior license holders. The bill directly affects eligible senior hunters participating in deer hunting seasons.

Maddy summaryHB 796 amends Pennsylvania's inheritance tax rate for property transferred to siblings under the Tax Reform Code of 1971. Currently set at 12%, the bill changes this rate (though the new specific percentage is not detailed in the provided text) to apply to estates of decedents dying after June 30, 2025. It directly affects individuals inheriting property from siblings, as this tax rate governs such transfers. The bill modifies the existing tax provision without altering other categories like transfers to spouses or descendants. This change is a substantive policy adjustment to inheritance tax rates, not a procedural matter.

Maddy summaryHB 720, or "Simon's Law," amends Pennsylvania's Health Care Facilities Act to require written parental consent for do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders for minors. It prohibits healthcare facilities or providers from implementing DNR orders or restricting life-sustaining measures without written permission from at least one parent or legal guardian. The bill mandates detailed documentation of consent (including names, relationships, and dates) and allows parents to revoke consent in writing, which overrides prior agreements. It also requires facilities to make good-faith efforts to contact parents within 48 hours and prohibits interfering with parents seeking second opinions or transferring care to another facility. This directly affects hospitals, clinics, and healthcare providers treating minors in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryHB 708 amends Pennsylvania's Safe Drinking Water Act to clarify the Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) authority in enforcing drinking water standards. The bill requires the DEP to establish a permit program for new or substantially modified public water systems, ensuring these systems meet federal drinking water standards in both design and operation. It also specifies that the DEP can require public water systems to provide monitoring data and allows for delegation of enforcement duties to local health departments under DEP oversight. These changes directly affect the DEP, public water systems, and local health departments by defining clearer enforcement procedures for drinking water safety.

Maddy summaryHB 712 requires local telecommunications companies in Pennsylvania to immediately report any 911 system outages to the Public Utility Commission upon discovery. This bill directly affects telecom providers operating 911 services, mandating timely reporting to ensure the Commission is notified of service failures. The key provision (Section 1501.2) specifies that failure to report constitutes a violation of existing service standards under Title 66. The bill does not alter 911 system functionality but establishes a reporting obligation for outages. It takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 703 proposes constitutional amendments to require the Secretary of the Commonwealth to be elected directly by voters in the same election as the Auditor General, State Treasurer, and Attorney General, rather than appointed. It establishes new qualifications, including being at least 30 years old, a Pennsylvania resident for seven years, and a U.S. citizen. The bill also prohibits current members of Congress or certain state officeholders from serving as Secretary and updates procedures for contested elections. If approved by voters, these changes would take effect, altering how the state's chief elections officer is selected and qualified. This is a constitutional amendment requiring voter approval after legislative passage.

Maddy summaryHB 701 amends a Pennsylvania law that gives the Governor authority over U.S. flag displays on public grounds and buildings. The bill requires that any U.S. flag displayed under this law must be manufactured in the United States. This affects public institutions, schools, and certain other organizations that display the flag on their property. The change adds a sourcing requirement to existing flag display regulations without altering the Governor's regulatory role.

Maddy summaryHB 690 requires insurers in Pennsylvania to provide group policyholders (businesses or organizations with 51+ covered employees) with detailed claims experience data within 30 days of request. This data includes aggregated premiums, claims costs (paid, reserved, and unreserved), and other financial details for at least two policy years. Insurers may charge a reasonable, non-discriminatory fee for this service, but must file the fee schedule with the Insurance Department in advance. Violations may result in fines up to $5,000 per violation (or $10,000 for willful violations), with annual caps of $500,000 for insurers.

Maddy summaryHB 689 clarifies leave policies for Pennsylvania state employees when their department, board, or commission closes due to a Governor-declared disaster emergency or other unforeseen events beyond control. If closure prevents an employee from working for at least five consecutive business days, they may be placed on unpaid leave while retaining health insurance and other fringe benefits (such as retirement contributions). Employees can choose to use accrued paid leave first before transitioning to unpaid leave. This applies to most employees but excludes those who can telework or are already furloughed, and does not affect eligibility for unemployment benefits.