Rep. Dave Zimmerman

Maddy summaryHB 622 amends Pennsylvania's Controlled Substance Act to impose stricter penalties for violations involving fentanyl. It creates a new felony offense for knowingly violating specific drug provisions related to fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, or any substance containing trace amounts of fentanyl. Individuals convicted face up to 20 years in prison, a $500,000 fine, or both. The bill directly affects those distributing, selling, or possessing fentanyl-related substances in violation of existing law.

Maddy summaryHB 677 amends Pennsylvania's Apprenticeship and Training Act to establish new supervisor-to-apprentice ratio requirements based on occupational hazard levels. It requires that for high-hazard occupations (with fatality rates ≥9 per 100,000 workers), no more than three supervisors may be required per apprentice; for medium-hazard occupations (2-9 fatalities per 100,000), no more than two supervisors; and for low-hazard occupations (≤2 fatalities per 100,000), no more than one supervisor. These ratios are determined annually using U.S. Department of Labor fatality data, with updates published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin and implemented July 1 each year. The bill directly affects all registered apprenticeship programs in Pennsylvania, particularly those in construction, manufacturing, and other high-risk industries.

Maddy summaryHB 656 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to allow trained school staff to administer emergency anti-seizure medication during seizures when a nurse is unavailable. It directly affects students with epilepsy in public schools who have been prescribed such medication, requiring parental request and adherence to approved training guidelines. The bill establishes that non-nurse staff may provide emergency assistance only after completing designated training and following protocols approved by the Department of Education. It specifies that nasal spray or similar FDA-approved treatments may be used, while ensuring students' rights under disability laws like IDEA and the Rehabilitation Act are upheld. The policy change is voluntary for staff and requires schools to notify parents about potential accommodations under 504 plans or IEPs.

Maddy summaryHB 165 amends Pennsylvania's abortion law to require pain relief medication for fetuses over 15 weeks' gestation during abortion procedures, directly affecting abortion providers performing such procedures. The bill adds a new provision (Section 3204(b.1)) stating that pain relief medication must be administered prior to the procedure unless the physician knows the pregnant person has an adverse reaction to it or a medical emergency prevents timely administration. This change applies specifically to abortions at or beyond 15 weeks' gestation. The law would take effect 60 days after enactment. It focuses on procedural requirements for medical care during abortion, not on restricting access.

Maddy summaryHB 566 proposes a constitutional amendment to reduce the term length for judges (including those in Philadelphia's municipal court) and justices of the peace in Pennsylvania from ten years to six years. If approved, this change would affect current and future judicial officers by requiring more frequent re-elections for these positions. The amendment must first pass both the Pennsylvania House and Senate, then be ratified by voters in the next general election to become part of the state constitution. This is a procedural change to judicial tenure, not a direct law affecting other groups.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Unemployment Compensation Law to create a process for providing emergency staffing during high-demand periods. It allows the Governor to hire additional workers or reassign existing state employees (including furloughed staff) to unemployment compensation offices when the state enters an extended benefit period or declares a disaster emergency. The Governor must consult with legislative committee chairs before making staffing decisions, and all actions must prioritize employee health and safety. The law takes immediate effect to help ensure unemployed Pennsylvanians can access benefits without delays during crises.

Maddy summaryHB 581, titled the Parental Rights in Education Act, prohibits public schools from teaching about sexual orientation or gender identity to students in kindergarten through fifth grade. It requires schools to notify parents in writing before providing health care services (like mental health support) or administering well-being questionnaires/surveys to K-5 students, including an option for parents to withhold consent. Schools must also allow parents access to their child's education and health records and cannot retaliate against students who report violations. The bill creates a legal right for students or parents to sue schools for noncompliance within 180 days of a violation.

Maddy summaryHB 585 amends Pennsylvania's statutory interpretation rules by adding "legislative interpretations" to the list of factors courts must consider when determining a statute's meaning. Specifically, it revises Section 1921(c)(8) of Title 1 to explicitly include how lawmakers themselves interpreted a law as a valid consideration. This change directly affects courts and legal interpreters when resolving ambiguities in existing Pennsylvania laws. The bill makes a technical adjustment to statutory construction procedures without creating new policies or affecting specific groups.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes changing Pennsylvania's fiscal calendar from annual to biennial (two-year) cycles by amending the state constitution. It requires the Governor to submit a two-year operating budget and capital budget instead of annual versions, and mandates a five-year financial plan covering two-year periods. Key provisions include updating debt limits and repayment rules to align with the new two-year fiscal periods, such as modifying how surplus funds are appropriated and how tax anticipation notes mature. The change directly affects state budgeting processes, the Governor's budget submissions, and the General Assembly's appropriations decisions.

Maddy summaryHB 565 creates a new tax credit for Pennsylvania employers who pay for their employees' health insurance. It allows businesses to reduce their state tax bill by up to 100% of their contributions toward employee health insurance premiums, but only the first $500 per employee counts toward the credit. The credit percentage decreases as the number of covered employees increases: 100% for fewer than 50 employees, 75% for 50-99 employees, and 50% for 100+ employees. Employers must submit specific employee and insurance provider details to the Department of Revenue to claim the credit, which cannot be carried over, refunded, or sold.