Rep. Dave Zimmerman

Maddy summaryHB 258 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring all Pennsylvania elections to be conducted by in-person ballot at polling places, including early voting as permitted by law, while preserving voting secrecy. It would amend the state constitution to replace current language allowing for "other voting methods" with a specific mandate for in-person voting. The amendment must be approved by both chambers of the Pennsylvania General Assembly and then ratified by voters in the next qualifying election. If adopted, it would fundamentally change Pennsylvania’s election method by standardizing in-person voting as the primary process.

Maddy summaryHB 236 amends Pennsylvania's obscenity law to explicitly exempt public libraries, school/university libraries, and state or municipal archives from the offense of displaying obscene materials. The bill updates Section 5903(j) of Title 18 to clarify that recognized historical societies, museums, public libraries, and educational institution libraries are not subject to these restrictions. This change directly affects libraries and archives operating under educational or governmental supervision by removing ambiguity about their legal protections. The amendment does not create new offenses but ensures these institutions can legally display materials as part of their public service.

Maddy summaryHB 248 requires Pennsylvania public schools to provide parents or legal guardians with specific information about student clubs and organizations (including mission, activities, faculty advisor, and meeting details) at least two weeks before participation begins. Schools must obtain written parental permission for students to join any club or organization, and parents may withdraw permission at any time in writing. The bill mandates that consent forms be simple and accessible, prohibiting schools from making withdrawal more difficult than granting permission. This applies to all school-sponsored clubs, including cheerleading, band, and chorus, directly affecting parents, students, and school boards under the Public School Code.

Maddy summaryHB 130 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring Pennsylvania to fund public education by allocating state resources directly to individual students, allowing them to attend schools that meet their needs. This would shift funding from the current district-based system to a per-student allocation model, mandating that education spending follow students to their chosen schools. The amendment also requires the state to maintain a thorough and efficient public education system. It would directly affect all public school students and the state's education funding structure.

Maddy summaryHB 164 requires health care facilities in Pennsylvania to handle fetal remains (from a fetal death) through cremation or burial per existing vital records rules, without needing a name on permits. Parents must cover costs if they choose a disposal location outside the facility’s usual practice, but facilities must provide disposition services if parents don’t claim remains. The bill ensures parent information remains confidential and clarifies that facilities aren’t required to issue stillbirth certificates. It does not change the definition of fetal death or mandate cremation/burial unless requested by the parent.

Maddy summaryHB 161 amends Pennsylvania's Prevailing Wage Act by adding specific definitions to clarify which construction projects are covered. It defines "public work" to exclude school safety and security improvements, such as projects funded under the Public School Code for safety upgrades. This directly affects construction contractors working on public projects costing over $25,000, as school safety projects will no longer require prevailing wage rates. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the requirement for non-motorized boats (like kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards) to obtain permits or register when used in Pennsylvania state parks, forests, or public waters. It specifically prohibits state agencies from creating new rules for these vessels, affecting all owners of non-motorized watercraft using state-managed areas. The change modifies existing boating regulations under Pennsylvania's Fish Code to eliminate administrative burdens for non-motorized boaters. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 188 amends Pennsylvania vehicle laws to allow tow trucks to transport emergency vehicles (specifically, a truck tractor with up to two trailers) without being restricted by standard length and weight limits. This exception applies only when towing for emergency service and directed by authorized personnel to a repair location, ensuring faster response during breakdowns. The bill directly affects tow truck operators by providing a clear legal pathway for emergency towing and benefits the public by reducing delays in critical situations. The changes take effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 163 amends Pennsylvania's 1980 law to prohibit entities from "countries of concern" (including China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Belarus, and Venezuela) and foreign governments from acquiring agricultural land, except through inheritance or as security for debt. It requires title companies to verify compliance with the law, imposing a $1,000 civil penalty for willful failure to do so, and authorizes the Attorney General to investigate violations. Violating entities must forfeit the land to the Commonwealth, which will sell it at auction; proceeds cover sale costs, reimburse the Attorney General for investigation expenses, pay lienholders, and then fund the General Fund. The law defines agricultural land broadly (including cropland and livestock operations) but excludes mineral rights and non-farm zoning.

Maddy summaryHB 189 amends Pennsylvania's vehicle registration law to exempt multipurpose agricultural vehicles from registration requirements. This change directly affects farmers who use such vehicles exclusively on their own farms or on highways connecting parts of a single farm or between two farms within 10 miles of each other. The bill specifies that these vehicles cannot be used for general public road travel outside of farm-related activities. The exemption applies only to vehicles owned or operated by the farm owner, not to commercial or non-agricultural vehicles. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.