Rep. Dave Zimmerman

Maddy summaryHB 113 amends Pennsylvania's Regulatory Review Act to require state agencies to analyze electricity cost impacts for certain regulations. Specifically, agencies must include in their regulatory analysis a review of how proposed rules affecting fuel, energy, or electricity might increase costs (even temporarily) and discuss negative effects on low-income residents. This applies directly to agencies drafting regulations in energy or utility sectors and affects low-income households through potential electricity rate changes. The bill adds this new requirement to the existing review process for proposed regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 110 amends Pennsylvania's 1970 law to allow minors aged 18 or older to consent independently to mental health treatment without parental permission, raising the age from 14. It also clarifies that minors aged 18+ control their mental health treatment records, while parents or legal guardians retain full access to all medical, dental, and health records for minors under 18. The bill includes provisions for minors to revoke consent for treatment and requires court review if a minor objects to continued inpatient care. These changes directly affect minors seeking mental health services and their parents, streamlining consent processes while balancing minor autonomy with parental access.

Maddy summaryHB 94 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to allow parents or guardians of school-aged children to opt their child out of school-imposed face covering or mask requirements. This applies when masks are required due to health department mandates (like those under the Disease Prevention and Control Law) or school board policies. Schools must provide a simple online opt-out form without requiring an excuse and must prohibit discrimination against students who opt out, including exclusion from activities or locations. The bill directly affects parents, guardians, and schools in Pennsylvania, changing how mask mandates are implemented in educational settings.

Maddy summaryHB 68, the State-Owned Vehicle Assignment Limitation Act, prohibits Pennsylvania state officials (members of the General Assembly) from being assigned or leasing state-owned vehicles for official use, effective 60 days after enactment. The bill directly affects legislators who previously received state vehicles, banning new assignments while allowing current users to retain their vehicles until they leave office or return the vehicle. Exceptions apply for emergency response duties requiring vehicle use. The law aims to restrict the use of public funds for personal vehicle assignments by lawmakers, with no new leases or assignments permitted after the effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 70 changes Pennsylvania's regular antlered deer hunting season to begin on the first Monday following Thanksgiving each year. This directly affects deer hunters across the state by establishing a fixed seasonal start date, overriding previous regulations. The bill amends Title 34 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to implement this specific opening date. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 54 amends Pennsylvania's Religious Freedom Protection Act to clarify what constitutes a "substantially burden" on religious exercise and restricts when government exceptions may apply. It adds specific definitions, including that a "substantially burden" occurs when government actions significantly constrain religious conduct, curtail expression, deny fundamental religious activities, compel violations of faith, prevent physical gatherings for worship, or authorize penalties for religious practice. The bill explicitly prohibits agencies from using emergency powers under the Governor's authority (Article IV, Section 20 of the Constitution) or the Disease Prevention Law as exceptions to religious freedom protections. This directly affects Pennsylvania residents seeking to exercise their religion without government interference, particularly during emergencies. The changes take effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 28 amends Pennsylvania's Medical Marijuana Act to give the Department of Health new authority over medical marijuana practitioners. It directly affects doctors and healthcare providers who certify patients for medical marijuana use. The bill adds specific conditions the department can impose, including probation periods, limits on how many patient certifications a practitioner can issue, mandatory supervision by another provider, and reporting requirements to ensure patient safety. These changes aim to strengthen oversight of practitioners without altering patient eligibility or program structure. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.