Rep. Dave Zimmerman

Maddy summaryThis bill requires telecommunications companies to promptly repair damaged lines or remove tree limbs that interfere with road safety after being notified by local governments or state agencies. The law prohibits carriers from passing these repair costs onto customers who do not use the specific infrastructure that caused the issue. Violations of these requirements could result in penalties enforced by the state commission, and the commission will create rules to ensure proper implementation.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution formally recognizes June 15, 2026, as "World Elder Abuse Awareness Day" within the state. The measure directly affects the House of Representatives and serves to raise public awareness about elder abuse issues. It does not change laws or allocate funding, but rather expresses support for protecting older adults and encourages community vigilance and education against abuse.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as Josh's Law, establishes a program to use mobile cameras and sensors to automatically enforce traffic rules in construction zones where lanes are closed. It authorizes state agencies, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, and municipalities to deploy these systems on highways to detect when vehicles run red lights at work zone signals. To operate, municipalities must pass local ordinances, submit policy guidelines, and obtain state approval, while the state and turnpike commission can act immediately in their own jurisdictions. The law also mandates clear warning signs for drivers and defines specific conditions under which a vehicle is considered to have violated the traffic signal.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws governing public-private transportation partnerships by clarifying definitions, establishing board procedures, and outlining sovereign immunity protections. It requires public agencies to conduct detailed analyses and public comment periods before approving transportation projects, ensuring transparency and community input. Additionally, the legislation reaffirms that government entities and their employees retain immunity from lawsuits when acting within their official duties, while specifying how legal claims must be filed. These changes directly affect state agencies, local governments, and private partners involved in transportation infrastructure initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Veterinary Medicine Practice Act to update definitions and clarify the roles of veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and veterinary assistants. It establishes specific criteria for what constitutes the practice of veterinary medicine and defines the scope of work allowed for veterinary technicians and nurses under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. The legislation also introduces new requirements for biennial continuing education and outlines rules for record-keeping and inspections by the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. Additionally, the bill sets forth penalties for violations and includes exemptions for certain activities, such as embryo transfer by animal owners.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania vehicle laws to clarify how tow trucks can transport disabled vehicles and combinations without violating standard size and weight limits. It allows a tow truck to move a wrecked vehicle or a group of up to three vehicles within 75 miles of the accident site, provided the route is safe and practical. While these exemptions apply to the combined length and weight of the tow truck and the disabled vehicle, drivers must still obey any specific restrictions on bridges or highways. The changes take effect 60 days after the bill is signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the week of June 7 through 13, 2026, as "Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week" throughout Pennsylvania. It directly affects state residents and officials by encouraging them to hold events and educational programs to highlight the bay's environmental and economic significance. The resolution does not change laws or allocate funds but serves as a symbolic gesture to promote awareness of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania vehicle registration rules to allow special plates for individuals with specific disabilities and their immediate family members. It defines eligibility for these plates based on conditions such as blindness, limited mobility, respiratory issues, or heart disease, while also including parents and spouses of those who qualify. The legislation permits each eligible applicant to receive up to two special plates for their own vehicles and allows motorcycles to display an access decal instead of a full plate. These changes would officially designate the vehicles as being used by people with disabilities, with the new rules taking effect 60 days after the bill is passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to temporarily exempt the sales tax on protective gear purchased by firefighters, volunteer ambulance workers, and volunteer rescue personnel. The exemption applies specifically to items such as helmets, turnout coats, boots, and respiratory protection units during a six-month period starting on July 1, 2026. To ensure clarity, the legislation requires the Department of Revenue to publish online guidance on how to implement this temporary exclusion. The law defines the equipment and purchaser terms precisely, noting that the tax break applies even if the gear is delivered after the six-month window closes.

Maddy summaryThis bill introduces a new junior driver's license for 16 and 17-year-olds in Pennsylvania, which automatically converts to a regular license at age 18. Under the proposed rules, junior drivers would generally be prohibited from driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent, spouse, or guardian. However, the legislation creates an exception allowing these drivers to drive during those hours for school-sponsored activities if they possess a letter from the school confirming the event. If a junior driver is stopped by police without this letter but can later prove they had it, the charges would be dismissed. The law also defines terms like "school-sponsored activity" to include events such as field trips, athletic activities, and club meetings.