Rep. Brad Roae

Maddy summaryHB 2745 authorizes Pennsylvania to join the Interstate Podiatric Medical Licensure Compact, a multi-state agreement that creates a streamlined process for podiatric physicians to obtain licenses in multiple states. The bill establishes an interstate commission to administer the compact, manage a shared database of licensure and disciplinary records, and coordinate joint investigations among member states. Eligible podiatrists must designate a primary state of license and meet specific criteria, including a clean criminal record and no prior license discipline, to receive expedited multi-state licenses. The legislation also outlines procedures for renewing these licenses, handling disciplinary actions across state lines, and the financial responsibilities of participating states.

Maddy summaryPennsylvania House Bill 2725 amends the Public Official Compensation Law to allow members of the General Assembly and legislative officers or leaders to voluntarily opt out of automatic annual cost-of-living adjustments. If a legislator chooses this option, their salary remains fixed at the level established when they were last elected for the duration of that term. The decision must be made within specific deadlines, such as during November of the election year for general members or within 30 days of appointment for officers, and cannot be reversed once finalized. The bill requires the Chief Clerks of both legislative chambers to create a standardized form for this process, ensuring that any legislator who does not submit the form will continue to receive standard inflation-based pay increases.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific highway interchange in Schuylkill County as a memorial to Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Michael E. Pahira, Jr., who died in the line of duty in 2026. The legislation requires the Department of Transportation to install signs identifying the interchange by his name. This action honors Trooper Pahira's service and memory without altering any traffic laws or infrastructure.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania vehicle laws to formally define "pedalcycles with electric assist" and sets specific rules for how local authorities can regulate them. It establishes that these vehicles must weigh no more than 100 pounds, have operable pedals, and be limited to speeds of 20 or 28 miles per hour, while explicitly excluding devices designed for people with disabilities. The legislation also creates a new category of fines for violations, increasing penalties for operating these e-bikes compared to standard bicycles, and grants local governments the power to restrict where these vehicles can be ridden on roads or sidewalks. However, the bill explicitly prohibits state or local officials from requiring owners to register, insure, or license these specific electric bicycles.

Maddy summaryHB 2146 modifies Pennsylvania's open meetings law to clarify when government agencies can take action on unlisted agenda items. It creates specific exceptions for minor administrative approvals that arise unexpectedly, such as urgent legal filings, small purchases under $10,000 (based on current thresholds), grant applications with deadlines, or minor permit approvals. Agencies must obtain and publicly disclose a legal opinion confirming an item qualifies under these exceptions before acting. This directly affects state and local agencies holding public meetings, ensuring transparency while allowing limited flexibility for time-sensitive matters. The bill does not change core meeting notice requirements but adds defined exceptions for minor, non-financial actions.

Maddy summaryHB 2687 amends Pennsylvania's Public Official Compensation Law to establish automatic annual salary increases for judges, the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, State Treasurer, Auditor General, Attorney General, public utility commissioners, department heads, and General Assembly members. The bill mandates that these raises, effective each January 1, be calculated using the lower of two inflation measures: the regional Consumer Price Index or the nationwide index for wage earners. Under this new system, the Supreme Court determines judicial raises, the Governor sets executive branch increases, and the legislative leaders calculate adjustments for lawmakers. The legislation also requires these salary changes to be published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin within a specific timeframe after the calculation is made.

Maddy summaryHB 1941 amends Pennsylvania's vehicle code to clarify that drivers must obey authorized personnel directing traffic, such as police officers or emergency responders. This directly affects all drivers operating vehicles in Pennsylvania when encountering such personnel. The key provision specifies that drivers must comply with directions given by these authorized individuals to ensure traffic safety during emergencies or traffic control. The bill aims to strengthen existing traffic laws by making the requirement for obedience explicit and enforceable.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania law to make it a crime to scatter various types of waste, including paper, grass clippings, glass, and other rubbish, onto roads, public lands, or into waterways. It directly affects anyone who deposits these materials in public spaces or on private property without permission. The legislation clarifies the specific items considered illegal to scatter and establishes the legal offense for doing so. The changes will become effective 60 days after the bill is passed.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution honors the life of Pennsylvania State Police Corporal Timothy J. O'Connor, Jr., who died in the line of duty in March 2026, and extends condolences to his family. The document details his 15-year career, numerous awards, and community service, while formally recognizing his sacrifice as the 105th state police officer to die in service. It directs that a copy of the resolution be presented to his wife, Casey O'Connor, as a gesture of respect and support.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates February 22, 2026, as "United States Men's and Women's Olympic Hockey Gold Medal Champions Day" to honor the state's hockey teams' achievements at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The resolution formally recognizes the athletes' gold medal victories and congratulates the teams on their performance, while also acknowledging the support of coaches, staff, and communities who contributed to their success. It is a commemorative measure intended to celebrate the accomplishments of the hockey teams rather than to change laws or policies.