Rep. Lee James

Maddy summaryHB 513 establishes Pennsylvania's official State Plane Coordinate System, standardizing how geographic locations are mapped and described across the state. It defines two layers: a statewide zone for broad government datasets and smaller regional zones for engineering or surveying projects, both based on the National Spatial Reference System. The bill requires all land descriptions, surveys, and maps using this system to specify the coordinate system, zone name, and geodetic datum source. It repeals Pennsylvania’s 1937 coordinate law to align with updated national standards, directly affecting surveyors, government agencies, and land developers who create or use official geographic documents.

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 summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Fiscal Code to create a disaster recovery grant program for fruit and vegetable growers affected by freeze events between April 1 and April 21, 2026. It allocates up to $20 million from previously set-aside funds for highly pathogenic avian influenza to assist growers of specialty crops, including pome and stone fruits, grapes, berries, and vegetables, who suffered production losses exceeding 30%. The legislation explicitly excludes costs already covered by federal funding, insurance, or other contracts from receiving these state grants and requires the Department of Agriculture to publish implementation guidelines within 90 days of the bill's effective date.

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 summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution urges the U.S. Congress to review the actions of Major Richard D. Winters during World War II and award him the Congressional Medal of Honor. The bill highlights Winters' leadership at Heteren Crossroads in Holland in 1944, where he led a small force against a larger German unit, resulting in significant enemy casualties and preventing an attack on American headquarters. By formally requesting this review, the resolution aims to recognize Winters' military service and the events depicted in the television series Band of Brothers.

Maddy summaryHB 158, the "Fairness in Women's Sports Act," requires public schools and colleges in Pennsylvania to explicitly designate athletic teams as male, female, or coed based on biological sex. It prohibits teams designated for females from allowing male students to participate and allows students who face denied opportunities or harm due to violations to sue for damages. Schools can also sue entities that punish them for following the law. The bill applies directly to all public school districts, colleges, and athletic programs covered under Pennsylvania's Public School Code.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific bridge carrying U.S. Route 22 in Cresson Township, Cambria County, as the PFC Stanley J. Lassak Memorial Bridge to honor a local veteran. The legislation officially names the structure after PFC Stanley J. Lassak, who served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was killed in a car accident in 1993. It requires the Department of Transportation to install and maintain signs displaying the new name for traffic traveling in both directions on the bridge. The act will take effect 60 days after being signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution designates September 27, 2026, as "Gold Star Mother's and Family's Day" within the state. The measure honors families of military service members who died in the line of duty, acknowledging the grief and sacrifice experienced by parents, siblings, and children. By setting a specific date, the bill aims to create an official day of recognition for these families, following the national tradition established by Congress and the White House.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution designates September 18, 2026, as "U.S. Air Force Birthday" within the state. The measure is a symbolic gesture that formally recognizes the anniversary of the Air Force's establishment as an independent military branch in 1947. It does not create new laws, allocate funding, or change any existing policies. The bill directly affects the Pennsylvania House of Representatives by adding a commemorative designation to the state record.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates rye whiskey as the official state spirit of Pennsylvania to honor its historical significance and support the local distilling industry. The legislation formally recognizes the beverage's role in the state's heritage and its contribution to agriculture and small businesses. It takes effect immediately upon passage without requiring additional regulatory changes.