Rep. Marty Causer

Maddy summaryHB 2087 amends Pennsylvania's Workers' Compensation Act to extend coverage to volunteer firefighters, ambulance corps members, and rescue squad volunteers who provide regular operational support (such as fundraising, equipment maintenance, or administrative tasks) but do not respond to emergency calls. The bill adds these volunteers to the definition of "employe" under the act, requiring such support to be conducted regularly and approved by the municipality. It explicitly excludes social members who are not involved in operational duties. This change ensures these volunteers can receive workers' compensation for work-related injuries sustained while performing their support roles. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows minors aged 14 and older to participate in training and emergency service activities for volunteer organizations like fire and rescue companies, provided they follow specific safety rules. It sets age-based restrictions, such as prohibiting minors under 16 from operating heavy machinery or entering burning structures, while permitting those 16 and older to engage in firefighting under direct supervision and proper training. Additionally, the law limits activities for younger minors between 13 and 16 to non-hazardous tasks like first aid, cleanup, and serving food, and includes provisions for minors who are also employed to answer fire calls.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania vehicle laws to clarify rules for organized motorcycle processions and funerals. It allows drivers in these groups to ignore red lights and stop signs if the lead vehicle proceeds legally, provided they use emergency flashers and headlamps. The legislation also defines specific requirements for organized motorcycle processions, such as having at least 10 participants, being sponsored by a nonprofit, and wearing reflective vests. Additionally, it ensures that vehicles in caravans or motorcades outside urban areas must maintain safe distances to allow other cars to merge safely.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands death benefit eligibility under Pennsylvania's Emergency and Law Enforcement Personnel Death Benefits Act to include telecommunicators, who are now formally recognized as covered personnel alongside firefighters, law enforcement officers, and other first responders. The legislation adds telecommunicators to the list of individuals presumed to have died in the line of duty if they suffer a fatal heart attack or stroke while on duty or within 24 hours of responding to an emergency. It also clarifies that telecommunicators are considered to be acting in the performance of their duties when following 911 emergency communication service protocols, ensuring they receive the same death benefits as other covered emergency personnel.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 8, 2026, as "THON Day" in Pennsylvania to honor a student-run fundraising event at Pennsylvania State University that raises money to fight pediatric cancer. The resolution recognizes the event's efforts to support Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Golisano Children's Hospital, which provides treatment, research, and family support for children with cancer. It highlights the significant contributions of over 16,500 volunteers and the millions of dollars raised through the 46-hour dance marathon. The measure serves as a formal acknowledgment of the event's impact and the dedication of the students and organizations involved.

Maddy summaryHR 362 is a procedural resolution that directs the House to discharge the Committee on Education from further consideration of House Bill 158, allowing HB 158 to move directly to the full House floor for a vote. This action bypasses the committee's review process, which typically requires committee approval before a bill can be debated on the floor. The resolution was placed on the calendar under Rule 53 on October 29, 2025, signaling it will now proceed to a floor vote. This change affects the legislative workflow for HB 158 but does not alter the content or policy of HB 158 itself.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Pharmacy Audit Integrity and Transparency Act to update definitions for "specialty drug" and "spread pricing" while establishing a new role for a State pharmacy benefits manager. The updated definitions clarify which prescription medications qualify as specialty drugs based on cost, handling requirements, and patient needs, while defining spread pricing as when a pharmacy benefits manager charges more than it pays pharmacists. The bill requires the Department of Human Services to select a single third-party administrator to manage all pharmacy benefits for Medicaid recipients by July 2026, ensuring all managed care organizations contract with this designated manager. The procurement process mandates competitive selection with strict conflict-of-interest disclosures to prevent conflicts between the manager and other healthcare entities like pharmacies, drug distributors, or managed care organizations.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific stretch of Pennsylvania Route 405 in Northumberland County as the PFC Richard F. "Ricky" Ritter Memorial Highway in honor of a local Marine who died in Vietnam. The legislation requires the Department of Transportation to install and maintain signs displaying the memorial name along the designated roadway. The act also includes background information about Ritter, noting his birth in Williamsport, his service in the Marine Corps, and the Purple Heart he received posthumously. This is a commemorative measure that does not alter traffic laws or funding but serves to recognize a fallen service member.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the week of April 12 through 18, 2026, as "National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week" in Pennsylvania. It directly honors 911 dispatchers and public safety telecommunicators who coordinate emergency responses for medical, fire, and police services. The resolution acknowledges the critical role these professionals play as the first point of contact for residents during emergencies. This is a commemorative measure that recognizes the diligence and professionalism of these workers without changing any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryHB 2235 creates a nonrefundable Pennsylvania tax credit of up to $6,000 annually for qualified firefighters and emergency medical service (EMS) providers. It directly affects individuals who are active volunteers or employees of career/volunteer fire companies, EMS companies, or rescue services as defined under Pennsylvania law. The credit applies to the year a person becomes qualified plus the next five consecutive tax years (2027-2031), and must be claimed on tax returns with proof of eligibility. The credit expires December 31, 2037, and cannot be carried over, sold, or transferred.