Rep. Scott Barger

Maddy summaryHB 2599 amends Pennsylvania's firearm laws to require a valid license for anyone carrying a concealed firearm on their person or inside a vehicle, with specific exceptions for those who already hold a valid license from another state or the federal government. The bill establishes that carrying a concealed firearm without a license is a third-degree felony for those with a prior criminal record, while reducing the penalty to a first-degree misdemeanor for first-time offenders. It also clarifies that individuals must present their license or proof of eligibility to law enforcement upon request and sets the law into effect 60 days after passage.

Maddy summaryHB 1291 amends Pennsylvania's legal notices statute to clarify definitions and requirements for publishing legal notices. It updates terms like "advertisement" and "digital newspaper" to specify that legal notices must appear in newspapers of general circulation and prohibits unauthorized publications. The bill makes editorial changes to existing definitions without creating new requirements for publishers or government entities. This procedural update ensures consistency in how legal notices are published under current law.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Pennsylvania municipalities to voluntarily pause the review of new applications for high-impact data centers for up to 18 months. The measure is designed to give local governments time to assess infrastructure needs, such as water and electrical grid capacity, and to draft updated zoning rules before approving such facilities. While the moratorium blocks new filings and variances, it does not affect existing data centers or their routine maintenance, and it includes a process for applicants to request waivers if they face unique hardships. Municipalities must hold public hearings and make reasonable progress on planning studies during the pause, and the law clarifies that this temporary measure does not constitute a legal taking of property.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill repeals the existing tax incentive program for computer data center equipment and replaces it with a new system that transfers taxes collected from the sale of such equipment into a restricted account within the Motor License Fund. The legislation defines specific equipment and facilities that qualify for the transfer, including servers, cooling systems, and power management infrastructure used in data centers. By redirecting these funds, the bill aims to support the Motor License Fund without providing direct tax breaks to businesses or individuals.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Pennsylvania municipalities to update their planning and zoning laws to specifically regulate large commercial data centers, which are defined as facilities with a peak power demand of 25 megawatts or more. It requires local comprehensive plans to identify suitable sites near existing infrastructure while explicitly protecting prime agricultural land and areas under conservation easements from such development. Additionally, the legislation establishes minimum standards for any data center zoning, including mandatory setbacks of 2,500 feet from residential areas and 300 feet from public roads, along with rules for noise, lighting, water usage, and site restoration. Local governments retain the authority to adopt stricter regulations but must follow these baseline requirements if they choose to permit these facilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Commercial Data Center Transparency Act, requires large data centers in Pennsylvania to publicly disclose their energy, water, and noise impacts. It specifically targets facilities with a peak power demand of 25 megawatts or more, mandating that applicants reveal details in their permit applications regarding water usage, wastewater, air quality, and transportation needs. The law also obligates these facilities to report specific water consumption data to the Department of Environmental Protection if they use more than 100,000 gallons per day or consume 20,000 gallons daily. To ensure compliance, the bill imposes civil penalties on entities that knowingly fail to make required disclosures or submit false information.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires hyperscale data centers in Pennsylvania to build their own baseload power generation and pay for all costs to connect that power to the grid, regardless of distance. It mandates that electric distribution companies cooperate with these data centers by planning for their energy needs and prohibiting cross-subsidization of their rates with other customers. Additionally, the bill sets specific rules for long-term power contracts used by default service providers and gives the state commission authority to define what qualifies as a hyperscale data center.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to establish property tax relief for first responders in Pennsylvania who become disabled due to injuries or illnesses sustained while performing their official duties. The amendment would require the General Assembly to create uniform general laws providing these tax exemptions and special provisions for affected individuals. If passed by the legislature and approved by voters, this change would permanently modify the state constitution to ensure ongoing property tax relief for disabled first responders. The bill currently requires passage by the General Assembly and subsequent voter approval to become effective.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the Scarlet Tanager as Pennsylvania's official migratory bird, recognizing the species' importance to the state's natural heritage and ecosystems. The legislation formally acknowledges that Pennsylvania supports 17% of the global Scarlet Tanager population during breeding season and provides critical habitat in mature oak forests across the Commonwealth. By establishing this official designation, the bill aims to promote awareness of the bird's habitat needs and underscore the state's commitment to conservation and forest management. The act takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryHB 2251 amends Pennsylvania law to update reimbursement rules for municipal police training costs. It requires the state commission to reimburse municipalities for 60% of police officers' regular salaries during approved training and for the full cost of tuition, living, and travel expenses. Municipalities must provide documentation and undergo annual audits to qualify for reimbursement. Additionally, the law mandates that at least 25% of state funds for this purpose be allocated to townships and boroughs with populations under 20,000 residents.