Rep. Scott Barger

Maddy summaryHB 347 allows oil and gas companies to lease subsurface rights beneath Pennsylvania's state forests and parks for drilling, provided the drilling originates outside these areas. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) must review applications, with disapproval possible for environmental violations or projects causing significant harm, and companies can appeal denials to court. All lease revenue goes into the Oil and Gas Lease Fund, with upfront payments specifically directed to a restricted account funding stream maintenance and clearing projects. The bill also cancels prior executive orders and policies restricting such leasing on state lands.

Maddy summaryHB 247 amends Pennsylvania's eminent domain laws to improve notice procedures for property owners (condemnees) and government entities (condemnors). It requires certified mail with return receipt for all critical notices, including condemnation filings, viewer appointments, and hearing schedules, replacing previous "registered mail" standards. This ensures verifiable delivery of notices to property owners, mortgagees, and lienholders at least 30 days before hearings. The bill directly affects anyone involved in eminent domain proceedings, making the process more transparent and trackable. It takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 262 amends Pennsylvania's Public Employe Relations Act to strengthen rights for public-sector union members. It guarantees equal voting rights in unions, prohibits sudden fee increases without member approval (requiring secret ballot votes), and ensures members can pursue legal action or communicate with legislators without union restrictions. The bill also mandates that unions provide all members with copies of collective bargaining agreements upon request. These changes apply to most public employees (excluding police/firefighters under separate law) and take effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 263 amends Pennsylvania's Public Employe Relations Act to clarify union membership rules and expand rights for public employees. It defines "maintenance of membership" to allow employees to resign from a union 15 days before a contract expires, while prohibiting unions from restricting members' rights to speak, disassociate, or stop dues payments. The bill ensures all public employees - regardless of union membership - can attend contract ratification meetings, receive full financial transparency from unions, and access membership documents. It also creates a legal path for employees to seek court remedies if these rights are violated. This affects public employees and their unions across Pennsylvania state and local government workplaces.

Maddy summaryHB 236 amends Pennsylvania's obscenity law to explicitly exempt public libraries, school/university libraries, and state or municipal archives from the offense of displaying obscene materials. The bill updates Section 5903(j) of Title 18 to clarify that recognized historical societies, museums, public libraries, and educational institution libraries are not subject to these restrictions. This change directly affects libraries and archives operating under educational or governmental supervision by removing ambiguity about their legal protections. The amendment does not create new offenses but ensures these institutions can legally display materials as part of their public service.

Maddy summaryHB 188 amends Pennsylvania vehicle laws to allow tow trucks to transport emergency vehicles (specifically, a truck tractor with up to two trailers) without being restricted by standard length and weight limits. This exception applies only when towing for emergency service and directed by authorized personnel to a repair location, ensuring faster response during breakdowns. The bill directly affects tow truck operators by providing a clear legal pathway for emergency towing and benefits the public by reducing delays in critical situations. The changes take effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HB 122) prevents Pennsylvania state and local government entities from enforcing any rules, fees, taxes, or mandates issued by the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations (UN), or World Economic Forum (WEF). It directly affects all Pennsylvania agencies, municipalities, and government bodies by prohibiting them from implementing or enforcing any requirements from these international organizations. The law explicitly states these organizations "shall have no jurisdiction or power" within Pennsylvania, blocking enforcement of their policies by any state or local entity. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 112 amends Pennsylvania's Automobile Lemon Law to clarify which vehicles are covered under the law. It adds a new definition for "farm equipment" as new, unused vehicles exclusively designed for agricultural use (like planting or harvesting) that are registered in Pennsylvania. This change explicitly includes farm equipment under the definition of "new motor vehicle" in the law, ensuring these vehicles qualify for lemon law protections. The bill directly affects farmers and agricultural businesses purchasing or leasing such vehicles in Pennsylvania. The amendment takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 110 amends Pennsylvania's 1970 law to allow minors aged 18 or older to consent independently to mental health treatment without parental permission, raising the age from 14. It also clarifies that minors aged 18+ control their mental health treatment records, while parents or legal guardians retain full access to all medical, dental, and health records for minors under 18. The bill includes provisions for minors to revoke consent for treatment and requires court review if a minor objects to continued inpatient care. These changes directly affect minors seeking mental health services and their parents, streamlining consent processes while balancing minor autonomy with parental access.