A Resolution directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study as to the feasibility of establishing a no-fault catastrophic loss fund to provide payment for claims brought as the result of birth-related neurological injuries in Pennsylvania.
This Senate Resolution (SR 27) directs Pennsylvania's Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study the feasibility of creating a no-fault catastrophic loss fund for birth-related neurological injury claims. The study would examine whether such a fund - paying claims without requiring proof of medical negligence - could help address high malpractice insurance costs for obstetric providers and reduce barriers to obstetric care in Pennsylvania, particularly in underserved areas. The committee must also analyze costs in other states with similar funds and consult with hospitals, providers, and patient advocates before reporting back within one year.
Bill status
passed
3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
May 2025
Senate Passage
Jun 2025
House Passage
Governor
Introduced Feb 26, 2025
Last action Jun 4, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison
What changed between versions
Printer's No. PN0290
→
Printer's No. PN0866
·
4 edits
MODERATE
This bill was amended to expand its study requirements beyond just feasibility to include an analysis of both positive and negative impacts of a proposed no-fault catastrophic loss fund. The amendment also adds a specific requirement to study medical malpractice insurance premiums in other states that have implemented similar programs, and requires coordination with hospitals, healthcare providers, attorneys, and patients affected by malpractice claims.
Scope change
The bill's scope was expanded from a simple feasibility study to include broader impact analysis and comparative research with other states.
REQUIREMENT
Added requirement to study both positive and negative impacts of the proposed no-fault catastrophic loss fund, not just feasibility.
Added requirement to study medical malpractice insurance premiums in other states that have implemented similar no-fault catastrophic loss funds.
Added requirement for the committee to coordinate with hospitals, healthcare providers, attorney organizations, patients, and healthcare safety advocates who have been impacted by malpractice claims.
Modified the WHEREAS clause to specify that costs are high due to patient age, lifetime care needs, and injury severity.
Floor votes · Senate Jun 4, 2025
How they voted
49–0
Passed · 1 other
Total votes 50
Jun 4, 2025
D
Democratic23
95% Yea
R
Republican27
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
4
Key actions
2
Committee
2
Amendments
1
Jun 4, 2025
Upper · Passed
Adopted
upper
Jun 3, 2025
Introduced
Amended
upper
May 13, 2025
Upper · Passed
Reported as committed
upper
Feb 26, 2025
Committee
Referred to Banking & Insurance
upper
1 primary · 2 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Rosemary Brown
RRepublican
Co
Judy Schwank
DDemocratic
Co
Wayne Fontana
DDemocratic
Ask Maddy
·
AI policy assistant
Ask Maddy about SR 27
Scope: PA
Hi! I can help you understand SR 27. What would you like to know?
Try one of these
i
Maddy answers using official bill text and legislative records. Always verify before sharing.
Sources cited inline