Sen. Nikil Saval

Maddy summarySB 320 bans for-profit companies (including corporations, private equity firms, and investment banks) from owning or managing hospitals and health systems in Pennsylvania. It would prevent new for-profit ownership but allows existing for-profit hospitals and health systems to continue operating as they are. The law defines "for-profit entity" broadly and exempts current owners as of the law's effective date. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment, with no new for-profit acquisitions permitted after that date. This directly affects current and future hospital ownership structures in the state.

Maddy summarySB 351 mandates that health insurance policies in Pennsylvania providing pregnancy-related benefits must cover infertility treatment expenses, including IVF, embryo transfer, and artificial insemination. It applies to policies delivered, issued, or renewed in the state, requiring coverage for diagnosis and treatment while allowing limited restrictions like waiting periods (aligned with medical guidelines) or copayments not exceeding those for pregnancy benefits. The bill explicitly excludes coverage for infertility resulting from elective sterilization reversal and allows religious organizations to opt out of covering these procedures. This policy change directly affects insured individuals seeking fertility care and insurers offering pregnancy-related coverage in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summarySB 312 requires electricity customers who don’t sign a new contract with their current supplier before their existing agreement ends to automatically switch back to their local utility company (the default service provider) and pay the default rate. This directly affects residential and business electricity customers who fail to proactively choose a new supplier. The bill mandates that utility companies implement this automatic transition within 60 days of the law taking effect, as directed by the state utility commission. It clarifies the process for customers whose contracts expire without renewal, without changing electricity rates or creating new programs.

Maddy summarySB 321, the Mandatory Severance for Mass Layoffs Act, requires employers with 50+ employees to provide severance pay and advance notice when shutting down a facility, transferring operations, or laying off 50+ workers within 30 days. It mandates 90 days' notice (or federal requirements if longer) to employees, the state labor department, and local officials before such events. Severance pay equals one week of average pay per full year of employment, with an additional four weeks if notice is shorter than required. This applies to most full-time employees but excludes managers, temporary workers, and part-timers working under 20 hours weekly.

Maddy summarySB 346 establishes workplace health and safety standards specifically for public employees in Pennsylvania, including state, county, city, school, and local government workers. It creates the Pennsylvania Occupational Safety and Health Review Board to handle disputes, requires employers to provide hazard-free workplaces, and authorizes workplace inspections. The bill extends protections similar to federal OSHA standards (which currently cover private-sector workers) to public employees who are not already covered by federal rules. Key provisions include employer duties to eliminate recognized hazards, requirements for written hazard disclosures, and penalties for violations.

Maddy summarySB 342 creates the Pennsylvania Family and Medical Leave Act, providing eligible employees with up to six weeks of unpaid leave to care for a sibling, grandparent, or grandchild with a certified terminal illness. This applies only when the family member has no living spouse, children over 17, or parents under 65. The law builds on federal family leave protections but adds specific eligibility conditions for these family relationships. Employers must post a summary of the law, and employees can file complaints with the Department of Labor if denied leave under these provisions.

Maddy summarySB 316 amends Pennsylvania's Human Relations Act by clarifying key definitions related to employment protections. It explicitly excludes domestic workers employed casually in private homes and family members (parents, spouses, children) working for relatives from being classified as "employees" under the law. The bill also expands the definition of "independent contractor" to include licensed professionals (e.g., doctors, lawyers) and individuals covered by federal fair housing laws. These changes directly affect which workers are subject to the Act's anti-discrimination protections, particularly impacting domestic workers and family-based employment arrangements.

Maddy summarySB 334 modifies Pennsylvania's court cost and fine payment rules to prioritize financial ability over penalties for those unable to pay. It requires judges to hold hearings before imposing fines or jail time for nonpayment, then sets income-based installment plans (using 125%-200% of Federal poverty levels) or waivers for low-income defendants. The bill directly affects individuals facing court costs, fines, or driver's license suspensions due to unpaid citations. Key provisions include preventing jail time for nonpayment if a defendant proves financial hardship, capping monthly payments based on income, and waiving collection fees for those below poverty thresholds.

Maddy summarySB 257 requires hotels, motels, inns, and similar lodging establishments that use fossil-fuel heaters, fireplaces, or have attached garages to install and maintain operational carbon monoxide alarms near those hazards in all affected units. Owners must ensure alarms are centrally located, approved per existing standards, and properly maintained, including battery replacement. Failure to comply is a summary offense punishable by a fine of up to $50. The law applies immediately to all qualifying lodging establishments, excluding college dorms but covering most short-term rental properties.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Pennsylvania colleges and universities to install approved carbon monoxide alarms in student dormitories that use fossil fuel heaters (like gas or wood) or have attached garages. Specifically, alarms must be placed near heating sources and in every housing unit on the same floor, meeting national safety standards (ANSI/UL2034 or similar). Dormitory operators must maintain these alarms and replace batteries, with willful failure to comply punishable by a $50 fine. The law applies to all institutions of higher education in Pennsylvania, including public universities, community colleges, and private schools.