Sen. Steve Santarsiero

Maddy summarySB 1121 amends Pennsylvania's Solid Waste Management Act (1980) to clarify that citizens can join legal actions enforcing waste regulations without needing to post a bond. This change directly affects Pennsylvania residents concerned about violations of waste management laws, allowing them to participate in court cases without financial barriers. The bill modifies Section 615 of the Act to explicitly state that citizens with environmental concerns may intervene in enforcement proceedings under sections 604 or 605. It does not alter the types of cases citizens can pursue, only streamlining their ability to join existing legal actions.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a bill with policy changes) introduced by Pennsylvania Senators in 2025. It formally recognizes the 250th anniversary of the United States Postal Service, highlighting its founding in 1775 and role in connecting communities, supporting jobs, and providing essential services. The resolution expresses support for maintaining USPS as a public institution and honors postal workers' contributions. It has no binding effect or policy impact, serving solely as a symbolic gesture of appreciation.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 1122) requires most health insurance policies sold in Pennsylvania to cover menopause treatment. Specifically, it mandates coverage for FDA-approved drugs, behavioral therapy, and post-hysterectomy menopause treatments under Section 635.11 of the Insurance Company Law. The requirement applies to standard health insurance policies (excluding dental, vision, workers' compensation, and similar limited-benefit plans) and takes effect 60 days after enactment, with most policies needing to comply within 180 days of the effective date. It does not alter existing cost-sharing rules like deductibles or copays.

Maddy summarySB 734 designates a specific location for a commemorative bell monument at the Pennsylvania State Capitol to mark the 250th anniversary of the U.S. founding, highlighting Pennsylvania's historical role. The bill requires the Department of General Services to prepare the site and take ownership of the monument after the America250PA Commission disbands, ensuring its long-term maintenance. This procedural bill does not create new policies or affect residents directly, but formally authorizes the monument's placement on Capitol grounds.

Maddy summarySB 176 amends Pennsylvania's Unemployment Compensation Law to create a new eligibility exception for individuals who leave work due to domestic violence threatening their safety or their family's safety. This directly affects domestic violence survivors who might otherwise be disqualified from unemployment benefits for voluntarily quitting or failing to attend work. The bill allows applicants to verify domestic violence through protective orders, professional statements, or a self-affirmation (with documentation required within 120 days), while ensuring all records remain confidential and cannot be disclosed to employers. The Department of Labor must expedite eligibility determinations for qualifying applicants and provide automatic relief from employer benefit charges.

Maddy summarySB 1112, the "Contraceptive Access for All Act," requires most health insurance plans in Pennsylvania - including Medicaid managed care plans and private health insurance - to cover all FDA-approved contraceptives without cost-sharing (like deductibles or copays). It specifically mandates coverage for prescription contraceptives, emergency contraception (like levonorgestrel), and over-the-counter oral contraceptives, and prohibits insurers from requiring prior authorization or step therapy for these items. The law applies to standard health insurance policies but excludes limited policies like dental, vision, or workers' compensation plans. It directly affects health insurers and managed care plans by requiring them to provide this coverage at no additional cost to enrollees.

Maddy summarySB 1102 creates a reimbursement program for Pennsylvania entities affected by a specific budget impasse period (July 1-November 12, 2025). It provides grants to eligible school districts, counties, human services providers, and other Commonwealth-funded organizations that received 2024-2025 fiscal year funding directly from the state. Eligible entities may receive reimbursement for documented financing costs or lost interest earnings directly tied to the budget delay. The Office of the Budget administers the program, with applications due within 90 days of the bill’s effective date, using funds from a newly established restricted account.

Maddy summarySB 1104 amends Pennsylvania's Election Code to adjust deadlines for reporting election spending by candidates and political committees. It requires statewide candidates to file two pre-election reports (50 days and 15 days before an election) and all other candidates to file one report (15 days before). The bill also replaces the previous per-day late filing fee with a flat $250 fee for any report filed after the deadline, which must be paid personally by the candidate or treasurer and cannot be covered by campaign funds. These changes apply to reports for elections held after the first primary, general, municipal, or special election following the bill's effective date (60 days after passage).

Maddy summarySB 1103 requires Pennsylvania public libraries and school libraries to adopt a policy against removing books or materials due to partisan or doctrinal disapproval to qualify for state aid, either by adopting the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights or creating a written policy. The bill prohibits public schools from removing required classroom materials or non-required materials (such as books for independent reading) for reasons including an author's race, gender identity, sexual orientation, political views, or content related to student educational needs. It specifically bans removals based on school board or complainant discomfort, personal morality, or religious views. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summarySB 88 amends Pennsylvania's Insurance Company Law to require health insurance plans sold in the state to cover specific breast imaging services without cost-sharing for policyholders. It mandates annual mammograms for women 40+ and physician-recommended mammograms for women under 40, plus MRI and other breast imaging for those at average or higher risk of breast cancer due to factors like family history, genetic mutations, or dense breast tissue. The law specifies coverage for screening, supplemental, and diagnostic exams but does not require coverage for mastectomies or override standard deductibles/copays beyond the minimum required services. This replaces prior requirements that allowed cost-sharing and excluded MRI coverage.