Maddy summarySenate Resolution 100 designates the week of May 4 through 10, 2025, as "Jewish Day Schools Week" in Pennsylvania. This resolution aims to recognize and express appreciation for Jewish day schools across the Commonwealth.
Maddy summarySenate Resolution 99 designates the week of May 6 through May 12, 2025, as "Nurses Week" in Pennsylvania. This resolution acknowledges the contributions of nurses to the Commonwealth's healthcare system.
Maddy summarySB 400 amends the Pennsylvania Election Code to permit "unenrolled electors" to vote in primary elections. An unenrolled elector is defined as a registered voter who has not selected a political party affiliation. The bill establishes a procedure where these electors can choose which political party's primary ballot they wish to cast at the polling place, without affecting their unenrolled status for future elections. It also directs state and county election officials to provide guidance, update voter registration materials, and modify election systems to facilitate this change.
Maddy summarySenate Bill 563 proposes to provide a new supplemental annuity for eligible retirees of both the Pennsylvania Public School Employees' Retirement System and the State Employees' Retirement System. Commencing July 1, 2025, individuals receiving a superannuation, withdrawal, or disability annuity who retired prior to July 2, 2001, will receive an additional monthly payment. The amount of this supplement will be a percentage of their July 1, 2025, monthly annuity, ranging from 10% to 20% based on their original retirement date. The Commonwealth will fund the additional liability for these benefits over a 10-year period, starting July 1, 2025.
Maddy summarySenate Bill 564 proposes to provide an additional monthly supplemental annuity to eligible retired public school employees and retired state government employees in Pennsylvania. For retired public school employees, these new payments would begin after July 1, 2025, while for retired state employees, they would commence after January 1, 2025. The amount of this supplement will be a percentage of their current monthly annuity, ranging from 15% to 24.5% based on their retirement date, with older retirees receiving a higher percentage. The bill specifies that eligible recipients must have retired before July 2, 2001, and not have certain service credits. The increased costs for these benefits will be funded by the Commonwealth over a ten-year period.
Maddy summarySB 648 establishes new requirements for hospital-based financial assistance programs for residents of Pennsylvania. It mandates the Department of Health to create uniform application forms, a one-page summary template for hospital eligibility policies, and a brief statement about financial assistance availability. Hospitals must post these forms and their full financial assistance policies online, provide the summary to patients upon intake and discharge, and include the brief statement on all billing and admission paperwork. Additionally, patients are not responsible for bills while their application is under review, and hospitals must submit their policies to the Department of Health for public display.
Maddy summarySR 95 is a resolution that officially recognizes the month of May 2025 as "Older Americans Month" in Pennsylvania. This action acknowledges the contributions of older adults and encourages a positive view of aging within the Commonwealth.
Maddy summarySenate Resolution 96 recognizes May 2025 as "Mental Health Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. This resolution also states the Senate's intent to pursue policies that promote mental health for all residents, aiming for parity with physical health in resources, education, treatment, and insurance coverage.
Maddy summarySB 21 amends Pennsylvania's Liquor Code, primarily by updating definitions for "eating place," "hotel," and "restaurant" to specify requirements for "substantial food offerings" and minimum seating capacities for venues holding liquor licenses. It also allows the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board to contract with more hearing examiners for license-related proceedings. The bill introduces provisions for failing to maintain licensure requirements and strengthens the review of State tax status for license applicants. These changes affect businesses that manufacture, sell, or serve alcoholic beverages in the state, as well as the administrative processes of the Liquor Control Board. It also updates appeals processes for various license decisions and imposes penalties.
Maddy summarySenate Resolution 91 designates May 2025 as "Lyme Disease and Tick-Borne Illness Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. This resolution aims to increase public awareness among Pennsylvania residents about the prevention, causes, effects, and treatment options for Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.
