Sen. Steve Santarsiero

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 88 recognizes the week of April 20 through 26, 2025, as "National Infertility Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania. This resolution aims to raise awareness about infertility, which affects many couples, and support efforts to remove barriers to care and reduce stigma.

Maddy summarySB 678 amends Pennsylvania's Wage Payment and Collection Law to establish specific liability for general contractors in the construction industry. It makes general contractors jointly responsible for violations of wage payment laws committed by subcontractors providing construction services. The bill also requires subcontractors to repay general contractors for these liabilities, including wages and fees, unless otherwise specified in their contract or if the general contractor caused the violation by not paying promptly. These changes apply to construction contracts entered into on or after the bill's effective date.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 676 amends the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law to regulate automatic renewal and continuous service offers made by businesses to consumers. It requires businesses to provide clear acknowledgments of terms, cancellation policies, and post-trial pricing, allowing consumers to retain this information. The bill also mandates that if an offer is accepted online, consumers must be able to cancel it exclusively online. Additionally, businesses must provide notice of any material changes to the offer and are prohibited from misrepresenting its terms. Violations of these provisions would be considered unfair or deceptive acts under existing law.

Maddy summarySB 19 proposes amendments to The Minimum Wage Act of 1968, directly affecting employees and employers across the state. The bill seeks to increase the minimum wage to $15 per hour starting January 1, 2026, with subsequent annual adjustments tied to the cost of living. It also revises rules for tipped employees, requiring their cash wage to be at least 70% of the minimum wage and clarifying that all gratuities are the property of the employee. Employers would be prohibited from deducting credit card processing fees from employee tips and must pay them by the next regular payday.

Maddy summarySB 668 is a Pennsylvania bill that requires individuals to present identification when purchasing firearm ammunition. Specifically, purchasers must show an official form of photographic identification, such as a driver's license or government photo ID. There is an exception for members of religious sects whose beliefs prohibit photographs, allowing them to use a valid-without-photo driver's license or other prescribed documents. Sellers who violate these provisions face fines ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 for repeat offenses, and a 30-day prohibition on ammunition sales for a third or subsequent violation.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 92 recognizes April 2025 as "Sikh Awareness and Appreciation Month" in Pennsylvania. This resolution aims to promote public understanding of the Sikh faith, acknowledge the contributions of the Sikh community, and combat anti-Sikh bigotry throughout the Commonwealth.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 661 establishes the Animal Cruelty Investigation Fund within the State Treasury. This fund is continuously appropriated to the Attorney General to support efforts against animal cruelty. The money will be used for training and equipping humane society police officers, developing investigation materials, and covering salaries and benefits for attorneys prosecuting animal cruelty cases. It also provides grants to animal shelters for investigations or other permissible expenses. The fund will be financed by a new $25 assessment imposed on individuals who violate animal cruelty laws.

Maddy summarySB 656 proposes changes to Pennsylvania's corporate net income tax, primarily affecting corporations that are part of a "unitary business," meaning a group of related companies operating as a single economic unit. Beginning after December 31, 2025, these businesses would calculate their taxable income based on the combined income of their U.S. operations ("water's-edge basis"). The bill also modifies rules for deductions related to intercompany dividends and addresses the treatment of intangible and interest expenses incurred in transactions between affiliated entities. Income for these unitary businesses would be apportioned to the state using a sales factor.

Maddy summarySB 650 amends Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to enhance child safety. It mandates that all child care centers and family child care homes install and maintain door safety guards. These guards must meet or exceed specific requirements set by the department to minimize the risk of harm or injury to children. This bill directly affects licensed child care facilities and will take effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summarySB 653 amends the state's Tax Reform Code concerning personal income tax. The bill allows employees to deduct certain education-related expenses from their taxable income. Specifically, expenses for higher education or career and technical education that are reimbursed by an employer can be deducted, but only if that reimbursement was reported as Federal taxable income. This change would apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.