Sen. Steve Santarsiero

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (SR 36), not a law with policy changes. It formally recognizes March 2025 as "National Social Work Month" in Pennsylvania. The resolution honors social workers for their roles in crisis response, mental health care, supporting students during the pandemic, and advocating for policies like minimum wage and social safety nets. It does not create new laws, allocate funding, or directly affect specific groups - it simply urges Pennsylvanians to join in celebrating the profession.

Maddy summarySB 423 creates $1 annual fishing and hunting licenses for volunteer firefighters, volunteer special fire police officers, and volunteer emergency medical service technicians in Pennsylvania. It requires applicants to provide documentation proving 12 months of active, good-standing service in one of these roles. The bill amends existing statutes to establish these specific license exemptions, replacing standard fees with a flat $1 cost for qualifying residents. This directly affects volunteers in these emergency response roles who would otherwise pay higher standard license fees.

Maddy summarySB 422 requires Pennsylvania's Department of Education to select and provide a free supplemental mathematics program for kindergarten through grade five students in public and nonpublic schools (including private and parochial schools). The program must be self-directed, flexible, and designed to strengthen students' math fluency and problem-solving skills while allowing student ownership of learning and parental involvement. Schools can voluntarily adopt the program at no cost, and the Department must annually report on participation to the General Assembly. This bill amends the Public School Code to establish a standardized, free resource for early math education without altering existing curricula.

Maddy summarySB 388 proposes amending Pennsylvania's Constitution to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sex, race, ethnicity, color, religious creed, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, familial status, or disability. This would expand existing constitutional protections under Article I, Section 28 to cover these additional categories, ensuring equality of rights under the law for all Pennsylvanians. The bill requires the General Assembly to pass it twice before submitting the amendment to voters at the next qualifying election. As of March 6, 2025, the bill has only been referred to the State Government committee and remains in early legislative stages.

Maddy summarySB 389 amends Pennsylvania's Credit Services Act to prohibit credit services organizations from discriminating against applicants based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. Specifically, it bans denying credit, increasing fees, restricting credit amounts, or imposing different terms based on these characteristics. The bill allows organizations to still consider credit history and apply community property laws as permitted under existing rules. This change directly affects credit service providers and their customers in Pennsylvania, ensuring equal access to credit services.

Maddy summarySR 31 is a ceremonial resolution designating January 22-26, 2025, as "Gun Violence Survivors Week" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically recognizes individuals impacted by gun violence - including those wounded, threatened, or witnessing such incidents - and acknowledges the trauma and unmet needs they face, such as mental health support and financial assistance. The resolution does not create new laws or allocate funding but expresses state support for survivors and highlights the work of organizations like the EMIR Healing Center and Moms Demand Action. It is purely symbolic, aiming to raise awareness and show empathy for survivors across the Commonwealth.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 29) formally recognizes January 2025 as "National Blood Donor Month" in Pennsylvania, aligning with a nationwide observance. It does not create new laws or obligations; it is a symbolic gesture by the Pennsylvania Senate to raise awareness about blood donation needs. The resolution highlights that January is a critical time for blood banks due to seasonal factors like holidays and weather, which increase demand while reducing donations. It directly affects no individuals or entities, serving only as a statement of support for blood donation efforts.

Maddy summarySB 385 modifies Pennsylvania's domestic relations law to bar a spouse convicted of a personal injury crime against their partner from receiving spousal support or temporary alimony during divorce proceedings, unless the court finds a "manifest injustice" exists. This directly affects individuals in divorce cases where one partner has a criminal conviction for harming the other. The law requires courts to consider if there's a history of harassment or prior protection orders when determining if a "manifest injustice" exemption applies. Any spousal support paid after the injury but before the conviction can be recovered by the injured party through a court petition. The changes apply to cases filed 60 days after the law takes effect.

Maddy summarySB 393, the Senior Citizens' Property Tax Freeze Act, allows Pennsylvania residents aged 65+ who live on their property for at least five years and earn under $65,000 annually to freeze their real property tax increases. To qualify, applicants must submit a notarized form proving eligibility and submit annual income proof. The exemption ends if the property is sold or transferred (except to another eligible senior), and the state will reimburse local governments for lost tax revenue. The law applies starting January 1, 2026, and replaces conflicting existing laws. This directly affects qualifying seniors owning residential property in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summarySB 332 amends Pennsylvania's Election Code to change the date of the general primary election in presidential election years. Currently, the primary is held on the third Tuesday of March in such years, but this bill would move it to the fourth Tuesday of April. This change applies to general primaries starting in 2028 and affects how voters select candidates for statewide offices and the presidency. The bill directly impacts election scheduling for voters, candidates, and officials by altering the timing of primary elections.