Sen. Steve Santarsiero

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates May 8, 2026, as "Provider Appreciation Day" in Pennsylvania to honor child care providers for their contributions to families and communities. The measure does not change laws or create new programs; it simply sets aside a specific date to recognize the work of those who care for young children. By officially naming the day, the resolution aims to highlight the value of the child care workforce and the essential role these providers play in supporting working families and community growth.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Capital Facilities Debt Enabling Act to clarify what counts as a "redevelopment assistance capital project" and sets specific rules for funding such projects. It directly affects local governments and developers seeking state-backed financing for infrastructure and community improvements by defining eligible projects as those that boost employment, generate tax revenue, and involve at least 50% non-State funding. The legislation excludes major public works like highways and sewage facilities but includes stormwater systems, tunnels, roads, hospitals, and housing developments that support economic activity, provided the total project cost is at least $1 million. Additionally, the bill removes a previous provision that allowed up to $50 million of state funds to be used specifically for constructing housing units. These changes take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to expand a tax credit for employers who contribute money to employee child care. It directly affects businesses that provide child care funds to their staff by changing how much they can claim as a tax deduction. Under the new rules, employers will receive a 30% tax credit on contributions up to $500 per employee for the 2026 tax year, increasing to a 100% credit on contributions up to $10,000 per employee for years starting in 2027. The total amount of credits available statewide is capped at $10 million per fiscal year, and if demand exceeds this limit, the credits will be reduced proportionally among all eligible applicants.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution officially designates the Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope as the State Theater of Pennsylvania. The bill recognizes the venue's historic significance, noting its origins as a grist mill, its preservation in the 1930s, and its long-standing reputation as a major cultural institution that has hosted numerous renowned performers. By passing this resolution, the Pennsylvania Senate formally acknowledges the theater's role as a cornerstone of the state's performing arts tradition and its contribution to the Commonwealth's national profile.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Pennsylvania to join the Athletic Trainer Interstate Compact, allowing licensed athletic trainers to practice in other member states without obtaining separate licenses for each location. The legislation empowers the Governor and the Secretary of the Commonwealth to execute the agreement, which aims to improve public access to care, support military families, and reduce administrative burdens for professionals. Under the compact, a Pennsylvania athletic trainer with a valid, unencumbered license would receive a "compact privilege" to work in other participating states while still adhering to the patient's local laws and regulations. The agreement also establishes a commission to oversee the compact and facilitates the sharing of disciplinary and investigative information among member states to maintain public safety.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution honors the life and legacy of Reverend Jesse Jackson, a prominent civil rights leader and activist who passed away in February 2026. The document outlines his significant contributions to social justice, including his work with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Operation Breadbasket, and Operation PUSH, as well as his role in organizing the Black Political Convention and his two presidential campaigns. The resolution serves as a formal acknowledgment of his impact on movements for racial equality, economic justice, and peace both domestically and internationally.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates the week of April 26 through May 2, 2026, as "Jewish Day Schools Week" in Pennsylvania to recognize the state's 34 Jewish day schools. The measure expresses appreciation for these institutions, which educate over 440,000 Jewish Pennsylvanians and provide cultural and religious instruction. The resolution highlights the schools' role in fostering community, offering bilingual education, and connecting students to global Jewish networks. It also notes that these schools have produced notable alumni such as Seth Rogen and Natalie Portman. This is a ceremonial designation with no changes to laws or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires electric distribution companies in Pennsylvania to submit evidence showing how they plan to use advanced transmission technologies when applying to build new power lines. Under the new rules, proposed projects will only be approved if the commission determines that feasible and cost-effective technologies are used to achieve at least two specific goals, such as avoiding new construction, increasing system capacity, or reducing environmental impacts. The legislation also allows companies to recover any extra costs associated with these upgrades through approved tariffs and defines specific technologies like dynamic line rating and high-performance conductors.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill, SB 1300, amends the state's personal income tax code to allow tax-free withdrawals from certain retirement accounts for specific life events. It directly affects Pennsylvania residents who hold these accounts and plan to access funds for a child's birth or adoption or to purchase a first-time home. Under the new provisions, parents may withdraw up to $5,000 individually or $10,000 combined per child, while first-time homebuyers can withdraw up to $10,000. The legislation aligns state tax treatment with federal exemptions for these categories of early withdrawals. These tax exemptions will apply to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Chiropractic Practice Act to create a new certification program for chiropractic assistants. It directly affects individuals seeking to work as supportive staff in chiropractic offices by establishing specific eligibility requirements, including age, education, moral character checks, graduation from an approved program, and passing a state exam. The legislation outlines procedures for temporary certification, exam retakes, and the exclusive use of the "certified chiropractic assistant" title, while also defining the scope of work these assistants can perform under the direct supervision of a licensed chiropractor. Additionally, the bill mandates continuing education for renewal and sets rules for reinstating certifications that have been revoked.