Sen. Judy Schwank

Maddy summarySB 1067 updates Pennsylvania law to allow schools, childcare centers, and other authorized public entities to keep epinephrine auto-injectors (like EpiPens) on hand for severe allergic reactions. It clarifies definitions of "authorized entities" and establishes procedures for these locations to stock, access, and use the devices without requiring individual prescriptions for each potential user. The bill directly affects facilities where people with allergies may be present, improving immediate response during emergencies. This change focuses on practical access to life-saving treatment in public settings.

Maddy summarySB 1065 amends Pennsylvania's business name requirements under Title 15 of the state statutes, updating how corporations and other entities must register or change their names. It specifically removes an existing regulation that previously governed business naming practices. This change directly affects businesses registering new names or modifying current names in Pennsylvania. The key mechanism is the update to statutory rules replacing the old regulation, streamlining the naming process for business entities.

Maddy summarySB 1059 would require employers to provide paid leave for employees experiencing a pregnancy loss, such as miscarriage or stillbirth, or related medical reasons. This bill would directly affect workers in the state who have a pregnancy loss by allowing them to take time off work with pay for this specific health event. The key provision establishes a new paid leave entitlement separate from existing family or medical leave policies. The bill was referred to the Labor & Industry committee on October 16, 2025, for further review.

Maddy summarySB 1052 establishes the Grandfamily Assistance Program and a dedicated fund to provide financial support to grandparents and other relatives raising grandchildren (referred to as "grandfamilies"). The bill directs the Department of Aging to administer the fund and provide grants to local area agencies on aging, which will deliver support services like counseling, respite care, and resource coordination to eligible grandfamilies. It creates a new state-funded program specifically targeting kinship caregivers who lack formal custody. The bill does not specify exact service details but mandates the Department of Aging to define eligibility and program implementation.

Maddy summarySB 1048 amends Pennsylvania's environmental permit process to specifically address areas designated as "environmental justice areas" - communities historically burdened by pollution. The bill requires state agencies to consider environmental justice impacts when reviewing and issuing permits for new or modified facilities in these areas. Key provisions include mandating additional public input and environmental assessments during permit applications within designated zones. This change directly affects developers seeking permits and residents in communities identified as environmental justice areas under state law. The bill aims to integrate equity considerations into routine permitting decisions.

Maddy summarySB 1047 would require an independent investigation into any use of deadly force by a police officer. The investigation must be conducted by a third-party entity separate from the officer's department to ensure impartiality. This applies to all law enforcement officers in the state and mandates this external review for every such incident. The key provision changes the standard procedure by removing the investigation from the involved department's control.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates October 13, 2025, as "Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania. It serves as a symbolic recognition to honor individuals affected by metastatic breast cancer and raise public awareness within the state, without creating new laws or allocating funding.

Maddy summarySB 955 creates a new mental health registration plate for Pennsylvania vehicles, featuring the Liberty Bell with a teal and purple ribbon and the phrase "Mental Health Matters." Vehicle owners (motorcycles, passenger cars, trucks under 14,000 pounds, or motor homes) can apply for this plate by paying a $42 fee, with $15 of that fee directed to a new Mental Health Restricted Account. This account, established under the bill, is specifically funded to support the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or its successor through the Department of Human Services. The bill directly affects vehicle owners seeking to display the plate and ensures dedicated funding for mental health crisis services.

Maddy summarySB 800 amends Pennsylvania's fish and boating laws to clarify how fees collected from fishing and boating activities fund specific conservation efforts. It adds provisions allowing the Fish Fund to cover expenses related to boats/boating that benefit fish and fishing, and the Boat Fund to cover expenses related to fish/fishing that benefit boats/boating. The bill requires the Fish and Boat Commission to track and report all spending under these new provisions annually to legislative committees by January 31. These changes ensure transparency in fund usage while directing resources toward overlapping conservation priorities for both fish and boating infrastructure.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a uniform $1.65 monthly surcharge for all 911 emergency communication services or prepaid wireless devices, paid by subscribers or consumers. Starting February 1, 2026, the surcharge increases to $2.20 and will adjust annually based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), using June-to-June comparisons. The adjustment rounds to the nearest cent and only increases if the CPI rises; if the CPI declines, the surcharge remains unchanged. The Pennsylvania Department of Health must publish annual adjustments in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. The surcharge is collected separately from existing provider fees for 911 services.