Sen. Judy Schwank

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 27) directs Pennsylvania's Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study the feasibility of creating a no-fault catastrophic loss fund for birth-related neurological injury claims. The study would examine whether such a fund - paying claims without requiring proof of medical negligence - could help address high malpractice insurance costs for obstetric providers and reduce barriers to obstetric care in Pennsylvania, particularly in underserved areas. The committee must also analyze costs in other states with similar funds and consult with hospitals, providers, and patient advocates before reporting back within one year.

Maddy summarySB 181 amends Pennsylvania's Election Code to clarify how leftover campaign funds must be handled when a candidate or political committee ends its financial activity. It requires that residual funds be either used for election-related expenses, returned proportionally to contributors, or donated to a qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (with restrictions preventing donations to nonprofits connected to the candidate or their family). Candidates must submit a final report by January 31 each year. This directly affects candidates and political committees managing campaign finances. The bill provides specific rules for fund disposition without changing broader election procedures.

Maddy summarySB 831 modifies Pennsylvania's tax exemption for disabled veterans by expanding a property value reduction program. It provides tiered tax relief: veterans with a 10%+ service-connected disability (verified by the VA) receive $7,500 to $15,000 off their home's taxable value, depending on disability severity (10-29% to 70%+). This applies to veterans who own their primary residence solely, with a spouse, or as tenants by the entirety but do not qualify for the full exemption under existing law. The bill directly affects Pennsylvania veterans with military service-related disabilities who pay real estate taxes on their primary home.

Maddy summarySB 457 creates a loan program to provide financial assistance to Pennsylvania fire companies and EMS organizations for equipment, facility improvements, and related costs. The bill authorizes loans up to $750,000 for facility modernization or new construction, $750,000 for aerial firefighting apparatus, $200,000 for ambulances, and $75,000 for protective gear, with applicants required to contribute 20% of costs. Loans include a 2% interest rate, repayment terms up to 30 years, and require compliance with NFPA standards, including prohibitions on PFAS in protective equipment. The loan limits will automatically adjust annually based on inflation starting January 2027. This bill directly affects volunteer and community-based fire and EMS organizations seeking funding for operational needs.

Maddy summarySB 818 amends Pennsylvania's Keystone Opportunity Zone (KOZ) Act to add new requirements for businesses seeking tax benefits. It mandates that businesses making capital investments over $25,000 for facility construction, repair, or renovation must ensure 70% of workers are "skilled craft laborers" (as defined by apprenticeship completion or equivalent experience) and that all workers receive the state-mandated prevailing wage. Violations of these wage requirements - such as intentional nonpayment - require businesses to refund all tax benefits received for that year. This affects KOZ businesses pursuing tax exemptions, deductions, abatements, or credits, directly linking labor standards to tax incentives. The bill integrates Pennsylvania's prevailing wage laws into KOZ tax compliance, effective 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summarySB 817 amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to require businesses seeking tax incentives (like exemptions or credits) for construction projects to meet prevailing wage and apprenticeship standards. Specifically, businesses making capital investments over $25,000 for construction, reconstruction, or repair on property where they seek tax benefits must ensure 70% of workers are skilled craft laborers and all workers receive the state-set prevailing wage. Violations require the business to refund 100% of the tax benefit received for that year. This applies to construction work (excluding routine maintenance) and is enforced by the Department of Labor and Industry under existing prevailing wage laws.

Maddy summarySB 791 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to provide new methods for school districts that span multiple counties or municipalities to calculate and standardize property tax revenues. It directly affects these multi-jurisdictional school districts by offering four options to set uniform tax rates across counties, including using market value calculations or adhering to statewide assessment ratios. The key mechanisms include requiring tax ratios to be uniform across counties, allowing districts to select the lowest assessment ratio for consistency, or adopting uniform millage rates under specific conditions. This aims to simplify tax collection and ensure fair revenue distribution for districts operating across county lines.

Maddy summarySB 200 prohibits the possession, sale, or transfer of assault weapons and large capacity magazines in Pennsylvania, requiring current owners to either obtain a certificate from the Pennsylvania State Police within 180 days or surrender the weapons. To get a certificate, owners must pass background checks, provide weapon details, and meet secure storage requirements (e.g., locked containers or devices preventing discharge). The bill also establishes a Firearms and Ammunition Buyback Program and a related fund, though specific implementation details are not provided in the text. This directly affects individuals who currently own prohibited firearms, imposing new legal obligations for possession or surrender.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SR 115) designates June 2025 as "Dairy Month" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically recognizes the dairy industry's economic significance - supporting over 47,000 jobs and contributing $11.8 billion annually - to raise awareness of the industry's value and hardships while encouraging the purchase of Pennsylvania-produced dairy products. The resolution has no binding policy impact and serves purely as a ceremonial acknowledgment.

Maddy summarySB 150 amends Pennsylvania's Human Relations Act to expand anti-discrimination protections by adding "sexual orientation," "gender identity or expression," and "use of guide or support animals" (due to blindness, deafness, or disability) to the list of protected categories. It updates the law to prohibit discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations by employers, housing providers, and public spaces based on these newly covered characteristics. The bill also clarifies that religious organizations are generally exempt from certain provisions but must comply when discrimination relates to "race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin or non-job related handicap or disability." This amendment broadens the 1955 law's scope to align with evolving anti-discrimination standards.