Sen. Judy Schwank

Maddy summaryPennsylvania's SB 768 requires firearm owners living with someone who cannot legally possess a firearm (such as a convicted felon or someone under a restraining order) to store their guns securely. This means using a lockable device, built-in firearm lock, or locked container - except when the gun is carried on the person or within immediate reach. Violating this rule is a minor offense for a first violation, a misdemeanor for repeat offenses, and a felony if the improperly stored gun is used in a crime causing injury or death. The law directly affects households with gun owners and prohibited individuals, aiming to prevent unauthorized access. It takes effect 60 days after passage.

Maddy summarySB 761 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to adjust fiscal year start dates for school districts and update collective bargaining timelines. It allows first-class school districts to choose between a January 1 or August 1 fiscal year start (previously only January 1), and permits second-, third-, and fourth-class districts to switch from an August 1 to a January 1 start. The bill also revises deadlines for mediation and fact-finding panels in labor disputes, aligning them with school districts' fiscal year ends (July 31 or December 31 instead of June 30). These changes directly affect all Pennsylvania public school districts and their collective bargaining processes.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill (SB 770) requires firearm owners to store guns securely on their premises if minors might access them without permission. It makes insecure storage a violation, with penalties ranging from a minor violation (first offense) to a felony (if the firearm is used in a crime causing death or injury). Key defenses include proving the gun was locked securely, the minor accessed it via unlawful entry, or the minor was under adult supervision during lawful activities like hunting. Retailers must post clear notices about these storage rules and penalties.

Maddy summarySB 180 replaces Pennsylvania's existing school lunch and breakfast reimbursement system with a Universal School Meal Program, requiring all public schools to provide meals to any student who requests one, regardless of their ability to pay or outstanding meal debt. The bill prohibits schools from stigmatizing students (e.g., via wristbands), denying activities or diplomas for unpaid meals, using collections agencies, or imposing penalties like interest or suspensions for meal debt. It also mandates schools to offer assistance with meal program applications to families in debt and directs communications about unpaid meals to parents/guardians instead of students. The program is funded through a new Universal School Meal Fund and an interfund transfer, eliminating the previous reimbursement structure.

Maddy summarySB 781 creates a new "mental health day" category allowing Pennsylvania students to miss school excused for mental or physical fatigue due to mental health needs, whether diagnosed (like anxiety or depression) or not (such as trauma from school incidents or academic stress). It permits up to two consecutive days per week for mental health days, with schools required to adopt policies by the 2026-2027 school year. The bill defines "uncertified" mental health needs broadly to include un-diagnosed stressors like grief, bullying, or burnout, while limiting additional days beyond the two-day weekly cap. The state department must develop model policies and guidelines within 90 days of the bill's effective date.

Maddy summarySB 759 requires all Pennsylvania public school buildings to install certified point-of-use filters on drinking water outlets by January 1, 2027, replacing older fountains without lead-reducing filters at a rate of at least one per 100 students/staff. It creates the Safe Schools Drinking Water Fund, providing up to $10 million annually for three years to help schools cover installation and replacement costs, with priority for pre-2014 buildings and those serving prekindergarten students. Schools must maintain filter schedules, post lead-risk information online, and report progress to state agencies, while new outlets must meet strict lead-leaching standards. The bill directly affects all public K-12 school entities in Pennsylvania, aiming to reduce lead exposure in drinking water.

Maddy summarySB 322 requires Pennsylvania's Department of Health and Attorney General to approve certain healthcare transactions exceeding $5 million that may harm public interest. It applies to sales, ownership changes, or large capital distributions involving hospitals, clinics, or healthcare providers. The law defines "against public interest" as actions reducing competition, raising costs, limiting access (especially in rural or low-income communities), or lowering care quality. Approval must be secured before such transactions proceed.

Maddy summarySB 760 requires all Pennsylvania public, charter, and private school buildings to test for radon gas starting in the 2026-2027 school year. If radon levels reach or exceed 4 picocuries per liter, schools must implement mitigation (like sealing foundations or installing vents) and retest until levels drop below that threshold. New schools must use radon-resistant construction techniques, and all testing/mitigation must be performed by certified professionals following specific standards. Results must be reported to school boards, parents' groups, teachers' unions, and state agencies within 60 days.

Maddy summarySB 749 requires Pennsylvania public schools to notify parents or guardians when students are involved in incidents that must be reported to the state, such as violence, weapon possession, or serious injuries occurring on school property, buses, or school activities. Schools must maintain current contact information for parents and use their preferred notification method (e.g., phone, email, text) when possible, with staff trained on identifying reportable incidents and procedures. Failure to comply could result in withheld state funding. The bill directly affects parents/guardians of students involved in these incidents and applies to all public school entities in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summarySB 447 requires health insurance policies in Pennsylvania to cover annual prostate cancer screenings with no out-of-pocket costs for men aged 40+ who are high-risk. High-risk status includes genetic factors, family history of prostate cancer (a first-degree relative diagnosed), or physician determination of medical need. The law mandates coverage for screenings like PSA tests and digital rectal exams, applying to policies filed or renewed 180 days after the law takes effect. It directly affects insured men meeting these criteria and insurance companies offering health coverage in Pennsylvania.