Maddy summarySenate Bill 659 proposes to amend Pennsylvania's Oil and Gas statutes by requiring the installation of combustible gas detectors in various buildings. Owners of residential buildings, multifamily dwellings, dormitories, child-care facilities, and lodging establishments would need to install these detectors in rooms containing appliances fueled by propane, natural gas, or liquefied petroleum gas. Beginning January 1, 2026, this requirement would extend to assembly, business, and mercantile occupancy buildings. For residential rental units, the bill outlines responsibilities for landlords to provide and maintain detectors, and for tenants to report deficiencies and not disable the devices. The bill also imposes a penalty for non-compliance.
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Maddy summarySenate Resolution 88 recognizes the week of April 20 through 26, 2025, as "National Infertility Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania. This resolution aims to raise awareness about infertility, which affects many couples, and support efforts to remove barriers to care and reduce stigma.
Maddy summarySB 678 amends Pennsylvania's Wage Payment and Collection Law to establish specific liability for general contractors in the construction industry. It makes general contractors jointly responsible for violations of wage payment laws committed by subcontractors providing construction services. The bill also requires subcontractors to repay general contractors for these liabilities, including wages and fees, unless otherwise specified in their contract or if the general contractor caused the violation by not paying promptly. These changes apply to construction contracts entered into on or after the bill's effective date.
Maddy summarySB 684 amends Pennsylvania's Oil and Gas statutes to update provisions for notifying public and private drinking water systems about spills. The bill requires the Department to investigate spills upon receiving notification. After investigating, the Department must notify any public drinking water facility or private well owner that could be affected by the event. This notification must include a brief description of the spill and any expected impact on water quality.
Maddy summarySB 673 establishes a public tracking system for housing in Pennsylvania that receives government financial assistance. It requires the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) to create and maintain a publicly accessible, searchable online database. This database will include property addresses, anticipated termination dates for affordability restrictions, and information on potential extensions. PHFA must also submit annual reports to the Governor and General Assembly detailing properties with expiring affordability restrictions.
Maddy summarySenate Bill 676 amends the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law to regulate automatic renewal and continuous service offers made by businesses to consumers. It requires businesses to provide clear acknowledgments of terms, cancellation policies, and post-trial pricing, allowing consumers to retain this information. The bill also mandates that if an offer is accepted online, consumers must be able to cancel it exclusively online. Additionally, businesses must provide notice of any material changes to the offer and are prohibited from misrepresenting its terms. Violations of these provisions would be considered unfair or deceptive acts under existing law.
Maddy summarySB 677 amends Pennsylvania's public utility law regarding the sale of municipal water and wastewater systems. It requires municipalities to hold a public hearing and conduct a 60-day binding referendum process before selling these systems. During this period, ratepayers receive ballots and public notice detailing the proposed sale, price, and potential impacts on rates and services. The sale of a municipal water or wastewater system cannot be completed unless a majority of the affected ratepayers approve the acquisition.
Maddy summarySB 668 is a Pennsylvania bill that requires individuals to present identification when purchasing firearm ammunition. Specifically, purchasers must show an official form of photographic identification, such as a driver's license or government photo ID. There is an exception for members of religious sects whose beliefs prohibit photographs, allowing them to use a valid-without-photo driver's license or other prescribed documents. Sellers who violate these provisions face fines ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 for repeat offenses, and a 30-day prohibition on ammunition sales for a third or subsequent violation.
Maddy summarySenate Bill 661 establishes the Animal Cruelty Investigation Fund within the State Treasury. This fund is continuously appropriated to the Attorney General to support efforts against animal cruelty. The money will be used for training and equipping humane society police officers, developing investigation materials, and covering salaries and benefits for attorneys prosecuting animal cruelty cases. It also provides grants to animal shelters for investigations or other permissible expenses. The fund will be financed by a new $25 assessment imposed on individuals who violate animal cruelty laws.
Maddy summarySB 650 amends Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to enhance child safety. It mandates that all child care centers and family child care homes install and maintain door safety guards. These guards must meet or exceed specific requirements set by the department to minimize the risk of harm or injury to children. This bill directly affects licensed child care facilities and will take effect 60 days after enactment.