Sen. Judy Schwank

Maddy summarySR 18 is a procedural resolution recognizing February 2025 as "Black History Month" in Pennsylvania. It formally honors the contributions of African Americans throughout Pennsylvania's history and aligns with the national observance established by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. The resolution does not create new laws or affect specific groups, but rather serves as an official acknowledgment by the Pennsylvania Senate. It follows the annual tradition of designating February for this observance, as established by the ASALH.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution symbolically recognizes February 15-22, 2025, as "National FFA Week" in Pennsylvania. It honors the Future Farmers of America (FFA) organization and its members participating in agricultural education programs statewide. The resolution has no legal effect but serves to acknowledge FFA's role in youth leadership development across Pennsylvania's agricultural education community.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 17) symbolically recognizes February 7, 2025, as "National Wear Red Day" in Pennsylvania. It highlights cardiovascular disease as the leading cause of death for women in the U.S. and promotes awareness of the American Heart Association's "Go Red for Women" campaign. The resolution urges Pennsylvanians to wear red on that date to support efforts combating heart disease and stroke in women. It does not create new laws or allocate funding, serving solely as a symbolic gesture to raise awareness.

Maddy summarySB 192 amends Pennsylvania's Election Code to improve voting access for two specific groups: homeless residents and individuals confined in correctional facilities for non-felony offenses (including misdemeanors, pretrial detainees, and those awaiting sentencing). It defines "homeless" using federal standards, allowing voters without a physical address to register using geographic descriptions like maps or coordinates. The bill also requires correctional facilities to designate staff to assist inmates with voter registration, absentee ballots, and civic education, while mandating data collection on inmate voting participation. These changes aim to streamline voting procedures for these populations without altering eligibility criteria.

Maddy summarySB 197 amends Pennsylvania's Physical Therapy Practice Act to create a "certificate of authorization" allowing licensed physical therapists to practice without a doctor's referral. To qualify, therapists must pass an exam on evaluative procedures, have two years of continuous practice, and maintain $1 million in professional liability insurance. This applies only to therapists meeting these specific requirements, not all physical therapists. The bill also updates continuing education rules, requiring 30 hours every two years (excluding office management courses) for license renewal.

Maddy summarySB 190 establishes Pennsylvania's Pharmaceutical Transparency Review Board to address high-cost prescription drug affordability. The Board, composed of appointed experts with strict conflict-of-interest rules, reviews prescription drugs and develops recommendations for residents, government agencies, health plans, and other stakeholders. It requires pharmaceutical manufacturers (those setting drug prices) to provide pricing data and mandates public meetings and transparency in the review process. The bill also creates a dedicated fund to support the Board's operations and sets penalties for noncompliance.

Maddy summarySB 136 replaces Pennsylvania's current process for temporarily transferring terminally ill inmates to hospitals or hospices with two new parole options. It eliminates the existing requirement for courts to approve transfers based on "clear and convincing proof" of terminal illness, risk factors, and facility agreements. Instead, the bill creates parole eligibility for inmates due to age or chronic illness, and establishes medical parole during public health emergencies like disease outbreaks. This change directly affects incarcerated individuals facing serious health conditions or age-related frailty, streamlining their release without requiring court petitions.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 13 designates January 27, 2025, as "International Holocaust Remembrance Day" in Pennsylvania. The resolution commemorates the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau on January 27, 1945, and aligns with the United Nations' annual observance of this day. It formally recognizes the Holocaust's historical significance and the importance of remembering its victims. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial declaration by the Pennsylvania Senate.

Maddy summarySB 178 amends Pennsylvania's investment divestment law to require state retirement funds (like the State Employees' Retirement System) to identify and potentially divest from companies that manufacture assault weapons. It defines "assault weapons" broadly (including certain rifles, pistols, and shotguns) and mandates that funds notify these manufacturers within 180 days if they continue such production, giving them time to commit to stopping. If manufacturers don't cease production, funds must sell all related investments within 26 months. The bill directly affects state pension fund portfolios and aims to align investment policies with firearm safety concerns.

Maddy summarySB 22 amends Pennsylvania's mental health laws to protect minors under age 16 on social media. It prohibits social media companies from intentionally causing minors to access harmful content that risks their physical or mental health, with penalties including fines. Companies must take "good faith" steps to block such content, and recovered damages from violations will fund mental health services for students. The law directly affects social media platforms operating in Pennsylvania and aims to address rising teen mental health concerns linked to social media use.