Sen. Maria Collett

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 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 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 656 proposes changes to Pennsylvania's corporate net income tax, primarily affecting corporations that are part of a "unitary business," meaning a group of related companies operating as a single economic unit. Beginning after December 31, 2025, these businesses would calculate their taxable income based on the combined income of their U.S. operations ("water's-edge basis"). The bill also modifies rules for deductions related to intercompany dividends and addresses the treatment of intangible and interest expenses incurred in transactions between affiliated entities. Income for these unitary businesses would be apportioned to the state using a sales factor.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 646 establishes the Survivor-Centered, Accessible, Fair and Empowering Housing Trust Fund within the State Treasury. This fund aims to provide emergency, transitional, and permanent housing programs, along with support services, for victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, human trafficking, stalking, and their immediate family members. Funding for the trust fund will come from an initial transfer of $1,000,000, a new $10 fee on deed and mortgage filings, and optional $5 contributions during online driver's license or vehicle registration renewals. The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency will administer the fund to support housing stability for this target population.

Maddy summarySB 640 amends Pennsylvania's Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law to require that businesses selling event tickets, lodging, or food delivery services display the total price - including all mandatory fees - clearly and conspicuously when a consumer first views the product or service. This applies specifically to platforms like hotel booking sites, ticket resellers, and food delivery apps, but excludes direct restaurant deliveries. The law mandates that this total price must be visible before purchase, ensuring consumers see all costs upfront without hidden fees (except government taxes). The bill defines key terms for these platforms to clarify enforcement and aligns with existing consumer protection standards.

Maddy summarySB 627 requires law enforcement agencies, jails, and other entities responsible for individuals in custody to report deaths monthly to Pennsylvania's Commission on Crime and Delinquency. It also mandates that death certificates include a notation indicating if the death occurred in custody. Failure to report incurs a $1,000 daily penalty, and the Commission must submit annual compliance reports to the legislature. The bill establishes a Deaths in Custody Review Panel to analyze deaths and recommend prevention strategies.

Maddy summarySB 617 updates Pennsylvania's public assistance funding for intellectual disability and autism services by tying annual rate increases to regional cost-of-living changes. It requires the state Department of Human Services to adjust fee schedules for direct support professionals (who care for individuals with these conditions) each July 1, using the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) for the Pennsylvania-New Jersey-Delaware-Maryland area. This replaces prior methods for setting rates and aims to align payments with market conditions affecting service providers. The changes apply to all publicly funded services under the Human Services Code for individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism. The first adjustment would take effect July 1, 2025.