Sen. Maria Collett

Maddy summarySB 212 amends Pennsylvania's criminal code by redefining "serious provocation" in Title 18. It explicitly states that a victim's actual or perceived gender identity, sexual orientation, or unwanted romantic/sexual advances (including past relationships) cannot be considered serious provocation. This change affects defendants in violent crime cases who might claim "serious provocation" as a defense. The bill removes specific LGBTQ+-related scenarios from being used to justify violent acts under this legal defense.

Maddy summarySB 611 amends Pennsylvania's Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act by updating the definition of "hazardous substance" to explicitly include specific perfluorinated chemicals (like PFOA and PFOS) and their equivalents. This change directly affects entities responsible for cleaning up contaminated sites, as these newly listed chemicals will now trigger the Act's cleanup requirements. The bill also clarifies that petroleum, natural gas, and certain coal combustion wastes remain excluded from the definition. This definition update ensures consistent application of cleanup standards for these chemicals under the Act.

Maddy summarySB 488 allows 16- and 17-year-olds in Pennsylvania to preregister to vote, directly affecting young residents who will turn 18 before the next election. The bill requires the SURE voter registration system to track preregistrants and automatically activate their registration on their 18th birthday. It updates voter registration forms and materials to include clear information about preregistration eligibility and standard voting requirements. The law also specifies that commissions must cancel registrations for deceased individuals reported by the Department of Health within 60 days of death.

Maddy summarySB 173 extends Pennsylvania's veteran benefits and recognition to eligible veterans of the Republic of Korea Armed Forces who served during the Vietnam War (January 9, 1962 - May 7, 1975) and are recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under 38 U.S.C. § 109. It defines "eligible veteran of the Korean Armed Forces" as meeting these criteria and requires proof of service (like discharge papers or VA documentation) for benefits. The bill ensures these veterans receive the same rights, benefits, and privileges as Pennsylvania veterans of U.S. military forces. This policy change directly affects Korean veterans meeting the specific service period and VA recognition requirements.

Maddy summarySB 424 establishes minimum energy and water efficiency standards for specific products sold or installed in Pennsylvania, including commercial dishwashers, faucets, showerheads, water coolers, and certain lighting. It directly affects manufacturers, retailers, and businesses selling these products within the state. The bill requires products to meet defined efficiency levels and imposes penalties for non-compliance, while excluding items like used products, mobile home installations, and products sold outside Pennsylvania. Key provisions mandate compliance for 15 defined product categories, aiming to reduce energy/water waste and associated costs for consumers and businesses.

Maddy summarySB 458 amends Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law to clarify that certain personal notes and working papers are exempt from public disclosure. Specifically, it explicitly exempts notes used solely for personal purposes (like telephone message slips or routing slips) and materials created to accommodate disabilities (such as braille translations or large-print documents). This change affects public agencies responding to information requests under the law, ensuring these specific materials remain confidential. The bill does not alter broader access rights but refines existing exceptions to prevent confusion about what records must be disclosed. The amendment takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summarySB 437 amends Pennsylvania's Human Relations Act to require the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission to create a single online portal within 60 days. The portal must provide clear resources for individuals seeking legal name changes, including step-by-step guidance on court petitions, explanations of legal requirements (like court publication rules), and contact points for county courts. It specifically includes specialized support for individuals facing gender-based biases during the name change process, such as connecting them with experts on gender identity challenges. The bill also mandates training for judges and court staff on supporting transgender and gender-diverse individuals navigating name change procedures. This directly affects anyone in Pennsylvania seeking to legally change their name, particularly those encountering barriers related to gender identity.

Maddy summarySB 459 establishes Pennsylvania's Statewide Imagination Library Program, providing free monthly age-appropriate books to children under five years old in the state. The program is funded through a dedicated state account (using state funds, gifts, and federal dollars) and requires local partners to match funding dollar-for-dollar, with waivers possible for financial hardship. The Department of Education administers the program, coordinating with a nonprofit partner to manage book distribution, local program development, and public awareness. This directly affects eligible children and local community organizations participating in the initiative.

Maddy summarySB 434 repeals a specific section (§ 1704) of Pennsylvania's domestic relations law that previously declared marriage between same-sex couples void in the state and stated marriage must be between one man and one woman. The bill removes this legal provision but does not change current marriage laws or rights for same-sex couples in Pennsylvania. It directly affects the state's statutory code by eliminating an outdated policy statement about marriage. The bill is currently referred to the Judiciary committee for further consideration.

Maddy summarySB 441 redirects revenue from table game taxes (like those paid by casinos) from the General Fund to the Property Tax Relief Fund. This change affects table game operators who pay the tax and Pennsylvania residents who benefit from the Property Tax Relief Fund. The bill amends Section 13A62(b)(3) of the state code to require this new deposit method. It also repeals a conflicting section of the Tax Reform Code of 1971 to implement the change, effective 60 days after enactment.