Sen. Maria Collett

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution honors the life and legacy of Reverend Jesse Jackson, a prominent civil rights leader and activist who passed away in February 2026. The document outlines his significant contributions to social justice, including his work with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Operation Breadbasket, and Operation PUSH, as well as his role in organizing the Black Political Convention and his two presidential campaigns. The resolution serves as a formal acknowledgment of his impact on movements for racial equality, economic justice, and peace both domestically and internationally.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill updates the state's Computer Data Center Equipment Incentive Program by adding new eligibility requirements that will take effect on January 1, 2030. To qualify for tax incentives, data centers must purchase 100% of their electricity from renewable sources and demonstrate investments in environmental management and energy efficiency by meeting specific green building standards. The legislation also allows owners to separate facilities into multiple certified units and establishes procedures for notifying the state of compliance and revoking certifications if requirements are not met.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates May 2026 as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Awareness Month in Pennsylvania to highlight a group of genetic disorders affecting connective tissues. The measure aims to increase public understanding of the condition's symptoms, such as joint hypermobility and fragile skin, and to encourage better recognition and care for the estimated one in 5,000 people affected. By officially setting aside the month for awareness, the resolution seeks to draw attention to the need for accurate diagnosis and multidisciplinary medical support for individuals with this chronic condition.

Maddy summarySB 998 would create a grant program to fund expansions of nursing education programs at colleges and universities. It requires the Department of Community and Economic Development to administer grants for institutions aiming to increase nursing program capacity, directly affecting nursing schools and future nursing students. Key provisions include establishing grant criteria, application processes, and reporting requirements for funded programs. The bill is currently pending in the Appropriations committee after committee review.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally recognizes April 2026 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Pennsylvania to highlight the prevalence and impact of sexual violence. The bill includes background information on statistics regarding sexual assault and harassment, as well as the history of advocacy efforts in the state. It does not change any laws or policies but serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of the issue and support for survivors.

Maddy summarySB 1268 amends Pennsylvania's Labor Relations Act to clarify definitions of employees and independent contractors while introducing new rules for union elections and employer conduct. The bill requires employers to post notices about employee rights both physically and electronically and mandates the provision of detailed voter lists to labor organizations following union elections. Additionally, it designates specific actions as unfair labor practices, such as forcing employees to participate in employer-led campaigns unrelated to their job duties. These changes aim to standardize how labor disputes are managed and ensure clearer communication between employers and workers regarding their collective bargaining rights.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Municipalities Planning Code to standardize rules for accessory dwelling units (ADUs), which are secondary living spaces on single-family lots. It requires municipalities to allow at least one ADU per lot and sets a maximum size of 1,250 square feet or the size of the main home, whichever is smaller. The legislation restricts local governments from imposing certain barriers, such as requiring owner occupancy, mandating specific exterior designs, or charging additional fees for parking and impact. Additionally, the bill defines key terms like "gross floor area" and ensures that having an ADU does not reclassify a property as multifamily housing.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Data Center Fair Share Act, requires large data centers in Pennsylvania that consume significant amounts of electricity to negotiate binding agreements with local community organizations. These agreements must include specific, measurable benefits for the host community, such as job training or infrastructure support, and the bill also mandates that these facilities make financial contributions to help pay for local power grid upgrades. Additionally, the legislation creates a new fund to support low-income households with energy bills and directs state agencies to create temporary regulations within 120 days to enforce these new requirements on large energy users.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's existing Dog Law to create a new Lost and Found Dog Registry managed by the state Department of Agriculture. The registry will collect information about dogs reported as lost or found by residents or visitors to the Commonwealth, accessible through a 24-hour phone line and a free public website. Dog owners or individuals who find dogs can submit reports without fees, and the department will compile and share this information online to help reunite lost pets with their owners. The changes take effect 60 days after the bill is signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's vehicle laws to clarify definitions of speed-measuring technology, including LIDAR, RADAR, and other electronic devices, while establishing new rules for when local law enforcement can use these tools to enforce speed limits. It requires that convictions based on speed measurements from these devices only apply when the recorded speed is at least 10 miles per hour over the limit, or 6 miles per hour over if the limit exceeds 55 mph, with stricter rules applying in school zones and work zones. The legislation also mandates that local police departments must adopt ordinances authorizing RADAR use, that officers complete approved training before using these devices, and that they operate from clearly marked vehicles visible to the public. Additionally, the bill restricts the use of speed-measuring devices to time vehicles within 500 feet of certain speed limit signs, except in designated zones like school areas and work zones.