Sen. Maria Collett

Maddy summarySB 1202 prohibits payment card networks (like Visa or Mastercard) from including sales tax amounts in credit or debit card processing fees. It specifically bans networks from charging fees based on the total transaction amount (including tax) and prevents them from circumventing this rule by increasing other fees. The bill also stops networks from charging merchants or consumers for disputed transactions until resolved, and prohibits penalties for merchants pricing items legally under state or federal law. This directly affects merchants who accept card payments and payment networks, requiring them to calculate fees without tax amounts. Violations would trigger penalties as outlined in the bill's enforcement section.

Maddy summaryPennsylvania's Senate introduced Resolution 225 condemning federal immigration officers' use of deadly force in incidents raising constitutional concerns, specifically referencing two fatal shootings in Minnesota (Renée Good on January 7, 2026, and Alex Pretti on January 24, 2026). The resolution demands impartial investigations into these incidents, calls for federal agencies to review and reform enforcement practices, and urges Congress to strengthen accountability measures. It affirms that constitutional rights apply to all people regardless of immigration status and emphasizes that public safety requires respect for civil liberties. The resolution serves as a formal statement from Pennsylvania's Senate to federal officials, not a binding law.

Maddy summarySB 1197 repeals a Pennsylvania law requiring life-sustaining treatment for pregnant patients who are incapacitated, even if they had a living will or health care directive opposing such treatment. It removes specific medical conditions that would allow withholding treatment (like not supporting fetal development) and eliminates the requirement that the state pay for such care. The bill adds optional language to living wills and health care powers of attorney, allowing individuals to specify pregnancy-related health care decisions if diagnosed as pregnant. This change affects pregnant patients unable to make their own health care decisions and their designated health care agents. The bill makes no new requirements but removes existing pregnancy-specific rules from advance care planning documents.

Maddy summarySB 1196 requires Pennsylvania's Medicaid program and commercial health insurers to treat non-opioid pain medications equally to opioid medications. Specifically, it prohibits Medicaid from labeling non-opioid drugs as "nonpreferred" when opioids are preferred and bans insurers from imposing stricter coverage rules, higher costs, or more restrictive prior authorization for non-opioid drugs compared to opioids. The law applies to all FDA-approved pain medications once approved, ensuring patients have equal access to non-opioid options without facing worse insurance terms than opioid alternatives. It takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summarySB 1158 prohibits the use of paraquat and its salts (including methyl viologen and paraquat bismethylsulfate) as pesticides in Pennsylvania. It amends the state's pesticide law to make it unlawful to use these chemicals, defined by their chemical identifier (CAS number 4685-14-7). This directly affects farmers, agricultural businesses, and pest control professionals who currently use paraquat for crop management or other purposes. The prohibition takes effect one year after enactment, replacing any conflicting regulations.

Maddy summarySB 1195 requires most health insurance plans in Pennsylvania to cover preventive services listed by the Insurance Department without cost-sharing (like copays or deductibles). It directly affects health insurers and enrollees (people with health insurance), excluding grandfathered plans (existing before 2010) and limited policies like dental-only or vision-only coverage. The bill establishes a "preventive services list" maintained by the Insurance Department, which can add or remove services after a public comment period. Insurers must cover all listed services without out-of-pocket costs for enrollees, with the department enforcing compliance and imposing penalties for violations.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 228) symbolically recognizes September 25, 2026, as "Chuseok" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws, programs, or funding; instead, it formally acknowledges Chuseok - a Korean harvest festival and cultural celebration - through a legislative resolution. The resolution highlights Chuseok's significance as a time for family gatherings, ancestor rituals, and honoring harvest traditions, such as sharing traditional foods like songpyeon. This recognition is intended to encourage Pennsylvanians to learn about and celebrate Korean cultural heritage. As a commemorative resolution, it has no direct legal or policy impact on individuals or communities.

Maddy summarySB 1159 would make it a minor criminal offense to organize, operate, or permit events where live pigeons are used as targets for shooting contests, such as events where pigeons are launched or presented to shooters from a fixed location. The law specifically targets these contests for amusement or skill in marksmanship, but excludes activities authorized under Pennsylvania's game laws (like hunting) or dog training programs. It also does not apply to events with special permits under existing regulations. The bill would take effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 2026 as "Senior Independence Month" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or allocate funding but formally recognizes older adults' contributions and calls for community engagement to support their independence. The resolution urges Pennsylvanians to promote programs that foster connections and provide resources for seniors. As a symbolic measure, it affects all Pennsylvania residents by encouraging awareness and participation in senior-focused activities during February 2026.

Maddy summarySB 116 allows high school juniors and seniors (age 16+) attending public or nonpublic schools in Pennsylvania to earn elective graduation credits for work at qualifying care facilities. Students may receive one elective credit for every 250 hours worked (up to a maximum of two credits) at a congregate care facility, such as a nursing home, personal care home, or assisted living residence. Schools must establish an application process requiring details like facility contact information, job description, and verified hours, and must approve applications before awarding credit. The bill directly affects students seeking to fulfill graduation requirements through work experience in healthcare or care settings.