Sen. Scott Martin

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week of August 17-23, 2025, as "Social Media Safety and Parental Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania. It aims to raise awareness about online child exploitation, citing statistics such as a 192% increase in online enticement cases (546,000 in 2024) and 1 in 5 teens experiencing sextortion. The resolution encourages educational programming and public awareness efforts to protect minors from social media risks as students return to school, without creating new laws or enforcement mechanisms. It is a non-binding symbolic gesture focused on community education, not a policy change.

Maddy summarySB 416 allows licensed organizations in Pennsylvania (like charities or community groups) to accept electronic payments - such as credit cards, debit cards, or mobile payments - for raffle tickets. It requires these organizations to verify buyers are at least 18 years old and comply with federal gambling laws. The bill specifically prohibits mobile payment services for certain gaming licensees under Chapter 9. It also removes an outdated regulation (61 Pa. Code § 901.506) that conflicted with these new payment rules.

Maddy summarySB 930 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to strengthen school safety and security systems. It establishes a School Safety and Security Committee, requires schools to appoint coordinators for safety planning, and mandates annual training for staff on topics like cyber safety, active shooter drills, and mental health awareness. The bill creates a grant program funding mental health services and cyber security measures (e.g., preventing data breaches), with funds restricted to these purposes. Schools must report safety meeting attendance and security personnel details annually, starting in 2026, to their boards of directors. These changes directly affect public school districts, charter schools, and their administrators.

Maddy summarySB 255 classifies "sexual assault by sports official, volunteer or employee of nonprofit association" (18 Pa.C.S. § 3124.3) as a Tier II sexual offense under Pennsylvania sentencing law. This change directly affects individuals convicted of this specific type of sexual assault who work in sports organizations or nonprofit settings. Tier II classification requires longer mandatory registration periods and stricter supervision for offenders. The bill amends Title 42 of Pennsylvania law to add this offense to the existing Tier II list, effective immediately upon the Governor's approval on June 30, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 527 amends Pennsylvania's 1965 Local Tax Enabling Act to establish new rules for cities of the first class (like Philadelphia). It prohibits these cities from taxing salaries, wages, or commissions earned by nonresident workers who perform all duties outside city limits, and limits taxation to work done within the city. The bill requires the state to deduct city taxes from public employees' pay and remit them to the city, while also creating a reimbursement process for non-resident workers who overpay city taxes on income earned within the city. These changes directly affect cities, nonresident workers, and public employers in first-class cities.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 129) honors the late Pennsylvania State Representative Matthew R. Gergely and expresses condolences to his family following his death. It formally recognizes his life, career in McKeesport (including roles as City Administrator and Chief Revenue Officer), and service as a state representative for the 35th district. The resolution, adopted on June 23, 2025, directs the Senate to convey these condolences to his wife, children, and other surviving family members. It does not create any new policy or affect any laws.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates June 23, 2025, as "Dravet Syndrome Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania. It formally recognizes Dravet syndrome - a rare, severe form of epilepsy affecting infants and children - and aims to raise public awareness about the condition. The resolution urges Pennsylvanians to learn about Dravet syndrome and support affected families, though it has no legal effect or funding provisions. It directly affects individuals and families living with Dravet syndrome, which impacts approximately 1 in 15,700 people and requires intensive care. The resolution aligns with International Dravet Syndrome Awareness Day but is purely ceremonial.

Maddy summarySB 311 prohibits Pennsylvania municipalities from adopting policies that restrict or block utility connections based on the energy source (e.g., electric, natural gas, renewable). It directly affects local governments, residents, and businesses by ensuring they can choose any authorized utility provider without discrimination. Key provisions ban municipal rules that prevent connection to specific energy sources or favor certain providers, while allowing municipalities to manage their own utilities or pursue renewable energy for public operations. The law takes effect 60 days after passage and clarifies that zoning or land-use decisions do not override consumer choice in utility services.

Maddy summarySB 333 amends Pennsylvania's Regulatory Review Act to strengthen oversight of significant regulations. It defines "economically significant regulations" as those likely to cost $1 million or more annually across state, local, or private sectors. The bill requires agencies to submit detailed cost analyses for all proposed regulations, mandates public hearings for economically significant rules, and extends committee review periods (up to 14 days) for such regulations. These changes directly affect state agencies drafting rules, legislative committees reviewing them, and the Independent Regulatory Review Commission. The law aims to improve transparency around regulatory costs without altering the core process for standard regulations.

Maddy summarySB 444 amends Pennsylvania's Regulatory Review Act to clarify how state agencies must review existing regulations. It defines "economically significant regulation" as one costing over $1 million annually to the state, local governments, or private businesses. The bill requires agencies to submit detailed reports after three years on such regulations, including cost impacts, public feedback, effectiveness, and efficiency measures. These reports trigger a 30-day public comment period and a commission review to determine if the regulation remains in the public interest. This directly affects state agencies creating regulations and businesses subject to those rules.