Sen. Scott Martin

Maddy summaryPennsylvania's Senate passed Resolution SR 46, petitioning Congress to end the biannual clock changes (spring forward/fall back) and establish a uniform year-round time system for all U.S. residents. The resolution specifically asks Congress to pass legislation making either standard time or daylight saving time permanent, eliminating the need for seasonal shifts. As a non-binding resolution, it does not change current law but requests federal action to resolve the conflict between state efforts and federal authority under 15 U.S.C. § 260a. The petition cites health, safety, and economic benefits of consistent time as rationale but focuses solely on requesting congressional action.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution (SR 73) designates the week of April 14-20, 2025, as "National Osteopathic Medicine Week" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically recognizes the contributions of doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs), who provide patient-centered care focusing on the whole person, and highlights Pennsylvania's role as a national leader in osteopathic medicine (with 10,078 DOs and three osteopathic medical colleges). The resolution encourages Pennsylvanians to support public awareness of osteopathic medicine but does not create new laws, funding, or obligations.

Maddy summarySB 170 provides funding for five Pennsylvania state-aided universities (Penn State, University of Pittsburgh, Temple, Lincoln, and the University of Pennsylvania) for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. It requires monthly payments based on estimated costs, mandates detailed expenditure reports to the state, and gives the Auditor General authority to review spending and disallow improper uses. Specific restrictions include banning University of Pittsburgh funds for environmental law clinic costs and requiring University of Pennsylvania to maintain certain board appointment conditions. The bill also sets financial reporting standards and allocates specific sums, such as $242 million for Penn State's general support.

Maddy summarySB 472 clarifies rules for deputy heads of Pennsylvania state departments. It limits deputy appointments to 90 days (unless a Senate nomination is pending), prohibits salary increases during designation, and requires deputies to testify before budget committees. This affects governors (who appoint deputies), department heads (who authorize deputies), and deputies themselves by setting specific terms and financial restrictions for temporary leadership roles. The bill does not create new policies but refines existing administrative procedures under the 1929 Administrative Code.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 64) designates April 15, 2025, as "Purple Up! for Military Kids Day" and April 2025 as "Month of the Military Child" in Pennsylvania. It encourages Pennsylvanians to wear purple on April 15, 2025, to show support for military-connected children - over 37,000 in Pennsylvania with at least one parent serving in the military. The resolution is symbolic, recognizing the challenges faced by military children during parental deployments, without creating new laws or funding. It directly affects military-connected children and communities statewide through a non-binding observance.

Maddy summarySB 471 requires Pennsylvania prosecutors to notify U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) if they learn during a criminal case that a defendant is not a U.S. citizen or is present in violation of immigration law (8 U.S.C. Ch. 12). This applies directly to criminal defendants whose citizenship status or immigration status is confirmed during proceedings. The key mechanism mandates that prosecutors must provide this notification "at any point during the course of a criminal proceeding" upon obtaining such information. The bill takes effect 60 days after passage, making it a procedural change for law enforcement coordination in criminal cases involving immigration status.

Maddy summaryThis resolution recognizes April 29, 2025, as "World Wish Day" in Pennsylvania to honor the Make-A-Wish Foundation's 45th anniversary and its work granting wishes to children with critical illnesses. It does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges the Foundation's impact, including over 700 wishes granted to Pennsylvania children in 2024. The resolution serves as a symbolic gesture supporting the Foundation's mission, which has granted over 585,000 wishes worldwide since 1980.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors Senator Mary Jo White's life and service in the Pennsylvania Senate, expressing condolences to her family. It recognizes her work on environmental policy, advocacy for women's rights, and her role as the first woman elected to Senate Republican leadership. The resolution serves as a formal tribute to her career and legacy without creating any new laws or policies.

Maddy summarySR 55 is a symbolic resolution designating April 2025 as "Pennsylvania Donate Life Month" to raise awareness about organ, tissue, and cornea donation. It does not create new laws or policies but commemorates Pennsylvania's donation efforts, citing that over 6,400 residents await transplants and 857 donors gave the gift of life in 2024. The resolution recognizes existing donor awareness work by state agencies and organizations like Gift of Life Donor Program. As a procedural resolution, it has no direct impact on individuals or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 29, 2025, as "Vietnam War Veterans Day" in Pennsylvania, aligning with the state's existing law (Act 124 of 2024) that requires annual recognition of this date. It directs the Governor to issue a proclamation encouraging public schools and educational institutions to observe the day by honoring Vietnam War veterans' service and sacrifices. The resolution does not create new rights or funding but formally recognizes the contributions of veterans who served between 1955 and 1975, including nearly 3,150 Pennsylvanians who died or were missing in action. This follows federal recognition established by the 2017 Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act.