Sen. Scott Martin

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 312 designates the week of May 10 through 16, 2026, as National Hospital Week throughout Pennsylvania. This resolution directly affects hospitals, healthcare workers, and the general public by formally recognizing the contributions of medical facilities to the state's economy and community health. The bill includes provisions to thank frontline health workers and encourages residents to visit local hospitals to appreciate their services. It serves as a commemorative measure to highlight the role of hospitals in providing care, training professionals, and supporting local jobs.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's vehicle inspection rules by exempting the newest model year vehicles from emission testing for five years and removing the gas cap test requirement for cars manufactured without one. While these newer cars are waived from emission checks, they must still undergo visual inspections to ensure emissions control parts have not been tampered with. Additionally, the legislation directs the state to stop spending money on the enhanced emission inspection program in several specific counties and to submit a revised plan to the federal government proving those areas can still meet air quality standards without it.

Maddy summaryPennsylvania's SB 822 strengthens state preemption over local firearm regulations. It declares that state law exclusively governs all aspects of firearms, ammunition, and related items - including purchase, sale, possession, and transportation - nullifying any conflicting local ordinances, resolutions, or rules. The bill also creates a legal pathway for individuals or organizations adversely affected by local gun rules to seek court relief, including recovery of attorney fees and other costs if they successfully challenge such rules. This directly affects municipalities (cities, towns, counties) and residents or businesses operating under local firearm regulations that conflict with state law. The bill does not change existing firearm laws but explicitly prevents local governments from enacting stricter rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the maximum prison sentences for people convicted of attempting, conspiring, or soliciting murder, including the murder of unborn children and law enforcement officers. It establishes a 40-year maximum for these crimes when serious bodily injury occurs, and up to life imprisonment when serious bodily injury results specifically from attempts against law enforcement officers. Additionally, the law mandates a minimum 20-year prison sentence for anyone convicted of attempting, conspiring, or soliciting the murder of a law enforcement officer where serious bodily injury is caused, or for assaulting a law enforcement officer.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution officially designates the week of May 10 through 16, 2026, as "National Police Week" and May 4, 2026, as "Police Officers' Memorial Day" within Pennsylvania. The measure serves to formally recognize and honor law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty, specifically mentioning five officers who passed away in 2025. By adopting this resolution, the Pennsylvania Senate acknowledges the sacrifices made by police officers and aligns with a national observance that has been held annually since 1962.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally recognizes May 2026 as Older Americans Month within Pennsylvania to honor the contributions of seniors. The bill serves as a commemorative gesture that highlights the importance of health, wellness, and community support for older adults. It does not create any new laws or change existing policies, but rather expresses official appreciation for the aging population.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates May 2026 as "Myositis Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania to highlight a rare autoimmune disease that causes muscle inflammation and weakness. The bill directly affects the state legislature by formally acknowledging the condition, which impacts approximately 75,000 people across the United States and includes various forms such as dermatomyositis and polymyositis. By passing this resolution, the Senate aims to increase public understanding of the disease and show support for those living with it, without changing any laws or funding. The measure serves as a symbolic gesture to bring attention to the challenges faced by patients and their families during the specified month.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates the week of May 17 through 23, 2026, as "Emergency Medical Services Week" in Pennsylvania. The bill directly affects the state legislature and aims to recognize the work of emergency medical services providers, including first responders, paramedics, and volunteers. It does not create new laws or change policies but serves as a commemorative measure to highlight the importance of emergency care.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 299 designates May 14, 2026, as IgAN Awareness Day in Pennsylvania to highlight the importance of early detection and treatment for immunoglobulin A nephropathy, a rare form of kidney disease. The resolution aims to increase awareness among patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers about the challenges of diagnosing this condition and the need for better access to screening and care. By drawing attention to this specific health issue, the bill seeks to encourage efforts that improve policies for kidney disease management and support patients and their families.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution officially designates the week of May 6 through 12, 2026, as Nurses Week in Pennsylvania. The measure aims to recognize the contributions of the state's large nursing workforce, which includes over 240,000 registered nurses and other licensed practitioners. By aligning with National Nurses Week, the resolution highlights the critical role nurses play in the Commonwealth's healthcare delivery system.