Sen. Nick Miller

Maddy summarySB 699 amends Pennsylvania's Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act to add "linear generators" to the definitions of "alternative energy sources" and "tier I alternative energy source." The bill specifically defines linear generators as systems that convert linear motion directly into electricity without flames or sparks, are dispatchable across all power loads, and can operate on multiple fuels including renewable options like hydrogen and biogas. This change directly affects renewable energy producers and distributors who use this technology, expanding the eligible sources under the state's renewable energy requirements. The amendment takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summarySB 956 creates a new first-degree felony offense called "child torture" in Pennsylvania law for individuals who intentionally commit two or more specific abusive acts against a child under 18. The law defines child torture as causing serious injury, mental anguish in an especially depraved way, unreasonable confinement, forced positioning, or intentional failure to provide care. Conviction does not require expert testimony on mental anguish or proof of pain, though financial inability may be a defense for the care provision. This bill directly affects perpetrators of severe, repeated child abuse by establishing a distinct, serious criminal charge.

Maddy summarySB 946 adds tianeptine - a medication sometimes used for depression but with abuse risks - to Pennsylvania's Schedule II of controlled substances, placing it in a high-risk category due to its potential for abuse and dependence. The bill requires the Pennsylvania Department of Health to monitor tianeptine-related health issues (like overdoses, seizures, or withdrawal symptoms) by collecting data from hospitals, poison control centers, and law enforcement. It also empowers the department to issue public safety advisories and establish reporting rules for healthcare providers. This directly affects tianeptine users, healthcare facilities, and public health officials, focusing on tracking health impacts rather than restricting access immediately. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summarySB 951 modifies Pennsylvania's community college funding formula to prioritize enrollment in first responder training programs. It adds a new allocation method that counts students in credit first responder programs at 1.5 times their enrollment and noncredit programs at full value, distributing additional funds based on weighted enrollment across all colleges. This directly affects community colleges offering these programs and their students, as funding levels will depend on how many enroll in first responder training (both credit and noncredit courses). The bill changes how existing state funds are distributed rather than creating new funding, with the new formula applying starting in the 2025-2026 fiscal year.

Maddy summarySB 811 establishes Pennsylvania's SBIR/STTR Matching Funds Program to support small businesses with federal research grants. It provides state matching funds (up to $50,000) to Pennsylvania-based businesses that receive Phase I awards under the federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. To qualify, businesses must conduct at least 51% of their Phase II research in Pennsylvania, submit a Phase I report, and avoid duplicate state funding. The program aims to foster economic growth by helping small businesses advance federal-funded research projects.

Maddy summarySB 934 requires cyber charter schools and parents to notify a student's school district of residence within 10 days of enrollment and provide proof of residency by November 1 and March 1 each school year using a standardized form. If a school district disputes residency, the department must review the case within 15 days, and cyber charter schools must return funds to the district if a student is confirmed not to reside there. Homeless students are exempt from providing home address information under federal guidelines. This bill directly affects cyber charter schools, parents, and school districts in Pennsylvania by clarifying enrollment rules and dispute resolution processes.

Maddy summarySB 927 requires Pennsylvania cyber charter schools to conduct weekly real-time check-ins with each enrolled student to verify participation and ensure well-being. Specifically, schools must ensure students are visibly seen and communicated with by staff (via webcam or in person) at least once per week during instructional days. This applies only to cyber charter schools, not traditional public or brick-and-mortar schools. The requirement can be met during synchronous online classes when students turn on their webcams. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

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 summaryThis resolution (SR 130) condemns the antisemitic firebombing attack that occurred on June 1, 2025, in Boulder, Colorado, during a Run for Their Lives demonstration supporting Jewish hostages. It calls on Pennsylvania (referred to as "the Commonwealth") to address the rising trend of antisemitism, citing statistics showing Jewish people face 67% of religious hate crimes in the U.S. and a 344% increase in antisemitic incidents over five years. The resolution expresses solidarity with the Jewish community, thanks law enforcement for responding to hate incidents, and urges action to combat antisemitism statewide. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create new laws or funding but formally condemns the attack and advocates for community support.

Maddy summarySR 133 is a symbolic resolution designating July 21-25, 2025, as "Construction Opioid Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania. It directly encourages Pennsylvania's construction industry - including contractors, unions, and organizations like the Keystone Contractors Association - to promote awareness of opioid dangers and facilitate discussions during that week. The resolution references high overdose rates in construction (130.9 deaths per 100,000 workers in 2020) and urges existing efforts like educational toolkits, naloxone access, and "Drug Take Back" events. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or funding but formally recognizes the industry’s ongoing awareness initiatives.