Sen. Nick Miller

Maddy summarySB 422 requires Pennsylvania's Department of Education to select and provide a free supplemental mathematics program for kindergarten through grade five students in public and nonpublic schools (including private and parochial schools). The program must be self-directed, flexible, and designed to strengthen students' math fluency and problem-solving skills while allowing student ownership of learning and parental involvement. Schools can voluntarily adopt the program at no cost, and the Department must annually report on participation to the General Assembly. This bill amends the Public School Code to establish a standardized, free resource for early math education without altering existing curricula.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (not a law) that formally recognizes March 8, 2025, as "International Women's Day" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new policies, allocate funds, or directly affect any individuals or groups. The resolution expresses the Senate's support for the global observance of International Women's Day, highlighting women's achievements and the ongoing pursuit of gender equality. It serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment with no concrete policy changes or legal impact.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 29) formally recognizes January 2025 as "National Blood Donor Month" in Pennsylvania, aligning with a nationwide observance. It does not create new laws or obligations; it is a symbolic gesture by the Pennsylvania Senate to raise awareness about blood donation needs. The resolution highlights that January is a critical time for blood banks due to seasonal factors like holidays and weather, which increase demand while reducing donations. It directly affects no individuals or entities, serving only as a statement of support for blood donation efforts.

Maddy summarySB 38 amends Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to adopt the federal False Claims Act's framework, creating new provisions for holding entities accountable for submitting false claims to the state. It directly affects contractors, grantees, and healthcare providers receiving state funds who knowingly submit false information related to payments or property. Key mechanisms include triple damages for the Commonwealth, civil penalties, and "qui tam" lawsuits allowing private citizens to file claims on behalf of the state. The bill defines "false claims" broadly to cover any knowingly submitted false requests for money or property tied to state programs, with penalties applying to violations like concealing false information or failing to report errors.

Maddy summarySB 386 expands Pennsylvania's restrictions on foreign entities acquiring agricultural land, prohibiting entities from "countries of concern" (including China, Russia, Iran, and others) and foreign political parties from purchasing more than 100 acres of farmland, except through inheritance or as security for debt. It requires title companies to verify compliance, imposes $1,000 penalties for willful failures, and authorizes the Attorney General to investigate violations and seize illegally acquired land. Forfeited land must be sold at auction, with proceeds first covering sale costs and investigation expenses, then paying lienholders, and finally funding the state General Fund. The law defines "agricultural land" as land used for farming crops, livestock, or related products, excluding mineral rights or non-agricultural zoning.

Maddy summarySB 27 freezes the approval process for new cyber charter schools in Pennsylvania. It prohibits the state education department from reviewing or acting on any new applications for these schools from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2038, regardless of when the application was submitted. This directly affects potential new cyber charter school operators and the department’s application review process. Existing cyber charter schools are not impacted by this moratorium.

Maddy summarySB 390 creates a new grant program to provide operating assistance for public transportation in Pennsylvania counties experiencing population or employment growth. It directly affects county transit entities that currently receive state transportation grants under Sections 1513 or 1516. The bill allocates funds equally between counties with rising employment (using state labor data) and counties with rising population (using U.S. Census data), distributing grants based on each county's growth percentage over five years. Eligible entities can apply annually for proportional shares of available funds, with grants subject to the same rules as existing programs. The program requires no local match exceeding current standards under Section 1513.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 17-23, 2025, as "THON Week" in Pennsylvania to honor Penn State student volunteers involved in the IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon. It recognizes their work supporting pediatric cancer research and patient care through the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital. The resolution does not create new laws or alter funding; it is a ceremonial acknowledgment of the event's mission and impact. THON, a student-run philanthropy, has raised over $236 million since 1977 for childhood cancer support.

Maddy summarySB 359 amends Pennsylvania's State Highway Law to require the state to maintain all state highways within boroughs and incorporated towns (including smaller municipalities), funding these improvements from the Commonwealth. It specifically adds a new requirement for the state to construct and maintain drainage systems under roads in towns with populations of 2,500 or fewer, based on the latest federal census. The bill mandates these maintenance and drainage obligations at state expense, applying to both rural highways and those within smaller incorporated communities. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summarySB 338 requires water and wastewater utilities in Pennsylvania to hold a ratepayer vote before selling systems valued at $1 million or more, with the commission blocking approval if a majority disapproves. It creates a "water ratepayer bill of rights" mandating annual reports showing acquisition costs, rate changes, and subsidies for former municipal customers, plus annual water source notifications. The bill directly affects residential ratepayers and water utilities, requiring transparency about privatization impacts and service changes. Key provisions include mandatory public voting on utility sales, detailed annual reporting on acquisition costs, and requirements for notifying customers about water sources and land access rights.