Sen. Nick Miller

Maddy summarySB 144 provides financial compensation to Pennsylvania veterans who served in the Global War on Terrorism (September 11, 2001-December 31, 2022) or their beneficiaries. Eligible veterans receive $1,000 for direct support (e.g., specific campaign medals) or $500 for general service, with $5,000 for deceased veterans or prisoners of war. To qualify, veterans must have been Pennsylvania legal residents during service or at death, and the program is funded through state bonds requiring voter approval. The bill also prohibits charging fees to assist veterans with applications and establishes funds to manage compensation payments.

Maddy summarySB 198 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring Pennsylvania to maintain state funding at 80% of the previous year's level if the annual budget (general appropriation bill) isn't approved by June 30. This directly affects the state government's budget process and fiscal operations. The key mechanism sets a fixed funding floor as a fallback if lawmakers miss the deadline, preventing a complete budget shutdown. The amendment must pass both legislative chambers and be approved by voters to take effect.

Maddy summarySB 195 creates new criminal offenses related to property occupancy and transactions in Pennsylvania. It defines unlawful possession of dwellings (e.g., entering with criminal intent or causing $1,000+ damage) as a felony of the third degree (§ 3601), and fraudulent sales/leases of residential property as a felony of the second degree (§ 3603). The bill also establishes a streamlined process for removing unauthorized occupants (defined as "squatters" without lease or authorization) via a sworn affidavit to law enforcement, requiring proof of notice and absence of litigation (Chapter 68A). These provisions directly affect individuals occupying properties without legal right and those engaging in deceptive property transactions.

Maddy summarySB 22 amends Pennsylvania's mental health laws to protect minors under age 16 on social media. It prohibits social media companies from intentionally causing minors to access harmful content that risks their physical or mental health, with penalties including fines. Companies must take "good faith" steps to block such content, and recovered damages from violations will fund mental health services for students. The law directly affects social media platforms operating in Pennsylvania and aims to address rising teen mental health concerns linked to social media use.

Maddy summarySB 84 requires Pennsylvania school entities (including districts, charter schools, and career centers) to conduct detailed facility condition assessments every seven years, starting in 2026. These assessments must cover building structural components, mechanical systems, safety features (like secure vestibules and escape routes), environmental hazards (asbestos, lead), and projected maintenance costs for seven years and facility improvements for five years. Schools that complete the assessments receive a 2% funding boost for grants, while those that fail to comply lose eligibility for certain state funding under the Fiscal Code and school construction programs. The bill defines key terms like "maintenance costs" and "total project costs" to standardize reporting requirements for facility management.

Maddy summaryThis bill bans health insurers in Pennsylvania from setting annual or lifetime dollar limits on essential medical services (like hospital care, surgery, and emergency treatment), affecting both in-network and out-of-network providers. It applies to individual and group health insurance policies, directly protecting enrollees from coverage caps on core benefits. Insurers must comply with these limits, with enforcement including fines up to $5,000 per violation. The law takes effect for policies filed with the Insurance Department after its effective date.

Maddy summarySB 51, the Health Insurance Core Benefits Coverage Act, requires Pennsylvania health insurance companies to cover specific core health benefits in both individual and group plans. It mandates coverage for 10 essential categories, including emergency services, mental health care, prescription drugs, hospitalization, preventive care, and pediatric services (like dental/vision for children). The law ensures plans are at least as comprehensive as those offered in 2018, with the Insurance Department allowed to adjust requirements through regulations. This directly affects insurers and policyholders by standardizing minimum coverage across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to change how Pennsylvania's Lieutenant Governor is elected. It would require voters to cast a single ballot for both Governor and Lieutenant Governor in the same election, with the Governor candidate selecting their Lieutenant Governor running mate before the election. The Lieutenant Governor would serve as Senate President with a tie-breaking vote (except on final bill passages). As a constitutional amendment, this change would need voter approval at the next general election following its passage by the legislature.

Maddy summarySB 50, the Health Insurance Access Protection Act, prohibits Pennsylvania insurers from denying coverage, charging higher premiums, or excluding benefits based on pre-existing conditions or health factors for individuals and small groups (2-50 people). It limits premium variations to age (max 3:1 ratio), location, family size, and tobacco use (max 1.5:1 ratio), requiring insurers to pool all enrollees in the individual and small group markets. The law also mandates that insurers cannot use health status to set rates or deny coverage, directly protecting people with chronic illnesses or past medical issues.

Maddy summarySB 117 amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to clarify who qualifies for historic preservation tax credits. It expands the definition of "qualified taxpayer" to explicitly include tax-exempt organizations (like 501(c)(3) nonprofits) that own historic properties, in addition to standard business entities. This change directly affects owners of historic structures seeking to claim existing tax credits under the code. The bill makes no new funding commitments but adjusts eligibility rules for current tax credit programs. It becomes effective 60 days after enactment.