Sen. Nick Miller

Maddy summarySB 1129 amends Pennsylvania's Underground Utility Line Protection Law by updating the definition of "line" or "facility" to explicitly include unconventional oil and gas well production lines, gathering lines, and steam pipelines in public rights-of-way. It clarifies that these additions apply regardless of land ownership or easements, while specifying that stripper well lines are excluded unless they meet specific federal pipeline safety standards. The bill directly affects utility companies, construction crews, and excavation workers who must follow damage prevention rules for underground infrastructure. This definition update ensures clearer coverage for modern utility systems during excavation projects.

Maddy summarySB 1130 amends Pennsylvania's Public Utility Confidential Security Information Disclosure Protection Act to clarify when public utilities' security information can be shared for construction or renovation projects involving public buildings. It adds an exception allowing agencies to disclose such information (after notifying the utility) for these specific construction purposes, without triggering the act's disclosure prohibition or making the information subject to public disclosure under the Right-to-Know Law. The bill directly affects public utilities, government agencies, and construction entities working on public projects. This change ensures security details remain protected while enabling necessary project work without unintended public release.

Maddy summaryPennsylvania's SB 1128 (the Fuel Gas Detector Act) requires owners of residential buildings (including rentals), multifamily homes, and commercial buildings to install and maintain fuel gas detectors in rooms with gas appliances or leak-prone areas. Owners must install detectors within 30 days of occupancy or property transfer, meeting NFPA 715 and UL standards, while landlords must ensure detectors are working for tenants and tenants must maintain batteries and test them. Violations carry civil penalties of up to $500 per offense, enforceable by municipalities through inspections. The law takes effect January 1, 2027, and applies to all new installations or transfers after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a regulatory framework for geothermal energy development in Pennsylvania. It creates the Geothermal Energy Development Fund to support projects, requires the Department of Environmental Protection to promulgate regulations for geothermal operations, and defines key terms like "geothermal resource" and "geothermal well." The law directly affects developers seeking to extract geothermal energy (heat from the earth), landowners with geothermal resources, and the Department of Environmental Protection, which gains new duties to oversee projects. Key provisions include requiring permits for geothermal projects, setting liability rules for well operators, and imposing civil penalties for violations of the regulations.

Maddy summarySB 1087 creates a mileage-based road user charge for electric vehicles (EVs) in Pennsylvania, replacing the current gas tax for EVs. It specifically exempts military personnel on active duty stationed outside Pennsylvania from this charge during their overseas assignment. The bill also establishes a refund process for EV owners who qualify for the military exemption, allowing them to apply for reimbursement of charges paid during their eligible overseas duty period. This policy directly affects EV owners who are military members stationed out of state, adjusting their tax obligations based on residency during service.

Maddy summarySB 1076, the Local Hire Act, requires at least 50% of workers on public works projects costing over $500,000 to be hired from the local labor market (defined as Pennsylvania counties and adjacent bordering counties). Employers unable to meet this requirement must post job openings on PA CareerLink® for three business days; if no qualified local applicants are found, they may obtain a waiver but must contribute to a training fund based on the collective bargaining agreement for each waived position. The Department of Labor and Industry oversees the waiver process and enforces penalties for non-compliance. This law applies to contractors working on state or local government construction, repair, or alteration projects (excluding maintenance work).

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania Senate resolution (SR 206) designates the week of January 18-25, 2026, as "Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Holiday Week" in the state. It is a commemorative resolution with no binding requirements, urging Pennsylvanians to reflect on Dr. King's legacy and commitment to equality during that week. The resolution does not create new laws or affect specific groups, as it solely serves to honor Dr. King's historical contributions.

Maddy summarySB 1126 requires most health insurance plans in Pennsylvania to cover at least two epinephrine delivery systems (such as EpiPens for severe allergic reactions) per year at a maximum annual cost of $35, regardless of the insured's deductible or other cost-sharing. This applies to individual and group health insurance policies, as well as certain nonprofit health plans. The Attorney General must investigate epinephrine drug pricing and submit a public report to the legislature within one year. The bill also allows plans to reduce cost-sharing below $35 and applies to high deductible and catastrophic health plans where permitted by federal law.

Maddy summarySB 734 designates a specific location for a commemorative bell monument at the Pennsylvania State Capitol to mark the 250th anniversary of the U.S. founding, highlighting Pennsylvania's historical role. The bill requires the Department of General Services to prepare the site and take ownership of the monument after the America250PA Commission disbands, ensuring its long-term maintenance. This procedural bill does not create new policies or affect residents directly, but formally authorizes the monument's placement on Capitol grounds.

Maddy summarySB 1019 amends Pennsylvania's Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act to clarify rules for small-scale renewable energy systems owned by residents and businesses (known as "customer-generators"). It sets specific capacity limits (50 kilowatts for residential systems, 3,000 kilowatts for non-residential locations) and requires that these systems produce no more than a customer's annual electricity use. The bill also changes how excess energy is compensated, capping payments at the utility's "avoided cost" (the cost the utility would incur to generate that energy) instead of full retail rates. This directly affects homeowners and small businesses with solar or wind systems seeking to sell surplus power back to the grid.