Sen. John DiSanto

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the state's Tax Reform Code to modify how sales and use tax is calculated. Specifically, it changes a single word in the statute to alter the conditions under which discounts are applied. The text requires the Finance and Appropriations committees to review the change before it can become law.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania food safety laws to set stricter standards for water used in food establishments and bottled water production. It requires any business serving or selling water for drinking to use sources that meet state safe drinking water requirements or standards that are at least as strict. The law also mandates that bottled water products follow specific federal labeling and recall rules while removing any conflicting state regulations. These changes apply to all food establishments regardless of the size of the containers they use.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to create temporary rules for private driver education schools without going through standard regulatory review processes. Under these new rules, instructors must pass a specific exam based on the state driver's manual and have three chances to do so before needing to reapply. The authority to issue these temporary regulations will expire six months after the bill takes effect, after which future rules must follow normal legal procedures.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows insurance companies in Pennsylvania to send certain notices and documents to customers via email or other electronic methods instead of traditional mail. To use this option, insurers must first get clear permission from individuals or their plan sponsors and must inform them of their right to receive paper copies or withdraw consent at any time. The law ensures that electronic delivery is treated as legally equivalent to sending mail and includes protections for personal health information. It also clarifies that these rules do not apply to health plans governed by federal employee retirement laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Commonwealth Zero-Based Budgeting Act, requires Pennsylvania state agencies to justify every dollar of their spending rather than simply adjusting previous year's budgets. Under the new rules, the Secretary of the Budget must review all government programs at least once every five years, starting with about one-fifth of the budget annually beginning in 2024. Agencies must submit detailed plans explaining why each program exists, how much it costs to maintain current or minimum service levels, and the potential impact if the program were cut. While most departments are subject to this review, specific educational functions like class sizes, school curricula, and direct classroom services are exempt from the process. The law aims to ensure that public funds are allocated based on clear, defensible purposes rather than historical spending habits.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally acknowledges the 2024 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage and its upcoming connection to the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis. The bill highlights the pilgrimage's four routes converging in Indiana, with specific recognition for the eastern route that passes through several Pennsylvania dioceses. By passing this measure, the Senate expresses official welcome to the Catholic pilgrims traveling through the state as part of a faith-based event. The text serves as a commemorative gesture rather than establishing new laws or funding.