Sen. Patty Kim

Maddy summarySB 852 updates Pennsylvania's Minimum Wage Act to establish new hourly wage rates starting in 2026 ($12/hour) and 2027 ($15/hour), with automatic annual cost-of-living adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index beginning in 2025. It clarifies that tipped workers must retain all tips, cannot be required to surrender tips to employers to meet wage requirements, and must be informed in writing about their minimum wage entitlement. The bill also preempts local ordinances, meaning cities cannot set higher minimum wages than this state law. It directly affects all Pennsylvania employers and workers, particularly those in tipped occupations.

Maddy summarySB 853 creates a tax credit for small Pennsylvania businesses (with 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees) affected by minimum wage increases. It allows employers to claim a credit equal to 50% of the wage increase cost in the first year after a minimum wage hike, and 25% in the second year, against their state tax liability. Unused credit can be carried over for up to three years but cannot be refunded or carried back. Pass-through businesses may also transfer unused credits to owners in proportion to their share of business income.

Maddy summarySB 721 creates a new supplemental annuity for certain Pennsylvania state retirees, effective July 1, 2025. It adds a monthly payment based on the retiree's original retirement date, ranging from 15% to 24.5% of their existing annuity (higher percentages for earlier retirees). This applies specifically to eligible recipients in the State Employees' Retirement System (Title 24) and another state retirement system (Title 71), excluding those with certain service classifications or who died before 2025. The additional payments will be funded through annual installments over 10 years starting in 2026. The bill does not change existing retirement eligibility or other benefit structures.

Maddy summarySB 783 establishes "tourism improvement districts" (TIDs) in Pennsylvania counties, where participating hotels and tourism businesses pay special fees to fund local tourism activities. The bill creates "tourism improvement district management associations" (TIDMAs) to manage funds for marketing, events, destination improvements, and promotional programs that directly benefit these businesses. Counties must hold public hearings, collect fees (capped at 4% administrative cost), and ensure TID funding supplements existing tourism programs without reducing current county tourism spending. Businesses within a proposed TID can collectively object if 40% of total room inventory opposes the district, preventing its formation.

Maddy summarySB 200 prohibits the possession, sale, or transfer of assault weapons and large capacity magazines in Pennsylvania, requiring current owners to either obtain a certificate from the Pennsylvania State Police within 180 days or surrender the weapons. To get a certificate, owners must pass background checks, provide weapon details, and meet secure storage requirements (e.g., locked containers or devices preventing discharge). The bill also establishes a Firearms and Ammunition Buyback Program and a related fund, though specific implementation details are not provided in the text. This directly affects individuals who currently own prohibited firearms, imposing new legal obligations for possession or surrender.

Maddy summarySB 813 establishes Pennsylvania's HUB Zone Business Procurement Program to increase state contracting with businesses in designated underutilized areas. It requires state agencies to set contract-specific goals ensuring 20% HUB zone business participation on contracts between $100,000-$750,000 and 25% on larger contracts, with waivers available if agencies demonstrate "good faith efforts" to find qualified businesses. The program mandates agencies to compile verified business lists, monitor compliance monthly, and review utilization schedules. This directly affects Pennsylvania state purchasing agencies and for-profit businesses headquartered in designated HUB zones meeting federal certification criteria.

Maddy summarySB 692 amends Pennsylvania's medical assistance program to set limits on how payment rates can change for nursing facilities. It requires that nonpublic nursing facility payments stay at or above 90% of prior rates starting July 1, 2025, while county facility payments must maintain 100% plus any percentage change applied to nonpublic rates. These payment rate limits will remain in effect until June 30, 2026, or until a new rate-setting system replaces the current one. The bill directly affects county and nonpublic nursing facilities enrolled in Pennsylvania's medical assistance program.

Maddy summarySB 799 modifies Pennsylvania's Public School Code to clarify how charter schools receive state funding. It requires school districts to fund charter schools at a rate equal to the district's per-student spending (minus specific district expenses like transportation and facilities) for regular students, and adds a special education funding component based on district spending ratios. For cyber charter schools, the bill limits payments to nonaffiliated cyber charters to the maximum amount the district's own affiliated cyber school would receive. This directly affects charter schools (especially cyber charters) and school districts responsible for funding student placements. The changes aim to standardize funding calculations but do not alter overall funding levels.

Maddy summarySB 667 designates Hershey's Kisses as Pennsylvania's official state candy. The bill formally names the confection as a symbolic recognition of the Hershey Company's economic and cultural ties to the state, including its manufacturing presence and tourism impact. This is a ceremonial designation with no legal or regulatory effects on residents, businesses, or state operations. It takes effect immediately upon passage and remains in force as long as Hershey's corporate headquarters stays in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summarySB 769 requires firearm owners in Pennsylvania to store guns safely when not in use, directly affecting all gun owners who store firearms outside of immediate personal carry. The bill mandates storage using a lockable device, a built-in firearm lock, or a securely locked container. Violations are minor offenses for first-time violations, misdemeanors for repeat offenses, and felonies if the unsecured firearm is used in a crime causing injury or death. The bill is pending in the Judiciary Committee and has not yet been voted on.