Sen. Patty Kim

Maddy summaryPennsylvania's SB 768 requires firearm owners living with someone who cannot legally possess a firearm (such as a convicted felon or someone under a restraining order) to store their guns securely. This means using a lockable device, built-in firearm lock, or locked container - except when the gun is carried on the person or within immediate reach. Violating this rule is a minor offense for a first violation, a misdemeanor for repeat offenses, and a felony if the improperly stored gun is used in a crime causing injury or death. The law directly affects households with gun owners and prohibited individuals, aiming to prevent unauthorized access. It takes effect 60 days after passage.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill (SB 770) requires firearm owners to store guns securely on their premises if minors might access them without permission. It makes insecure storage a violation, with penalties ranging from a minor violation (first offense) to a felony (if the firearm is used in a crime causing death or injury). Key defenses include proving the gun was locked securely, the minor accessed it via unlawful entry, or the minor was under adult supervision during lawful activities like hunting. Retailers must post clear notices about these storage rules and penalties.

Maddy summarySB 749 requires Pennsylvania public schools to notify parents or guardians when students are involved in incidents that must be reported to the state, such as violence, weapon possession, or serious injuries occurring on school property, buses, or school activities. Schools must maintain current contact information for parents and use their preferred notification method (e.g., phone, email, text) when possible, with staff trained on identifying reportable incidents and procedures. Failure to comply could result in withheld state funding. The bill directly affects parents/guardians of students involved in these incidents and applies to all public school entities in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summarySB 447 requires health insurance policies in Pennsylvania to cover annual prostate cancer screenings with no out-of-pocket costs for men aged 40+ who are high-risk. High-risk status includes genetic factors, family history of prostate cancer (a first-degree relative diagnosed), or physician determination of medical need. The law mandates coverage for screenings like PSA tests and digital rectal exams, applying to policies filed or renewed 180 days after the law takes effect. It directly affects insured men meeting these criteria and insurance companies offering health coverage in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 503 establishes the Pennsylvania Climate Emissions Reduction Program (PACER), a state-run "cap-and-invest" system to regulate carbon dioxide emissions from the power sector. Under PACER, the Department of Environmental Protection will conduct auctions where electricity generators and other eligible parties must purchase CO2 allowances. The program's revenue is intended to fund specific accounts for consumer protection, energy transformation, workforce enhancement, and low-income support. The Department is also mandated to review the program's emissions budget, considering its impacts on jobs, consumers, and the environment. This program aims to replace Pennsylvania's participation in any other multi-state carbon auction for the electric generation sector.

Maddy summarySB 501 renames the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act to the Pennsylvania Reliable Energy Sustainability Standards Act. The bill revises definitions for various energy sources, expanding what qualifies as "alternative" or "sustainable" energy to include "advanced reactors." It introduces new "zero emissions credits" and updates the portfolio requirements that electric distribution and supply companies must meet. Additionally, it provides for force majeure events, health and safety standards, and interagency responsibilities related to energy generation.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 502 establishes the Reliable Energy Siting and Electric Transition Board within Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection. This new board directly affects companies proposing to build or expand large electric generators (25 megawatts or more) or significant energy storage facilities (10 megawatts or more). Its primary purpose is to create a statewide process for selecting and approving sites for these large-scale energy projects. The Board, composed of state officials and industry representatives, is authorized to issue "certificates of reliable energy supply" to streamline construction while considering human health, safety, and environmental impacts. However, these certificates cannot be granted for facilities planned on land zoned residential since January 1, 2024, or if the project previously sought local government approval.

Maddy summarySR 83 is a resolution from the Pennsylvania Senate urging the U.S. Congress to adopt three specific federal bills: H.R. 1876, H.R. 1877, and S. 770. These bills are aimed at keeping Social Security field offices open, protecting Americans' Social Security data, and expanding Social Security benefits. The resolution also expresses strong opposition to federal cuts to Social Security benefits and the Social Security Administration's plans to close local offices and reduce staff, advocating for robust staffing and local facilities to serve beneficiaries.

Maddy summarySB 678 amends Pennsylvania's Wage Payment and Collection Law to establish specific liability for general contractors in the construction industry. It makes general contractors jointly responsible for violations of wage payment laws committed by subcontractors providing construction services. The bill also requires subcontractors to repay general contractors for these liabilities, including wages and fees, unless otherwise specified in their contract or if the general contractor caused the violation by not paying promptly. These changes apply to construction contracts entered into on or after the bill's effective date.

Maddy summarySB 673 establishes a public tracking system for housing in Pennsylvania that receives government financial assistance. It requires the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) to create and maintain a publicly accessible, searchable online database. This database will include property addresses, anticipated termination dates for affordability restrictions, and information on potential extensions. PHFA must also submit annual reports to the Governor and General Assembly detailing properties with expiring affordability restrictions.