Sen. Patty Kim

Maddy summarySB 1150 amends Pennsylvania's open meetings law to allow state agencies to add items to a meeting agenda during the meeting, provided a majority of attendees approve and the reason for the change is announced. After adding an item, agencies must post the updated agenda on their public website (if available) and at their main office within one business day. This rule applies to all public meetings except executive sessions or working sessions. The bill directly affects state agencies holding open meetings, requiring them to follow these transparency steps for agenda changes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally recognizes June 19, 2026, as "Juneteenth National Freedom Day" within the state of Pennsylvania. The measure serves a commemorative purpose by acknowledging the historical significance of the date, which marks the day enslaved people in Texas learned of their freedom in 1865. It does not alter laws or create new policies but instead establishes an official state recognition of this African-American holiday.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors the life of former State Senator Jack McGregor and expresses condolences following his death on January 6, 2026. The document outlines his extensive career, including his service in the Marine Corps, his tenure in the Pennsylvania Senate, and his role as a founder of the Pittsburgh Penguins. It also notes his various appointments to federal boards and his establishment of a scholarship at the University of Pittsburgh. The resolution serves as a formal acknowledgment of his public service and personal achievements rather than proposing new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code of 1949 to allow the Secretary of Education to temporarily waive a requirement that career and technical education programs must end by twelfth grade. The change directly affects students in vocational and technical education programs and gives the state education secretary the authority to approve programs that extend beyond high school graduation. The waiver is limited to three years or until final regulations are issued, whichever happens first, and does not prevent existing programs from ending in twelfth grade. Students already enrolled in these programs before the waiver expires will not be affected by the change.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Landlord and Tenant Act to clarify rules for residential leases and introduce new rent reporting options. It maintains the existing requirement that leases lasting more than three years must be in writing, while confirming that shorter leases can be oral or written. Additionally, the bill mandates that landlords provide written notice to tenants about a building credit program where rent payments are reported to consumer agencies. This notice must be signed by the tenant at the start of the lease, regardless of whether the agreement is oral or written. The legislation also establishes a separate opt-in program allowing landlords to report on-time rent payments to consumer reporting agencies to help tenants build credit.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Election Code to update procedures for absentee and mail-in voting and to provide funding for election integrity. It clarifies the definition of "pre-canvass" to include preparing ballots for scanning while explicitly excluding the examination of unopened envelopes or the recording of votes. The legislation sets specific timeframes and notice requirements for county boards of elections when pre-canvassing ballots before an election and canvassing them afterward, while allowing candidate and party representatives to observe these meetings. Additionally, it establishes that challenges to the approval of absentee ballot applications can only be based on voter qualifications, not on whether the applicant chose an absentee or mail-in ballot form.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Public Utility Credit Act requiring public utilities in Pennsylvania to report credit information related to utility services. It defines "public utility" broadly to include providers of electricity, gas, water, transportation, and telecommunications, while explicitly excluding private generators, nonprofit cooperatives, and certain resort water services. The legislation imposes specific duties on these utilities to maintain and share credit data, aiming to create a standardized system for tracking payment history. By mandating these reporting requirements, the bill seeks to improve credit visibility for utility customers without advocating for specific regulatory outcomes.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws to create new funding accounts and taxes specifically for aviation activities. It establishes an Aviation Restricted Account and an Aviation Trust Fund, directing millions of dollars annually to the Department of Transportation for airport programs and aviation development. The legislation also introduces new taxes on aviation fuels, including jet fuel and alternative fuels like hydrogen and electricity, while defining terms such as "alternative aviation fuel" and "aircraft operating area." Additionally, the bill grants the Department of Transportation authority to adopt airport zoning regulations, address abandoned aircraft, and impose penalties for obstructing aircraft operations.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates the week of June 7 through 13, 2026, as "Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania. The measure encourages residents to hold events and educational programs to highlight the bay's importance as a source of drinking water, recreation, and economic activity. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to recognize the watershed's ecological and historical significance.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution officially designates June 2026 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month in Pennsylvania to honor the community's contributions and commemorate the 57th anniversary of the Stonewall Inn demonstrations. The measure serves as a symbolic recognition of historical events, such as early civil rights protests in Philadelphia, and acknowledges the state's long-standing support for LGBTQ+ equality. By passing this resolution, the Pennsylvania Senate aims to foster a welcoming atmosphere and celebrate diversity without altering any laws or government policies.