Sen. Patty Kim

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally recognizes May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Pennsylvania to highlight the importance of mental health for all residents. The bill does not change any laws or require specific actions but serves as a symbolic gesture to raise awareness about mental health challenges. It also expresses the Senate's support for policies that promote mental health resources, education, and treatment with parity to physical health coverage.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Insurance Company Law to establish a direct billing system for nonnetwork emergency medical services (EMS) agencies. It requires insurers to directly reimburse these agencies for dispatched 911 services at a rate of 350% of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services published rate, rather than billing patients directly. The legislation mandates that insurers pay these agencies within 45 days and prohibits them from forcing EMS agencies to sign contracts to receive this reimbursement. Additionally, the bill creates a public registry to track which EMS agencies are eligible for direct payment and restricts how these agencies can solicit donations related to billing practices.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance companies in Pennsylvania to cover fertility preservation services for individuals facing medically necessary cancer treatments that could cause infertility. The law mandates that insurers include storage for at least three years at an in-network facility and allows a lifetime maximum benefit of up to $100,000 per person, while still permitting standard policy terms like copayments and deductibles. Religious employers may request an exemption from these coverage requirements if the services conflict with their beliefs, though they must notify enrollees and allow individuals to purchase supplemental coverage at their own expense.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows individuals who have recently received protection from abuse relief or experienced verified abuse in the last four months to get free copies of important state documents. Specifically, it removes fees for corrected or duplicate driver's licenses, birth certificates, and other identification documents for qualifying victims and their dependents. The law requires that abuse be verified through statements from professionals like doctors, lawyers, or victim service providers, and it mandates that state agencies create clear application processes and standardized forms for these requests.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Capital Facilities Debt Enabling Act to clarify what counts as a "redevelopment assistance capital project" and sets specific rules for funding such projects. It directly affects local governments and developers seeking state-backed financing for infrastructure and community improvements by defining eligible projects as those that boost employment, generate tax revenue, and involve at least 50% non-State funding. The legislation excludes major public works like highways and sewage facilities but includes stormwater systems, tunnels, roads, hospitals, and housing developments that support economic activity, provided the total project cost is at least $1 million. Additionally, the bill removes a previous provision that allowed up to $50 million of state funds to be used specifically for constructing housing units. These changes take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to expand a tax credit for employers who contribute money to employee child care. It directly affects businesses that provide child care funds to their staff by changing how much they can claim as a tax deduction. Under the new rules, employers will receive a 30% tax credit on contributions up to $500 per employee for the 2026 tax year, increasing to a 100% credit on contributions up to $10,000 per employee for years starting in 2027. The total amount of credits available statewide is capped at $10 million per fiscal year, and if demand exceeds this limit, the credits will be reduced proportionally among all eligible applicants.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Hospital Security Grant Fund to provide financial assistance to nonprofit hospitals for improving safety and security measures. The fund will be administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency and is initially funded with a $10 million transfer from the General Treasury, with potential for additional appropriations in future years. Eligible projects include purchasing security equipment like surveillance systems and metal detectors, conducting vulnerability assessments, providing staff training, and upgrading physical structures to protect patients, employees, and visitors. Grants will be awarded on a rolling basis after applications are reviewed by the commission in consultation with state homeland security and police officials.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution officially designates the week of May 6 through 12, 2026, as Nurses Week in Pennsylvania. The measure aims to recognize the contributions of the state's large nursing workforce, which includes over 240,000 registered nurses and other licensed practitioners. By aligning with National Nurses Week, the resolution highlights the critical role nurses play in the Commonwealth's healthcare delivery system.

Maddy summaryThis bill prevents Pennsylvania local governments from setting rules that limit how many family members can live in a single home. It achieves this by amending state statutes to explicitly ban occupancy restrictions based on familial relationships, which include connections through blood, marriage, adoption, or foster care. While the law removes these specific family-based limits, it allows municipalities to still enforce occupancy rules if they are necessary for health, safety, fire codes, or wastewater standards. The changes become effective 60 days after the bill is passed.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution honors the life and legacy of Reverend Jesse Jackson, a prominent civil rights leader and activist who passed away in February 2026. The document outlines his significant contributions to social justice, including his work with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Operation Breadbasket, and Operation PUSH, as well as his role in organizing the Black Political Convention and his two presidential campaigns. The resolution serves as a formal acknowledgment of his impact on movements for racial equality, economic justice, and peace both domestically and internationally.