Sen. Patty Kim

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 211) directs Pennsylvania's Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study the effectiveness of the Municipalities Planning Code - the state's primary zoning law - and its enforcement by the Department of Community and Economic Development. The study must examine impacts on housing affordability, municipal costs (including staffing and fees), and compare Pennsylvania's practices to those of other states. The committee must issue a report with findings and recommendations to the General Assembly within 180 days. This resolution does not change laws but seeks data to inform future legislative action.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally recognizes April 2026 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Pennsylvania to highlight the prevalence and impact of sexual violence. The bill includes background information on statistics regarding sexual assault and harassment, as well as the history of advocacy efforts in the state. It does not change any laws or policies but serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of the issue and support for survivors.

Maddy summarySB 1274 amends Pennsylvania's Controlled Substance Act to update legal definitions regarding hemp and hemp-derived products. The bill clarifies what constitutes "hemp" by setting a THC concentration limit of 0.3% and distinguishes between final consumer products and intermediate manufacturing materials. It also provides specific definitions for terms like "final hemp-derived cannabinoid product" and "industrial hemp" to ensure clarity in regulations. These changes aim to align state law with federal standards while maintaining exemptions for existing medical marijuana programs.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates April 2026 as "Faith Month" in Pennsylvania to highlight the role of religion in the nation's history and values. The measure encourages residents to openly share their faiths and participate in public celebrations, such as prayer and expressions of thanksgiving, during that month. It does not create any new laws or alter government operations but serves as a symbolic gesture to recognize religious freedom.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows boroughs and cities in Pennsylvania to use public funds to cover the training costs for newly elected officers before their terms begin. By amending state statutes for both incorporated towns and cities, the legislation authorizes municipalities to pay for educational programs designed to prepare these officials for their new roles. The measure does not mandate that any specific training be offered or require all municipalities to participate, leaving the decision to pay for such programs entirely up to local governments. It also sets the law into effect 60 days after it is signed, giving communities time to adjust their budgeting processes accordingly.

Maddy summarySB 862 updates Pennsylvania's process for filling vacant borough council seats. If a borough council fails to appoint a replacement within 30 days of a vacancy, a special board (composed of council members and one community member) must fill the seat within 15 days. If the board cannot act, it must petition a court to appoint a resident to serve until the next municipal election occurring more than 60 days after the vacancy. This affects boroughs by ensuring vacancies are resolved promptly to maintain full council representation.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Data Center Fair Share Act, requires large data centers in Pennsylvania that consume significant amounts of electricity to negotiate binding agreements with local community organizations. These agreements must include specific, measurable benefits for the host community, such as job training or infrastructure support, and the bill also mandates that these facilities make financial contributions to help pay for local power grid upgrades. Additionally, the legislation creates a new fund to support low-income households with energy bills and directs state agencies to create temporary regulations within 120 days to enforce these new requirements on large energy users.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution encourages the Department of Community and Economic Development to partner with private businesses and tourism groups to establish a "Pennsylvania Sweet and Salty Trail." The trail would promote tourism highlighting the state's confectionery, snack food, food manufacturing, and agricultural industries, which support thousands of jobs and generate significant economic activity. The resolution is non-binding and focuses on raising awareness of these industries' contributions, not creating new laws or funding.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution formally recognizes March 2026 as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in Pennsylvania to raise public awareness about screening and prevention. The measure does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves as a symbolic gesture to encourage residents to learn about colorectal cancer risks and follow recommended screening guidelines. By highlighting the importance of early detection and prevention, the resolution aims to promote healthier lifestyle choices and support ongoing efforts to reduce colorectal cancer incidence and mortality in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's tax code to establish a new Innovate in PA tax credit program that allows qualified taxpayers to purchase tax credits to offset their insurance premiums tax liability. The program authorizes the sale of up to $350 million in tax credits, with a specific $200 million allocation for credits available starting in 2030, and requires that sales generate at least $200 million in revenue to proceed. Funds collected from these tax credit sales will be distributed to support life science research facilities, recruitment of researchers, and workforce development partnerships between companies and educational institutions. The legislation also defines key terms, sets rules for carrying over unused tax credits to future years, and establishes reporting requirements for the program's administration.