Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's vehicle laws to clarify definitions of speed-measuring technology, including LIDAR, RADAR, and other electronic devices, while establishing new rules for when local law enforcement can use these tools to enforce speed limits. It requires that convictions based on speed measurements from these devices only apply when the recorded speed is at least 10 miles per hour over the limit, or 6 miles per hour over if the limit exceeds 55 mph, with stricter rules applying in school zones and work zones. The legislation also mandates that local police departments must adopt ordinances authorizing RADAR use, that officers complete approved training before using these devices, and that they operate from clearly marked vehicles visible to the public. Additionally, the bill restricts the use of speed-measuring devices to time vehicles within 500 feet of certain speed limit signs, except in designated zones like school areas and work zones.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates the week of April 20 through 24, 2026, as "Local Government Week" and April 22, 2026, as "Local Government Day" throughout Pennsylvania. The measure aims to recognize the work of local officials and staff who serve in over 4,800 government units, including counties, municipalities, school districts, and authorities that provide essential services to the state's 13 million residents. The resolution formally commends these officials for their contributions to community services such as education, public safety, infrastructure, and social welfare. This is a commemorative action rather than a law that changes policy or funding.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows vehicle owners who have received the Presidential Service Badge or Vice Presidential Service Badge to request special license plates for their vehicles. To qualify, applicants must submit proof of their badge recipient status and pay a $28 fee in addition to standard registration costs. The special plates are restricted to passenger cars or trucks with a gross weight of 14,000 pounds or less. If passed, the changes would take effect 120 days after enactment.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates March 2026 as Disabilities Awareness Month in Pennsylvania to promote understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. The measure encourages all Pennsylvanians to learn about the unique challenges confronting residents with disabilities and to foster greater awareness and education on the subject. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic designation to highlight the importance of disability awareness within the state.
Maddy summarySB 1157 amends Pennsylvania's Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act to require immediate action for hazardous substance spills in residential areas. The bill mandates that responsible parties (such as owners, operators, or transporters) must promptly contain, clean up, and remove discharges threatening public health, drinking water, or residential environments. It imposes strict liability on these parties without requiring proof of fault and authorizes the Department of Environmental Resources to issue cleanup directives. The law aims to ensure faster responses to spills endangering homes, water supplies, and residents, aligning with Pennsylvania's constitutional environmental protections.
Maddy summarySB 1193 requires federal immigration agents to obtain a judicial warrant or order before making civil immigration arrests in Pennsylvania state facilities (like prisons or courthouses) or within 1,000 feet of them, with an exception for arrests tied to ongoing proceedings within the facility. It directly affects state agencies, local governments, and public authorities operating such facilities by mandating warrant compliance. The bill allows individuals subjected to warrantless arrests to sue state entities for damages (minimum $500) or other relief, and explicitly states that state immunity laws cannot block such lawsuits. This creates legal accountability for state facilities that permit unauthorized federal immigration enforcement actions.
Maddy summarySB 1189 amends Pennsylvania law to prohibit law enforcement officers from arresting or detaining individuals based on race, nationality, or immigration status without probable cause for an immigration violation. The bill defines "indiscriminate arrest" as using these factors to make arrests without a warrant, or to meet a quota, and makes such actions a misdemeanor of the first degree. This applies to all law enforcement officers, including federal officials and state peace officers, as defined in existing law. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.
Maddy summarySB 1202 prohibits payment card networks (like Visa or Mastercard) from including sales tax amounts in credit or debit card processing fees. It specifically bans networks from charging fees based on the total transaction amount (including tax) and prevents them from circumventing this rule by increasing other fees. The bill also stops networks from charging merchants or consumers for disputed transactions until resolved, and prohibits penalties for merchants pricing items legally under state or federal law. This directly affects merchants who accept card payments and payment networks, requiring them to calculate fees without tax amounts. Violations would trigger penalties as outlined in the bill's enforcement section.
Maddy summaryPennsylvania's Senate introduced Resolution 225 condemning federal immigration officers' use of deadly force in incidents raising constitutional concerns, specifically referencing two fatal shootings in Minnesota (Renée Good on January 7, 2026, and Alex Pretti on January 24, 2026). The resolution demands impartial investigations into these incidents, calls for federal agencies to review and reform enforcement practices, and urges Congress to strengthen accountability measures. It affirms that constitutional rights apply to all people regardless of immigration status and emphasizes that public safety requires respect for civil liberties. The resolution serves as a formal statement from Pennsylvania's Senate to federal officials, not a binding law.
Maddy summarySB 1195 requires most health insurance plans in Pennsylvania to cover preventive services listed by the Insurance Department without cost-sharing (like copays or deductibles). It directly affects health insurers and enrollees (people with health insurance), excluding grandfathered plans (existing before 2010) and limited policies like dental-only or vision-only coverage. The bill establishes a "preventive services list" maintained by the Insurance Department, which can add or remove services after a public comment period. Insurers must cover all listed services without out-of-pocket costs for enrollees, with the department enforcing compliance and imposing penalties for violations.