Sen. Jarrett Coleman

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific bridge in Allentown, Pennsylvania, as the Mayor William L. Heydt Memorial Bridge to honor the late mayor's legacy. The legislation officially names the structure carrying U.S. Route 222 over Cedar Creek after Heydt, who served as the city's mayor from 1994 to 2002 and was known for his work in economic development and historic preservation. To implement this change, the Department of Transportation is required to install and maintain signs displaying the new name for traffic traveling in both directions. The act will become effective 60 days after being passed.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 323 formally congratulates The Pennsylvania State University wrestling team on winning its 14th NCAA Division I Championship and honors Pennsylvania athletes who placed in both the men's and inaugural women's wrestling championships. The resolution highlights the team's historic dominance by citing specific records, such as setting a new tournament scoring record and producing multiple All-American wrestlers under head coach Cael Sanderson. It also recognizes individual achievements, including awards won by wrestlers like Mitchell Mesenbrink and the strong performance of Pennsylvania-native athletes across the tournament.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 1326 updates Pennsylvania's Public School Code to strengthen background checks for school employees by expanding the scope of criminal history reviews to include those who work on school premises but do not have direct contact with children. Effective July 1, 2026, the bill requires schools and independent contractors to verify employment history and certification status for all applicants in positions involving children or on-site work. Additionally, independent contractors must disclose any past investigations or disciplinary actions related to abuse or sexual misconduct before assigning employees to schools, and schools may reject such assignments if they object to the disclosed history.

Maddy summaryPennsylvania's SB 822 strengthens state preemption over local firearm regulations. It declares that state law exclusively governs all aspects of firearms, ammunition, and related items - including purchase, sale, possession, and transportation - nullifying any conflicting local ordinances, resolutions, or rules. The bill also creates a legal pathway for individuals or organizations adversely affected by local gun rules to seek court relief, including recovery of attorney fees and other costs if they successfully challenge such rules. This directly affects municipalities (cities, towns, counties) and residents or businesses operating under local firearm regulations that conflict with state law. The bill does not change existing firearm laws but explicitly prevents local governments from enacting stricter rules.

Maddy summarySB 698 amends the Public School Code of 1949, affecting how school districts acquire and dispose of school buildings and land. It clarifies that school boards can purchase, lease, or otherwise obtain property, and sell or abandon it, without Department of Education approval if no state reimbursement is sought. For real property purchases exceeding $10,000, school boards must determine the fair market value in consultation with two qualified professionals, such as a county assessor or licensed appraiser. All related fair market value documents will be publicly accessible under the Right-to-Know Law and open meetings requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Patient Right-to-Understand Act, requires health care entities in Pennsylvania to provide patients with clear, plain-language summaries of their insurance coverage, prior authorization rules, and appeal rights. These summaries must be written at a sixth-grade reading level, limited to two pages, and include details on costs, network restrictions, and payment options like cash pricing or health savings accounts. The law also mandates that providers clearly distinguish between what insurance covers and medical decisions made solely between a patient and their doctor. As an enforcement measure, health care entities that fail to comply with these disclosure requirements are prohibited from collecting debts from patients who dispute the care they received.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates May 2026 as "Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania to increase public awareness of the disease. The bill directly affects state officials and the general public by formally recognizing the month for educational purposes. It does not create new laws, allocate funding, or mandate specific actions for businesses or individuals. The resolution serves as a commemorative measure to highlight the impact of ALS on patients and families while acknowledging ongoing research efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Municipalities Planning Code to allow local governments to approve certain residential developments without enforcing standard zoning restrictions like minimum lot sizes, building height limits, or mandatory setbacks. It applies specifically to multifamily, mixed-use, and adaptive reuse projects in nonresidential zones, provided the developer has secured water and sewer connections from municipal systems. Under the new rules, these developments would not be subject to existing zoning requirements for density, parking, walls, fences, or open space, while still maintaining basic accessibility standards. The legislation defines key terms such as mixed-use (residential with less than 50% nonresidential space on the first floor) and adaptive reuse (retaining at least two exterior walls of an existing building). The changes take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summarySB 804 amends Pennsylvania's health and safety laws to ban the intentional addition of DEHP and certain ortho-phthalates (like BBP, DBP, DINP) in medical devices. It specifically targets intravenous (IV) solution containers (like IV bags) and IV tubing used in hospitals and healthcare facilities. The bill prohibits manufacturers from adding these chemicals to medical devices if they serve a functional purpose, requiring notice of such additions. This affects device manufacturers and healthcare facilities purchasing these products, directly changing manufacturing standards for common medical equipment.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution honors the Pennsylvania First Defenders, a group of 476 volunteer militia members who were the first troops to reach Washington, D.C. to defend the national capital at the start of the Civil War in 1861. The bill formally recognizes their historic service, valor, and sacrifice, particularly noting their journey through Baltimore where they faced violent opposition and suffered casualties. It also encourages Pennsylvania residents, schools, veterans' groups, and civic organizations to observe April 18 each year as "First Defenders Day" through ceremonies, educational programs, and community activities to commemorate these pioneering volunteers.