Sen. Jarrett Coleman

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 233) symbolically recognizes March 21, 2026, as "World Down Syndrome Day" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or affect any individuals or policies, as it is a ceremonial gesture acknowledging the day. The resolution cites statistics about Down syndrome and highlights contributions of people with Down syndrome to society, but contains no binding provisions or requirements. It serves solely to honor the occasion through official state recognition.

Maddy summarySB 1192 requires Pennsylvania school districts to hold a public referendum for tax increases exceeding the annual index, beginning with the 2026-2027 fiscal year. It mandates that school boards submit specific tax increase proposals to voters at the election immediately preceding the new fiscal year, with approval requiring a majority vote. This directly affects school districts seeking to raise property or income taxes for public school funding, as well as voters in those districts who must approve such increases. The bill modifies existing referendum requirements under the Taxpayer Relief Act to ensure voter consent before certain tax hikes take effect.

Maddy summarySB 686 amends Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law to make it a felony to intentionally alter, destroy, conceal, or remove public records after someone has requested them under the law. It directly affects government employees who handle public records, targeting actions like hiding documents during active requests or with fraudulent intent. Previously, such tampering was a misdemeanor, but this bill upgrades penalties to a third-degree felony when records are involved in an ongoing request or appeal. The law aims to ensure the accuracy and accessibility of public records during official inquiries.

Maddy summarySB 1111 requires Pennsylvania public schools to have trained security personnel on duty during school hours. Starting in the 2024-2025 school year, each school district must employ at least one full-time security officer who has completed state-approved training. By the 2026-2027 school year, every individual school building must have such an officer present during school hours, unless a waiver is granted. The bill mandates consistent security staffing without specifying new training content, relying on existing state standards.

Maddy summarySB 1020 modifies Pennsylvania's hunting and trapping license fee structure to expand resident license exemptions. It directly affects Pennsylvania residents who hunt or trap, particularly those who may qualify for reduced or waived fees under updated criteria. The bill changes specific provisions in Title 34 of the state statutes to clarify eligibility for these exemptions, making it easier for qualifying residents to obtain licenses without paying standard fees. The bill passed final passage on November 18, 2025, and was referred to the Game & Fisheries committee for further consideration.

Maddy summarySB 10 establishes the Pennsylvania Award for Student Success Scholarship Program (PASS), providing financial assistance to low-income students attending nonpublic schools. It directly affects eligible students in Pennsylvania who live in households below 250% of the federal poverty level, attend or reside within the attendance boundary of a low-achieving public school, and have not earned a high school diploma. The program, administered by the State Treasury starting in the 2026-2027 school year, covers tuition, school-related fees, and special education services at participating nonpublic schools. School districts must notify parents of eligible students about the program within 15 days of a school being designated "low-achieving."

Maddy summarySB 246 requires Pennsylvania public, nonpublic, and private schools to notify parents/guardians and staff within 24 hours about specific incidents, including weapon possession on school property (violating state law or school policies), repeated bullying, harassment, serious injury, or intentional property damage exceeding $1,000. It applies to all schools covered under the Public School Code, including charter and cyber charter schools. The law specifies notification methods must be effective, limits notifications to relevant school buildings or campuses when incidents occur there, and preserves existing requirements to report to law enforcement. This bill does not change school safety policies but mandates timely communication about certain safety incidents to affected families and staff.

Maddy summaryThis resolution directs Pennsylvania's Joint State Government Commission, Public Utility Commission, Department of Community and Economic Development, and Department of Environmental Protection to study the state's energy needs and develop recommendations for a comprehensive energy strategy. It requires these agencies to assess current energy policies, infrastructure, and environmental impacts to create a unified plan. The resolution does not create new laws but sets a process for agencies to collaborate on developing future energy policy.

Maddy summaryThis resolution directs Pennsylvania's Joint State Government Commission to study the state's aircraft and aviation assets (like planes, helicopters, and hangars) owned by departments including Transportation, the Attorney General's office, and State Police. The study must inventory all assets, review operational needs, costs (including maintenance and storage), insurance, and compare leasing versus ownership to identify savings. It requires the Commission to examine best practices from other states and the private sector, then provide cost-saving recommendations to the legislature within 12 months. The goal is to improve efficiency and transparency in managing these resources for taxpayer savings.

Maddy summarySB 1074 updates Pennsylvania's 1983 Public Adjuster Licensing Law, directly affecting public adjusters who help insurance clients file claims. It requires adjusters to provide written disclosure of financial interests before contracts and mandates bonds to protect clients. The bill adds new fee structures, clarifies licensing requirements, and bans specific conflicts of interest. These changes aim to modernize oversight under the existing law without altering core licensing procedures. The bill is currently under review by the Appropriations committee.