Sen. Jarrett Coleman

Maddy summarySB 750 modifies Pennsylvania's inheritance tax rates for property transferred to siblings, gradually lowering the tax from 12% to 0% over time. The bill reduces the rate annually, starting at 12% for deaths before July 2026, decreasing to 11% in 2026-2027, and reaching 0% for deaths on or after July 2033. This directly affects individuals inheriting property from a sibling in Pennsylvania. The change is structured as a phased reduction in the tax rate over several years, with no tax applied after 2033.

Maddy summarySB 752 requires Pennsylvania hospitals to publicly disclose standardized pricing for services in a clear, online format. Hospitals must list gross charges, negotiated rates with insurers, discounted cash prices, and billing codes for all services - especially "shoppable" outpatient procedures - on their websites and provide printed copies upon request. The law prohibits hospitals from pursuing debt collection from patients if they fail to comply with these transparency rules. This directly affects hospitals (requiring new reporting duties) and patients (providing clearer cost information before care). The policy aims to increase price visibility without mandating specific pricing structures.

Maddy summarySB 757 requires public employers in Pennsylvania to publicly post proposed collective bargaining agreements, including cost estimates, on their websites for at least two weeks before signing. It mandates that these agreements become public records accessible online within 48 hours of receipt. The law applies to most public employees (excluding elected officials, management staff, and police/fire unions under separate law) and makes agreements unenforceable if proper notice isn't provided. This aims to increase transparency around public sector pay, benefits, and working conditions.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 85 directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a performance audit of COVID-19 State and local fiscal recovery funds. This audit will examine funds received by Commonwealth agencies and municipalities under the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The committee will assess compliance with established laws, regulations, contracts, and grant agreements, and report its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly within 12 months.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Tax Reform Code of 1971 concerning Neighborhood Improvement Zones (NIZs). It reorganizes the board of directors for the contracting authority within these zones, establishing a new nine-member board with specific appointment processes for the Mayor and certain State legislators. Additionally, the bill clarifies that the contracting authority and an independent auditing firm will have access to State and local tax information, including taxpayer identification numbers, of qualified businesses in NIZs. This access is strictly limited to documenting certifications or performing audits related to the NIZ program, with other uses remaining prohibited.

Maddy summarySB 226 amends Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law by changing the definition of "State-affiliated entity." Specifically, it removes the Pennsylvania School Boards Association and the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association from this definition. This means these two organizations would no longer be classified as "State-affiliated entities" under the law, which could affect public access to their records. The bill directly impacts these organizations and individuals seeking information from them under the Right-to-Know Law.

Maddy summarySB 728 proposes to amend Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes. This bill would suspend the imposition of specific taxes currently collected for highway maintenance and construction. If enacted, these taxes, outlined in sections 9502 and 9004(b) of Title 75, would no longer be imposed after the bill's effective date. This change would directly affect individuals and entities currently paying these taxes related to vehicles and infrastructure funding.

Maddy summarySB 657 amends Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to update regulations concerning home- and community-based services. It requires the Department of Human Services to develop regulations that maximize the types of settings available and prioritize individual choice for people receiving residential, day programming, or vocational services through waivers. The bill specifies that these regulations cannot impose requirements beyond federal law or exclude settings based on factors like location or size, unless federal law mandates it. The department must amend existing inconsistent rules and regulations within 180 days to comply with these new directives.

Maddy summarySB 729 amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code of 1971 to modify sales and use tax filing requirements. The bill establishes an expiration date of October 1, 2025, for a provision allowing certain businesses to make estimated tax payments. This affects businesses with an annual sales tax liability between $25,000 and $100,000. These businesses can continue calculating their monthly estimated payments based on either 50% of the prior year's liability or 50% of the current month's liability until that date.

Maddy summarySR 70 is a resolution by the Senate to honor the life of Officer Andrew William Duarte, who died in the line of duty, and to extend condolences to his family.