Sen. Amanda Cappelletti

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 summaryThis is a Senate Resolution (not a bill), recognizing March 8-14, 2026, as "Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically honors the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation's (AACVPR) National Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week, highlighting efforts to address pulmonary disease as a leading cause of death. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any individuals or programs; it is a formal acknowledgment by the Pennsylvania Senate. It specifically commends AACVPR's work on pulmonary health awareness and rehabilitation.

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 summarySenate Resolution 229 (2026) recognizes the observance of Ramadan for Pennsylvania's Muslim community during February 18-March 19, 2026. It formally acknowledges Ramadan as a month of reflection, prayer, and fasting (Sawm) central to the Islamic faith, without creating new laws or policies. The resolution is symbolic, intended to honor the religious practices of Pennsylvania's estimated 300,000 Muslim residents during this annual observance. It does not directly affect any individuals or impose obligations on government entities.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 231) designates February 20-22, 2026, as "THON Weekend" in Pennsylvania to honor student volunteers from Penn State's IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon. It recognizes their work supporting pediatric cancer research and care through the Four Diamonds Fund, which has raised over $254 million since 1977 to assist children with cancer and fund research. The resolution is ceremonial and does not create new laws or obligations.

Maddy summarySB 1197 repeals a Pennsylvania law requiring life-sustaining treatment for pregnant patients who are incapacitated, even if they had a living will or health care directive opposing such treatment. It removes specific medical conditions that would allow withholding treatment (like not supporting fetal development) and eliminates the requirement that the state pay for such care. The bill adds optional language to living wills and health care powers of attorney, allowing individuals to specify pregnancy-related health care decisions if diagnosed as pregnant. This change affects pregnant patients unable to make their own health care decisions and their designated health care agents. The bill makes no new requirements but removes existing pregnancy-specific rules from advance care planning documents.

Maddy summarySB 1196 requires Pennsylvania's Medicaid program and commercial health insurers to treat non-opioid pain medications equally to opioid medications. Specifically, it prohibits Medicaid from labeling non-opioid drugs as "nonpreferred" when opioids are preferred and bans insurers from imposing stricter coverage rules, higher costs, or more restrictive prior authorization for non-opioid drugs compared to opioids. The law applies to all FDA-approved pain medications once approved, ensuring patients have equal access to non-opioid options without facing worse insurance terms than opioid alternatives. It takes effect 60 days after enactment.

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.

Maddy summarySB 1188 amends Pennsylvania's 1929 Administrative Code to grant collective bargaining rights to school administrators employed by cities of the first class or school districts of the first class A. It allows these administrators to negotiate terms like pay, hours, working conditions, retirement, and benefits through labor organizations representing at least 50% of their peers. Disputes over these terms will be resolved by the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board using procedures similar to the Public Employers Relations Act. This bill directly affects school administrators in specific large cities and school districts, expanding their formal negotiation rights under state law.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 228) symbolically recognizes September 25, 2026, as "Chuseok" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws, programs, or funding; instead, it formally acknowledges Chuseok - a Korean harvest festival and cultural celebration - through a legislative resolution. The resolution highlights Chuseok's significance as a time for family gatherings, ancestor rituals, and honoring harvest traditions, such as sharing traditional foods like songpyeon. This recognition is intended to encourage Pennsylvanians to learn about and celebrate Korean cultural heritage. As a commemorative resolution, it has no direct legal or policy impact on individuals or communities.