Sen. Amanda Cappelletti

Maddy summarySB 981 amends Pennsylvania's licensing law for social work and therapy professions to specifically regulate "Licensed Recreational Therapists." It defines recreational therapy practice (including 15 methods like assessment, treatment planning, and community integration) and requires a license for anyone using the title "Licensed Recreational Therapist." Unlike other licensed professions under this law, recreational therapists must hold a license for employment by the state, local governments, or nonprofit agencies. The bill also updates the State Board composition to include one licensed recreational therapist member.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 138) is a non-binding statement by the Pennsylvania Senate recognizing September 2025 as "Suicide Prevention Month" within the state. It does not create new laws, programs, or funding; it solely serves to symbolically acknowledge the issue and align with the national observance. The resolution highlights suicide statistics and the National Alliance on Mental Illness theme for awareness, but the designation itself has no direct policy impact on individuals or services. It affects the state government's official recognition of the month, not Pennsylvanians' access to mental health resources.

Maddy summarySR 139 is a resolution directing the Joint State Government Commission to study whether Pennsylvania should create a registry tracking individuals who abuse vulnerable populations. The study would examine the feasibility of establishing such a registry for adults with disabilities and seniors (who currently lack protections similar to child abuse registries), including constitutional considerations, registry management, and impacts on employment and access to services like Medicaid. It requires the Commission to evaluate existing state registries, explore combined registry models, and gather input from agencies, disability advocates, senior groups, child protection organizations, and legal experts. This resolution does not create a registry but seeks to determine if one would be practical and effective.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates August 2025 as "Emergency Management Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It recognizes the work of emergency managers across all sectors - including local officials, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, and federal partners - and encourages all Pennsylvania residents to express appreciation for their efforts in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from emergencies and disasters. The resolution has no binding policy requirements or funding changes.

Maddy summarySB 965 establishes a two-year Maternal Health Monitoring Pilot Program (2026-2027 and 2027-2028) for pregnant individuals in Pennsylvania who have hypertension or diabetes and receive medical assistance or are enrolled in participating managed care plans. The program provides free home monitoring devices (like blood pressure cuffs and glucose meters) and connects participants with clinical teams for health coaching and condition management during pregnancy and up to three months postpartum. Managed care organizations must contract with a vendor to administer the program, serving no more than 300 participants across at least two counties, including one with a maternity care desert. The Department of Health will evaluate outcomes through a report due within 24 months after the pilot ends.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits adoption and foster care agencies from denying services based on protected characteristics like sexual orientation, gender identity, race, religion, HIV status, or disability. It bans extra screenings, delays, or denials for these reasons when placing children or approving caregivers, and prevents religious discrimination in placements. The law applies directly to all county agencies and private providers authorized to offer foster care, kinship care, or adoption services in Pennsylvania. Agencies must follow these rules when making placement decisions or processing applications.

Maddy summarySB 699 amends Pennsylvania's Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act to add "linear generators" to the definitions of "alternative energy sources" and "tier I alternative energy source." The bill specifically defines linear generators as systems that convert linear motion directly into electricity without flames or sparks, are dispatchable across all power loads, and can operate on multiple fuels including renewable options like hydrogen and biogas. This change directly affects renewable energy producers and distributors who use this technology, expanding the eligible sources under the state's renewable energy requirements. The amendment takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summarySB 940 requires all Commonwealth buildings (state-owned or leased government offices) to provide private lactation rooms for individuals expressing breastmilk or nursing. These rooms must be at least 80 square feet, fully private with locking doors, and include a chair, table, electrical outlet, and ADA-compliant accessibility. The bill directly affects state employees and visitors who need to express breastmilk while at work, aligning with federal workplace accommodations under the Affordable Care Act. It mandates specific design standards to ensure privacy and functionality, without requiring additional amenities beyond the core specifications.

Maddy summarySB 941 requires all Pennsylvania courthouses to provide private, accessible lactation rooms for nursing parents. These rooms must be at least 80 square feet, include a chair, electrical outlet, and privacy features (like locking doors), and comply with ADA accessibility standards. The bill directly affects nursing parents using courthouses for court-related matters, ensuring they have a hygienic space to express breast milk or nurse their child. Courthouses must post public signage indicating room locations, and rooms cannot be repurposed restrooms or storage areas. The law takes effect six months after enactment.

Maddy summarySB 945 bans the commercial trade of parts or products from 24 specific endangered or threatened species (including elephants, rhinos, sharks, and sea turtles) in Pennsylvania. It prohibits purchasing, selling, or possessing such items with intent to sell, affecting businesses and individuals involved in wildlife trafficking. Key exceptions include government law enforcement, antiques over 100 years old with documentation, musical instruments containing small amounts of protected parts, and educational permits. Violations face civil penalties ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 based on the item's value and whether it's a first or repeat offense. The law aims to combat illegal wildlife trade while allowing limited legal uses like scientific research.