Sen. Amanda Cappelletti

Maddy summarySB 335 increases the annual funding limit for county tire collection events under Pennsylvania's waste tire program from $100,000 to $250,000 per county. This amendment affects local governments organizing tire collection events by allowing them to access more state funds for these activities. The bill modifies Section 209(d) of the 1996 waste tire law, specifically adjusting the spending cap without creating new programs or changing eligibility rules. It directly impacts counties conducting tire collection events as part of the existing Small Business and Household Pollution Prevention Program.

Maddy summarySB 319 requires Pennsylvania law enforcement officers to knock and announce their presence before forcibly entering a home during warrant execution and wait at least 15 seconds for occupants to respond. Officers must wear body cameras recording searches for five minutes before and after execution, and be clearly identifiable in uniform. The bill mandates new training on warrant procedures, establishes escalating sanctions (including certification suspension for repeated violations), and allows individuals harmed by intentional non-compliance to sue for damages. These requirements apply to all officers executing warrants under Pennsylvania law.

Maddy summarySB 334 modifies Pennsylvania's court cost and fine payment rules to prioritize financial ability over penalties for those unable to pay. It requires judges to hold hearings before imposing fines or jail time for nonpayment, then sets income-based installment plans (using 125%-200% of Federal poverty levels) or waivers for low-income defendants. The bill directly affects individuals facing court costs, fines, or driver's license suspensions due to unpaid citations. Key provisions include preventing jail time for nonpayment if a defendant proves financial hardship, capping monthly payments based on income, and waiving collection fees for those below poverty thresholds.

Maddy summarySB 348 requires firearm owners or lawful possessors in Pennsylvania to report a lost or stolen firearm to local police within 24 hours, providing specific details like the serial number, model, and caliber. Police must then forward this information to the Pennsylvania State Police, who will share it with all law enforcement agencies to aid in locating the firearm. Violating this reporting requirement is a minor offense punishable by a fine of up to $500. The bill directly affects individuals who own or legally possess firearms, creating a new administrative duty to report losses or thefts.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 24) urges the U.S. Congress to pass two specific laws: a food labeling modernization act and an allergen disclosure law for medications. It seeks to require clearer front-of-package labels on food showing gluten sources (including barley, oats, and rye, not just wheat) and to mandate that medication labels identify ingredients derived from major food allergens like gluten. The resolution directly addresses people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance - impacting an estimated 7% of the U.S. population - who face serious health risks from unlabeled gluten exposure. Current federal labeling only requires wheat identification, leaving other gluten sources unmarked and putting sensitive consumers at risk. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new law but calls on Congress to act.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all Pennsylvania municipal law enforcement agencies to create and implement written policies governing the use of force and deadly force by officers. The policies must include specific decision-making criteria for when force can be used (such as threats to safety or possession of weapons), prohibit choke holds except when deadly force is authorized, and mandate public posting online and physical availability upon request. The Municipal Police Officers' Education and Training Commission must certify each agency's policy biennially and provide non-compliance lists to the Pennsylvania State Police. This law directly affects municipal law enforcement agencies and their officers by standardizing force guidelines and increasing transparency around use-of-force incidents.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds a $2.25 surcharge to civil court filings in Pennsylvania and creates a new requirement for legal representation in asset forfeiture cases. It directly affects individuals facing property seizure (especially real estate) who cannot afford a lawyer and have not been criminally charged. Courts must provide attorneys for these individuals upon request, considering factors like the claim's good faith and the person's legal standing. The funds from the new filing fee will be used by counties to administer this legal representation program.

Maddy summarySB 257 requires hotels, motels, inns, and similar lodging establishments that use fossil-fuel heaters, fireplaces, or have attached garages to install and maintain operational carbon monoxide alarms near those hazards in all affected units. Owners must ensure alarms are centrally located, approved per existing standards, and properly maintained, including battery replacement. Failure to comply is a summary offense punishable by a fine of up to $50. The law applies immediately to all qualifying lodging establishments, excluding college dorms but covering most short-term rental properties.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Pennsylvania colleges and universities to install approved carbon monoxide alarms in student dormitories that use fossil fuel heaters (like gas or wood) or have attached garages. Specifically, alarms must be placed near heating sources and in every housing unit on the same floor, meeting national safety standards (ANSI/UL2034 or similar). Dormitory operators must maintain these alarms and replace batteries, with willful failure to comply punishable by a $50 fine. The law applies to all institutions of higher education in Pennsylvania, including public universities, community colleges, and private schools.

Maddy summarySB 271 requires Pennsylvania health insurers to cover bariatric surgery and FDA-approved anti-obesity drugs for individuals aged 18 or older. It mandates coverage for treatments meeting standards set by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery or American College of Surgeons, including pre- and post-operative care like nutritional counseling. The law applies to all health insurance policies issued or renewed in Pennsylvania, requiring coverage "to the same extent as for other medically necessary procedures." It specifically abrogates a conflicting regulation (55 Pa. Code § 1121.54(1)) and takes effect 60 days after enactment. This directly affects insurers and Pennsylvania residents seeking obesity-related medical treatments.