Sen. Amanda Cappelletti

Maddy summarySB 848 amends Pennsylvania's 1929 Administrative Code to update the composition of the State Planning Board. It adds two members appointed by the Senate President pro tempore (from different political parties) and two by the House Speaker (also from different parties), while expanding ex-officio membership to include eight cabinet secretaries and agency directors. The bill specifies four-year terms for Governor-appointed members and increases the board's required quorum from 13 to 14 members. These changes directly affect how the board is structured and who serves on it, without altering the board's policy responsibilities. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summarySB 867 creates an Accessibility Advisory Board to review and recommend updates to Pennsylvania's accessibility standards in building codes. The 11-member board - requiring representation from people with disabilities, architects, business, housing, and municipal officials - must assess new sections of the International Code Council (ICC) accessibility codes within 21 months of their publication. It establishes a 120-day public comment period and requires the board to apply three criteria (public safety, economic impact, technical feasibility) before voting on whether to adopt, reject, or modify changes. The board’s recommendations must be adopted by the Department of Labor and Industry within nine months, directly affecting municipalities, builders, and people with disabilities through updated construction accessibility requirements.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally recognizes May 2026 as Older Americans Month within Pennsylvania to honor the contributions of seniors. The bill serves as a commemorative gesture that highlights the importance of health, wellness, and community support for older adults. It does not create any new laws or change existing policies, but rather expresses official appreciation for the aging population.

Maddy summarySB 256 requires child care facilities in Pennsylvania that use fossil fuel appliances (like heaters or fireplaces) to install and maintain operational, approved carbon monoxide alarms. Specifically, facilities must have alarms centrally located near these appliances and in every unit on the same floor within 18 months of the law's effective date. The bill ties compliance to licensing, stating the Department of Human Services cannot issue or renew a license for facilities failing to meet these standards unless a provisional license applies. It directly affects licensed child care facilities, including homes caring for 4-6 non-relative children, licensed schools, and facilities operating 24+ hours daily.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Capital Facilities Debt Enabling Act to clarify what counts as a "redevelopment assistance capital project" and sets specific rules for funding such projects. It directly affects local governments and developers seeking state-backed financing for infrastructure and community improvements by defining eligible projects as those that boost employment, generate tax revenue, and involve at least 50% non-State funding. The legislation excludes major public works like highways and sewage facilities but includes stormwater systems, tunnels, roads, hospitals, and housing developments that support economic activity, provided the total project cost is at least $1 million. Additionally, the bill removes a previous provision that allowed up to $50 million of state funds to be used specifically for constructing housing units. These changes take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summarySB 1314 amends Pennsylvania's personal income tax law to increase tax rates for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025. The bill raises the tax rate for residents from 3.7% to 9.7% and for nonresidents earning income from Pennsylvania sources from 3.7% to 9.7%. It also clarifies that income earned by certain trusts is taxable to the grantor rather than the trust itself. These changes directly affect Pennsylvania residents, nonresidents with Pennsylvania income, and individuals who establish or manage trusts.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Workers' Compensation Act to increase the maximum burial expense benefit for workers who die on the job. Currently capped at $7,000, the reimbursement amount for funeral costs will be raised to $20,000, which will be paid directly to the funeral home by the employer or their insurance provider. The change applies to all deceased workers regardless of whether they have dependents and ensures this payment is not reduced by any other compensation or medical expenses already received. The new provision takes effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates May 2026 as "National Treatment Court Month" in Pennsylvania to raise awareness about specialized courts that address substance use and mental health issues. The measure highlights the work of judges, prosecutors, treatment providers, and other professionals who operate these courts to help individuals recover rather than face traditional punishment. By acknowledging these programs, the resolution aims to educate the public and encourage continued support for initiatives that focus on rehabilitation and community safety.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to expand a tax credit for employers who contribute money to employee child care. It directly affects businesses that provide child care funds to their staff by changing how much they can claim as a tax deduction. Under the new rules, employers will receive a 30% tax credit on contributions up to $500 per employee for the 2026 tax year, increasing to a 100% credit on contributions up to $10,000 per employee for years starting in 2027. The total amount of credits available statewide is capped at $10 million per fiscal year, and if demand exceeds this limit, the credits will be reduced proportionally among all eligible applicants.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Emergency Medical Services providers in Pennsylvania to complete specific training on caring for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. The legislation mandates an initial three-hour course covering communication strategies, behavioral management, and recognizing signs of elder abuse, along with an annual one-hour continuing education requirement. The Department of Health will develop this curriculum in partnership with the Department of Aging, and providers who fail to meet these training standards may face certification sanctions. Additionally, the law includes a provision allowing providers who completed similar training within 18 months of the bill's effective date to waive the initial course requirement.