Sen. Lisa Boscola

Maddy summarySB 570 would create Pennsylvania's "End of Life Options Act," allowing terminally ill residents (18+ with an incurable illness expected to cause death within six months) to request medication to end their life. To qualify, patients must receive confirmation of terminal illness from two doctors, make two oral requests 15 days apart, submit a written request, and be deemed capable of making an informed decision. Patients retain the right to rescind their request at any time without restriction. The bill also requires documentation, counseling referrals, and reporting, but it remains pending in the Judiciary Committee and is not yet law.

Maddy summarySB 572 allows Pennsylvania to use lottery winnings over $2,500 and state tax refunds to pay unpaid Pennsylvania Turnpike tolls. It requires the Department of Revenue to check for toll debt before issuing winnings or refunds, and to deduct the owed amount (including fees/penalties) if found. Affected individuals - those with outstanding turnpike tolls - must be notified, can appeal within 30 days, and the state must report annual collections to lawmakers. The bill does not change toll rates or create new debt but provides a new method for collecting existing unpaid tolls.

Maddy summarySB 569 creates a grant program to fund snow and ice removal devices for large trucks (over 10,000 pounds) at locations like weigh stations and truck stops across Pennsylvania. The Department of Transportation will award grants up to $50,000 per device location to eligible businesses to purchase or install equipment that removes snow/ice from truck roofs. Funds come from existing snow/ice violation fines deposited into a dedicated account, with grants limited to device costs and approved operational expenses. The program aims to improve safety by reducing hazards from snow/ice accumulation on commercial vehicles.

Maddy summaryThis resolution recognizes April 13-19, 2025, as "National Public Safety Telecommunications Week" in Pennsylvania. It honors 911 dispatchers, emergency telecommunicators, and staff at public safety communication centers for their critical 24/7 work handling emergency calls and coordinating responses. The resolution acknowledges their role in saving lives, managing high-stress situations, and supporting first responders during crises. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic tribute to these workers' service.

Maddy summarySB 573 requires Pennsylvania public and nonpublic schools to integrate blood donation education into health classes for 11th and 12th graders. The curriculum must cover blood physiology, donation procedures and safety, blood usage in medical situations, and community benefits of donating. Students or parents may opt out for religious reasons without penalty, and schools must provide alternative learning during the unit.

Maddy summaryPennsylvania's Senate passed Resolution SR 46, petitioning Congress to end the biannual clock changes (spring forward/fall back) and establish a uniform year-round time system for all U.S. residents. The resolution specifically asks Congress to pass legislation making either standard time or daylight saving time permanent, eliminating the need for seasonal shifts. As a non-binding resolution, it does not change current law but requests federal action to resolve the conflict between state efforts and federal authority under 15 U.S.C. § 260a. The petition cites health, safety, and economic benefits of consistent time as rationale but focuses solely on requesting congressional action.

Maddy summarySB 543 creates a new misdemeanor offense in Pennsylvania for "masked intimidation," defined as intentionally harassing, intimidating, or threatening someone while hiding one's face with a mask. It directly affects individuals who use face coverings to cause fear of physical harm, excluding common scenarios like holiday costumes, occupational safety, weather protection, artistic performances, or health-related mask-wearing during emergencies. The bill specifies that violating this provision carries a third-degree misdemeanor penalty but explicitly states it does not infringe on First Amendment rights. Key exceptions include masks worn for religious reasons, winter sports, medical safety, or emergency situations. The law would take effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands death benefits for first responders whose deaths are linked to on-duty traumatic stress. It creates a legal presumption that firefighters, police officers, EMTs, and National Guard members who die from diagnosed or undiagnosed mental health conditions (like PTSD) related to traumatic incidents (e.g., crime scenes, mass casualties, or exposure to serious injury) were killed in the line of duty. The law updates definitions to include "traumatic event" and "personal injury sustained in the line of duty" for mental health conditions, applying retroactively to all eligible deaths since January 2019. It takes effect in 60 days.

Maddy summarySB 253 modifies Pennsylvania's tax code to help residents who earn income in other states claim credits for taxes paid there. It allows Pennsylvania residents to claim a credit against their state tax for income taxes paid to other states, limited to the portion of their total income taxed by that other jurisdiction. The bill simplifies documentation by permitting certified statements instead of submitting full state tax returns to verify taxes paid. This change applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2021, and affects Pennsylvania taxpayers with income subject to taxation in other states.

Maddy summarySB 473 amends Pennsylvania's 1971 Tax Reform Code to adjust discounts for businesses that pay sales and use tax on time. It directly affects businesses filing sales tax returns (monthly, quarterly, or semiannually) by offering two discount options: a flat fee per return ($25, $75, or $150 based on filing frequency) plus a percentage discount (1% on the first $1 million of taxable revenue, then 0.25% on amounts over $1 million). The bill replaces the previous discount structure with these specific, tiered provisions to incentivize prompt tax payments. The changes take effect 60 days after enactment.