Sen. Lisa Boscola

Maddy summaryThis resolution symbolically designates April 2025 as "Sexual Assault Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It recognizes the national observance and highlights statistics on sexual violence (e.g., 1 in 5 women and 1 in 71 men in the U.S. experience rape, 81% of women report sexual harassment). The resolution aims to raise community awareness and support for survivors, aligning with the theme "Together We Act, United We Change." As a procedural resolution, it does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges the issue for the state.

Maddy summarySB 530 amends Pennsylvania's sales tax code to exclude certain equipment purchases from tax when bought personally by firefighters. It specifically covers accessory, communications, and protective equipment (like helmets, turnout gear, and respirators) purchased with personal funds by paid/volunteer firefighters or special fire police members who show valid ID proving their status. The exclusion applies only if the fire company or unit doesn't cover the cost; if the employer pays, the tax still applies. This change directly affects individual firefighters buying required gear personally, not fire departments or other entities. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $500 annual tax credit for Pennsylvania residents who serve as active volunteer certified emergency medical technicians (EMTs) or volunteer firefighters. To qualify, individuals must have at least two full years of service by December 31 of the tax year and respond to at least 20% of their agency's emergency calls during that period. The credit applies to tax liability starting with taxable years beginning after December 31, 2026, and cannot be carried over, refunded, or sold. The Department of Revenue will administer the credit, require self-certification, and submit annual reports to the General Assembly on its usage.

Maddy summarySB 131 proposes a constitutional amendment to replace Pennsylvania’s current Legislative Reapportionment Commission with an 11-member Independent Redistricting Commission. The new commission would be composed of four members from the largest political party, four from the second-largest, and three unaffiliated voters, all required to have voted in recent statewide elections and meet strict eligibility rules (e.g., no current officeholders, lobbyists, or campaign staff). This change directly affects how the state redraws congressional and legislative district boundaries after each federal census, aiming to reduce partisan influence in the process. The bill also specifies redistricting criteria but does not detail specific geographic or population standards. As a proposed constitutional amendment, it remains in committee and has not become law.

Maddy summarySB 519 amends Pennsylvania's Liquor Code to change how state liquor stores sell alcohol wholesale. It requires a 10% discount on wholesale sales to hotels, restaurants, clubs, and other licensed businesses (excluding special orders), and mandates that these businesses use a discount card for purchases. The bill also establishes new rules for delivery services, requiring credit card or electronic payment for deliveries to licensees and allowing stores to offer pickup discounts at specified locations. These changes directly affect licensed businesses buying alcohol wholesale, pharmacists, hospitals, and the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, which administers the program. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summarySB 440 creates new tax credits under Pennsylvania’s PA EDGE program for semiconductor and biomedical manufacturing and research companies meeting specific criteria. It directly affects businesses that invest at least $200 million (or $20 million for early-stage semiconductor firms) in facilities, create 800 (or 100) permanent jobs, and meet local hiring and wage standards. The bill establishes two credit calculation methods: up to 2.5% of capital investment or up to $20,000 per job (capped at $20 million annually). Eligible companies must apply by March 1 each year, with credits approved by May 1, and the program prioritizes semiconductor projects with a minimum $1 million annual allocation. The tax credits reduce state tax liability for qualifying investments and job creation in these sectors.

Maddy summarySB 112, the Consumer Data Privacy Act, establishes new rules for how businesses handle personal data in Pennsylvania. It requires businesses (like online services or retailers meeting revenue or data volume thresholds) to get clear, affirmative consent from Pennsylvania residents before collecting or selling their data, bans deceptive "dark patterns" that trick users into sharing information, and prohibits selling data for targeted advertising without consent. The law defines personal data broadly to include location and biometric information (but excludes de-identified data or publicly available information) and imposes penalties for violations. It directly affects Pennsylvania consumers by giving them more control over their data and businesses that process their information.

Maddy summaryThis non-binding resolution designates March 2025 as "Disabilities Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It encourages all Pennsylvanians to learn about challenges faced by people with disabilities and fosters greater public awareness of their experiences. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it serves as a symbolic gesture to recognize systemic inequities and honor disability rights progress.

Maddy summarySB 395 establishes a licensing system for plumbers and plumbing contractors in Pennsylvania, requiring them to obtain and maintain licenses from the newly created State Board of Plumbing Contractors. The law sets specific qualifications for different license types (apprentice, journeyman, master), mandates continuing education, and creates fees, fines, and penalties for violations. It directly affects licensed plumbing professionals by governing their qualifications, renewal requirements, and enforcement, while ensuring only licensed individuals perform plumbing work requiring permits. The bill also establishes a dedicated Plumbing Contractors Licensure Account to manage fees and penalties, with no changes to existing local permitting requirements.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 18, 2025, as "National Natural Gas Utility Workers' Day" in Pennsylvania. It formally recognizes the essential role of natural gas utility workers who maintain infrastructure providing energy for homes, businesses, and communities - especially highlighting their work during the pandemic and in hazardous conditions. The resolution serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of their contributions, with no legal requirements or policy changes attached. It does not create new laws or affect any specific individuals or entities beyond this symbolic recognition.