Sen. Lisa Boscola

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (not a law) that formally recognizes March 8, 2025, as "International Women's Day" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new policies, allocate funds, or directly affect any individuals or groups. The resolution expresses the Senate's support for the global observance of International Women's Day, highlighting women's achievements and the ongoing pursuit of gender equality. It serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment with no concrete policy changes or legal impact.

Maddy summarySB 394 proposes a constitutional amendment to end school districts' authority to levy real property taxes on primary homes (homesteads) and farms (farmsteads) after June 30, 2030. This directly affects homeowners and farmers by eliminating future property taxes on their primary residences and agricultural land, while requiring the state to replace lost school funding through alternative taxes like retail sales or income taxes. The bill mandates that the state annually compensate school districts for lost revenue by depositing funds into a dedicated "Stabilization of Education Fund," which cannot be diverted for other purposes. The amendment must pass both legislative chambers and be approved by voters to take effect.

Maddy summarySB 391 changes Pennsylvania's hunting regulations by setting the start date for the regular antlered deer hunting season to the first Monday following Thanksgiving. This directly affects deer hunters and wildlife management agencies by establishing a fixed annual opening date, replacing the previous schedule. The bill amends Section 2102 of Title 34 (Game) to add this specific provision, creating a clear, predictable timeline for the season. The change will take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summarySB 388 proposes amending Pennsylvania's Constitution to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sex, race, ethnicity, color, religious creed, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, familial status, or disability. This would expand existing constitutional protections under Article I, Section 28 to cover these additional categories, ensuring equality of rights under the law for all Pennsylvanians. The bill requires the General Assembly to pass it twice before submitting the amendment to voters at the next qualifying election. As of March 6, 2025, the bill has only been referred to the State Government committee and remains in early legislative stages.

Maddy summarySB 389 amends Pennsylvania's Credit Services Act to prohibit credit services organizations from discriminating against applicants based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. Specifically, it bans denying credit, increasing fees, restricting credit amounts, or imposing different terms based on these characteristics. The bill allows organizations to still consider credit history and apply community property laws as permitted under existing rules. This change directly affects credit service providers and their customers in Pennsylvania, ensuring equal access to credit services.

Maddy summarySB 392 amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to allow a new deduction for real property taxes paid on a homeowner's primary residence (defined as "homestead") that exceed the federal limit under 26 U.S.C. § 164(b)(6)(B). This deduction applies only to taxes paid to school districts or equivalent city taxes, excluding payments in lieu of taxes or penalties. The deduction cannot reduce taxable income below zero and applies to tax years beginning after December 31, 2025. It directly affects Pennsylvania homeowners with property taxes exceeding the federal cap, providing a limited tax benefit for their primary residence.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 29) formally recognizes January 2025 as "National Blood Donor Month" in Pennsylvania, aligning with a nationwide observance. It does not create new laws or obligations; it is a symbolic gesture by the Pennsylvania Senate to raise awareness about blood donation needs. The resolution highlights that January is a critical time for blood banks due to seasonal factors like holidays and weather, which increase demand while reducing donations. It directly affects no individuals or entities, serving only as a statement of support for blood donation efforts.

Maddy summarySB 390 creates a new grant program to provide operating assistance for public transportation in Pennsylvania counties experiencing population or employment growth. It directly affects county transit entities that currently receive state transportation grants under Sections 1513 or 1516. The bill allocates funds equally between counties with rising employment (using state labor data) and counties with rising population (using U.S. Census data), distributing grants based on each county's growth percentage over five years. Eligible entities can apply annually for proportional shares of available funds, with grants subject to the same rules as existing programs. The program requires no local match exceeding current standards under Section 1513.

Maddy summarySB 393, the Senior Citizens' Property Tax Freeze Act, allows Pennsylvania residents aged 65+ who live on their property for at least five years and earn under $65,000 annually to freeze their real property tax increases. To qualify, applicants must submit a notarized form proving eligibility and submit annual income proof. The exemption ends if the property is sold or transferred (except to another eligible senior), and the state will reimburse local governments for lost tax revenue. The law applies starting January 1, 2026, and replaces conflicting existing laws. This directly affects qualifying seniors owning residential property in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summarySB 364 would establish Atlantic Standard Time as Pennsylvania's permanent legal time zone, eliminating the current practice of changing clocks for daylight saving time. The bill amends an 1887 law to remove the provision allowing daylight saving time (which currently shifts clocks forward in spring and back in fall), making Atlantic Standard Time the sole standard for all government operations, contracts, and public business year-round. This change directly affects all Pennsylvanians, businesses, and municipal governments by ending the twice-yearly clock adjustments. The bill requires the governor to request federal approval to align with the Atlantic time zone if neighboring states do the same, but its core policy change is a permanent shift to Atlantic Standard Time without daylight saving time.