Sen. Lisa Boscola

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania vehicle laws to clarify rules for car modifications and safety equipment. It specifically allows vehicle owners to remove and reinstall doors while requiring that any modified vehicle still have side mirrors attached for visibility. Additionally, the law mandates that vehicles with removed doors must be inspected with those doors reattached to ensure they meet safety standards. The legislation also expands seat belt requirements to include passengers in the back seats of certain vehicles used for specific unlawful activities.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Consumer Data Privacy Act to protect the personal information of Pennsylvania residents by setting specific rules for businesses that collect and use consumer data. It defines who must comply as "controllers," which are companies doing business in the state with over $10 million in annual revenue, those selling consumer data for half their income, or those handling data from at least 50,000 consumers. The law requires these companies to obtain clear, affirmative consent from individuals before processing their data and prohibits deceptive design tactics known as dark patterns that trick users into sharing information. Additionally, the act outlines strict penalties for violations and grants consumers the right to know how their data is used, particularly in high-risk situations like targeted advertising or automated decision-making.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new paid family and medical leave program in Pennsylvania, allowing eligible employees to take time off work with wage replacement for specific personal and family reasons. The program is administered by the Department of Labor and Industry, which will manage the Family and Medical Leave Fund financed by employer contributions, while also offering an option for employers to use private insurance plans instead. Eligible workers can receive benefits for various needs, including caring for a sick family member, bonding with a new child, or addressing violence against vulnerable adults, with protections ensuring their jobs remain secure during leave. The legislation includes provisions for self-employed individuals to opt into the program, sets rules for benefit amounts and duration, and creates an advisory board to oversee the initiative.

Maddy summaryThis law updates the Real Estate Licensing and Registration Act to clarify how sales agreements can be canceled in wholesale real estate deals. It specifically allows brokers and salespeople to cancel these contracts if they are sent electronically, treating digital transmission the same as traditional mail. The changes also refine the definition of "valuable monetary consideration" within the act to ensure consistency across different sections. By adjusting these definitions and procedures, the bill aims to provide clearer rules for real estate professionals handling wholesale transactions.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's fishing and hunting license laws to offer special discounts to volunteer firefighters. It allows eligible volunteer firefighters to purchase an annual resident fishing license for just one dollar if they provide proof of their service over the past year. Additionally, the legislation creates a new category of hunting licenses for volunteer firefighters, also priced at one dollar, while maintaining standard resident hunting license exemptions. These changes apply to anyone who has served as a volunteer firefighter in good standing within the state for at least twelve months.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires individuals applying for licenses as healthcare practitioners in Pennsylvania to submit fingerprints for criminal history background checks. The Pennsylvania State Police will conduct these checks using both state and federal databases to verify identities and identify any past arrests or convictions. Licensing boards will use this information to determine eligibility for issuing professional credentials, while strict rules limit who can access these records. The law specifically covers various healthcare fields, including medicine, nursing, dentistry, and pharmacy, and will take effect 180 days after passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Pennsylvania Strategic Investments to Enhance Sites (PA SITES) Program to help fund the development of regional plans and business sites within the state. It authorizes the Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority to issue up to $500 million in bonds to support projects that reduce development risks for municipalities, economic development organizations, and other eligible entities. The funds can be used for creating comprehensive real estate plans, preparing industrial or nonindustrial sites for business relocation or expansion, and other projects deemed eligible by the Department of Community and Economic Development. All bond payments must be covered by specific pledged revenues rather than general state funds, ensuring the bonds do not create a direct debt obligation for the Commonwealth.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Breach of Personal Information Notification Act to clarify how different types of organizations must handle data security incidents. It specifically adds an exemption for entities already regulated under the state's insurance data security laws, meaning they do not need to follow the notification rules in this updated act. The change ensures that insurance companies are not required to provide duplicate breach notifications under this specific legislation. This update streamlines compliance requirements by avoiding overlapping rules for the insurance sector.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Stand with Israel Act, prohibits Pennsylvania state retirement funds and the State Treasurer from boycotting or divesting from Israel. It also bars state funding for any higher education institution that engages in such boycotts or divestment actions. The law defines these actions as financial penalties against the Israeli government or its commercial activities and applies to direct and indirect investments, while exempting certain individual employee savings plans. Compliance with the law must still follow existing fiduciary duties and prudent investing standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific bridge on Pennsylvania Route 72 in Swatara Township as the Senator David J. Arnold, Jr., Memorial Bridge to honor his service. The legislation officially names the structure after the late state senator, who previously served as Lebanon County's district attorney and later as a state senator. To implement this change, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is required to install and maintain signs displaying the new name for drivers traveling in both directions. The act will become effective 60 days after being signed into law.