Sen. Carolyn Comitta

Maddy summarySB 1193 requires federal immigration agents to obtain a judicial warrant or order before making civil immigration arrests in Pennsylvania state facilities (like prisons or courthouses) or within 1,000 feet of them, with an exception for arrests tied to ongoing proceedings within the facility. It directly affects state agencies, local governments, and public authorities operating such facilities by mandating warrant compliance. The bill allows individuals subjected to warrantless arrests to sue state entities for damages (minimum $500) or other relief, and explicitly states that state immunity laws cannot block such lawsuits. This creates legal accountability for state facilities that permit unauthorized federal immigration enforcement actions.

Maddy summarySB 1185 creates an annual open enrollment period for Pennsylvania Medicare supplement insurance policyholders. Starting on each policyholder's birthday, insurers must offer a 90-day window during which individuals can switch to any comparable Medicare supplement policy without being denied coverage or charged more based on health status. Insurers must also notify policyholders 15-30 days before the enrollment period about dates, rights, and policy changes. This amendment modifies Pennsylvania's 1982 Medicare Supplement Insurance Act and replaces an inconsistent existing regulation. The bill directly affects Medicare supplement policyholders in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summarySB 1189 amends Pennsylvania law to prohibit law enforcement officers from arresting or detaining individuals based on race, nationality, or immigration status without probable cause for an immigration violation. The bill defines "indiscriminate arrest" as using these factors to make arrests without a warrant, or to meet a quota, and makes such actions a misdemeanor of the first degree. This applies to all law enforcement officers, including federal officials and state peace officers, as defined in existing law. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 233) symbolically recognizes March 21, 2026, as "World Down Syndrome Day" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or affect any individuals or policies, as it is a ceremonial gesture acknowledging the day. The resolution cites statistics about Down syndrome and highlights contributions of people with Down syndrome to society, but contains no binding provisions or requirements. It serves solely to honor the occasion through official state recognition.

Maddy summarySB 1202 prohibits payment card networks (like Visa or Mastercard) from including sales tax amounts in credit or debit card processing fees. It specifically bans networks from charging fees based on the total transaction amount (including tax) and prevents them from circumventing this rule by increasing other fees. The bill also stops networks from charging merchants or consumers for disputed transactions until resolved, and prohibits penalties for merchants pricing items legally under state or federal law. This directly affects merchants who accept card payments and payment networks, requiring them to calculate fees without tax amounts. Violations would trigger penalties as outlined in the bill's enforcement section.

Maddy summaryPennsylvania's Senate introduced Resolution 225 condemning federal immigration officers' use of deadly force in incidents raising constitutional concerns, specifically referencing two fatal shootings in Minnesota (Renée Good on January 7, 2026, and Alex Pretti on January 24, 2026). The resolution demands impartial investigations into these incidents, calls for federal agencies to review and reform enforcement practices, and urges Congress to strengthen accountability measures. It affirms that constitutional rights apply to all people regardless of immigration status and emphasizes that public safety requires respect for civil liberties. The resolution serves as a formal statement from Pennsylvania's Senate to federal officials, not a binding law.

Maddy summarySB 1190, the Pet Shop-Kennel Act, regulates facilities housing dogs, cats, or rabbits for compensation, including boarding kennels and dealers who sell or transfer these animals. It requires all such facilities to provide adequate shelter from weather and temperature extremes, and mandates the Department of Agriculture to enforce these standards. The bill imposes penalties for violations, such as operating without compliance, and specifically excludes veterinary facilities, grooming centers, and owner-held events like shows. It directly affects pet shops, boarding facilities, and animal dealers in Pennsylvania. The law establishes clear operational requirements for these businesses without specifying new funding or programs.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 231) designates February 20-22, 2026, as "THON Weekend" in Pennsylvania to honor student volunteers from Penn State's IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon. It recognizes their work supporting pediatric cancer research and care through the Four Diamonds Fund, which has raised over $254 million since 1977 to assist children with cancer and fund research. The resolution is ceremonial and does not create new laws or obligations.

Maddy summarySB 1158 prohibits the use of paraquat and its salts (including methyl viologen and paraquat bismethylsulfate) as pesticides in Pennsylvania. It amends the state's pesticide law to make it unlawful to use these chemicals, defined by their chemical identifier (CAS number 4685-14-7). This directly affects farmers, agricultural businesses, and pest control professionals who currently use paraquat for crop management or other purposes. The prohibition takes effect one year after enactment, replacing any conflicting regulations.

Maddy summarySB 1188 amends Pennsylvania's 1929 Administrative Code to grant collective bargaining rights to school administrators employed by cities of the first class or school districts of the first class A. It allows these administrators to negotiate terms like pay, hours, working conditions, retirement, and benefits through labor organizations representing at least 50% of their peers. Disputes over these terms will be resolved by the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board using procedures similar to the Public Employers Relations Act. This bill directly affects school administrators in specific large cities and school districts, expanding their formal negotiation rights under state law.