Sen. Carolyn Comitta

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally recognizes June 19, 2026, as "Juneteenth National Freedom Day" within the state of Pennsylvania. The measure serves a commemorative purpose by acknowledging the historical significance of the date, which marks the day enslaved people in Texas learned of their freedom in 1865. It does not alter laws or create new policies but instead establishes an official state recognition of this African-American holiday.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors the life of former State Senator Jack McGregor and expresses condolences following his death on January 6, 2026. The document outlines his extensive career, including his service in the Marine Corps, his tenure in the Pennsylvania Senate, and his role as a founder of the Pittsburgh Penguins. It also notes his various appointments to federal boards and his establishment of a scholarship at the University of Pittsburgh. The resolution serves as a formal acknowledgment of his public service and personal achievements rather than proposing new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code of 1949 to allow the Secretary of Education to temporarily waive a requirement that career and technical education programs must end by twelfth grade. The change directly affects students in vocational and technical education programs and gives the state education secretary the authority to approve programs that extend beyond high school graduation. The waiver is limited to three years or until final regulations are issued, whichever happens first, and does not prevent existing programs from ending in twelfth grade. Students already enrolled in these programs before the waiver expires will not be affected by the change.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates June 15, 2026, as Pediatric Brain Cancer Awareness Day in Pennsylvania to highlight the severity of the disease among children. The measure calls on residents to observe the day by raising awareness, supporting affected families, and advocating for increased research funding. It does not create new laws or change government operations but serves as a symbolic gesture to draw attention to the condition.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates June 19, 2026, as "Juneteenth National Freedom Day" within the state of Pennsylvania. The measure serves as a symbolic recognition of the historical significance of the date, which marks the day enslaved people in Texas learned of their emancipation in 1865. By passing this resolution, the Pennsylvania Senate acknowledges the legacy of African-American resilience and culture without altering any laws or government operations.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates June 15, 2026, as "World Elder Abuse Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania to highlight the issue of elder abuse. The measure does not change any laws or create new programs but serves as a formal recognition to draw attention to the rising number of abuse reports and the vulnerability of older adults. By acknowledging this specific date, the resolution aims to encourage the public and officials to focus on safeguarding the well-being of the state's aging population.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Crime Victims Act to clarify how "out-of-pocket loss" is defined for reimbursement purposes. It directly affects crime victims by expanding the list of reimbursable expenses to include costs for cleaning a crime scene, temporary relocation of victims and their pets, and physical examinations used to gather evidence. The legislation also specifies that "common household pets" includes domesticated animals like dogs, cats, and birds kept for pleasure. These changes aim to ensure victims can recover more specific costs incurred as a direct result of a criminal incident without covering property damage or pain and suffering.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law to specifically regulate how businesses collect and handle reproductive and sexual health data. It requires companies to obtain consumer consent, limit data collection to what is necessary for specific services, and provide clear options for users to access or delete this sensitive information. Additionally, the legislation restricts sharing this data with third parties unless there is valid consent or a legal mandate, while also establishing a process for the Attorney General to issue violation notices before taking enforcement action.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates the week of June 7 through 13, 2026, as "Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania. The measure encourages residents to hold events and educational programs to highlight the bay's importance as a source of drinking water, recreation, and economic activity. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to recognize the watershed's ecological and historical significance.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania election laws to restrict police and federal law enforcement officers from standing within one hundred feet of polling places during primaries and elections, aiming to prevent intimidation. While officers are generally barred from this area, the law allows exceptions for those voting, serving warrants, or maintaining order if specifically requested by election officials or voters. The legislation also prohibits soldiers from being present at election sites and mandates that polling locations inside police stations must be in separate rooms. Any officer found in violation of these distance restrictions without a valid exception faces criminal penalties, including fines or imprisonment.