Sen. Tina Tartaglione

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 1122) requires most health insurance policies sold in Pennsylvania to cover menopause treatment. Specifically, it mandates coverage for FDA-approved drugs, behavioral therapy, and post-hysterectomy menopause treatments under Section 635.11 of the Insurance Company Law. The requirement applies to standard health insurance policies (excluding dental, vision, workers' compensation, and similar limited-benefit plans) and takes effect 60 days after enactment, with most policies needing to comply within 180 days of the effective date. It does not alter existing cost-sharing rules like deductibles or copays.

Maddy summarySB 734 designates a specific location for a commemorative bell monument at the Pennsylvania State Capitol to mark the 250th anniversary of the U.S. founding, highlighting Pennsylvania's historical role. The bill requires the Department of General Services to prepare the site and take ownership of the monument after the America250PA Commission disbands, ensuring its long-term maintenance. This procedural bill does not create new policies or affect residents directly, but formally authorizes the monument's placement on Capitol grounds.

Maddy summarySB 1085, the "Good Jobs for Quality Care Act," establishes a Direct Care Worker Wage Advisory Board within Pennsylvania's Department of Human Services to address recruitment and retention challenges for direct care workers. The bill sets a minimum wage for these workers - defined as individuals providing hands-on care in home, community, or nursing home settings to elderly or disabled individuals (including personal care aides, home health aides, and nursing assistants) - and creates a statewide registry to track their employment. The Advisory Board, composed of worker representatives, employers, and care recipients, will examine factors like compensation and work schedules to make recommendations. The bill also includes penalties for violations of its minimum wage and registry requirements.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 203) designates November 2025 as "Lung Cancer Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically recognizes ongoing improvements in lung cancer detection, treatment access, and survival rates within the state, as documented in the American Lung Association's 2025 report. The resolution encourages Pennsylvania residents to learn more about lung cancer detection and treatment options but does not create new laws or funding. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no binding effect on policy or resources.

Maddy summarySB 176 amends Pennsylvania's Unemployment Compensation Law to create a new eligibility exception for individuals who leave work due to domestic violence threatening their safety or their family's safety. This directly affects domestic violence survivors who might otherwise be disqualified from unemployment benefits for voluntarily quitting or failing to attend work. The bill allows applicants to verify domestic violence through protective orders, professional statements, or a self-affirmation (with documentation required within 120 days), while ensuring all records remain confidential and cannot be disclosed to employers. The Department of Labor must expedite eligibility determinations for qualifying applicants and provide automatic relief from employer benefit charges.

Maddy summarySB 1112, the "Contraceptive Access for All Act," requires most health insurance plans in Pennsylvania - including Medicaid managed care plans and private health insurance - to cover all FDA-approved contraceptives without cost-sharing (like deductibles or copays). It specifically mandates coverage for prescription contraceptives, emergency contraception (like levonorgestrel), and over-the-counter oral contraceptives, and prohibits insurers from requiring prior authorization or step therapy for these items. The law applies to standard health insurance policies but excludes limited policies like dental, vision, or workers' compensation plans. It directly affects health insurers and managed care plans by requiring them to provide this coverage at no additional cost to enrollees.

Maddy summarySB 299 creates the Pennsylvania Promise Program, providing tuition/fees and room/board scholarships to eligible Pennsylvania residents attending higher education. It directly affects two groups: (1) "eligible students" under age 24 (or active military) who graduated high school within five years, and (2) "eligible adult learners" aged 24+ with a high school diploma. The program, administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, covers tuition/fees up to the State System’s maximum in-state rate and room/board based on agency standards. Funding comes from the newly established Pennsylvania Promise Program Fund, requiring applicants to complete FAFSA and apply for other grants first.

Maddy summarySB 1102 creates a reimbursement program for Pennsylvania entities affected by a specific budget impasse period (July 1-November 12, 2025). It provides grants to eligible school districts, counties, human services providers, and other Commonwealth-funded organizations that received 2024-2025 fiscal year funding directly from the state. Eligible entities may receive reimbursement for documented financing costs or lost interest earnings directly tied to the budget delay. The Office of the Budget administers the program, with applications due within 90 days of the bill’s effective date, using funds from a newly established restricted account.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates December 2, 2025, as "World Nuclear Energy Day" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically recognizes the historical significance of nuclear energy milestones, including the first controlled nuclear chain reaction (1942) and the first commercial nuclear power plant (1957). The resolution highlights Pennsylvania's role as a top nuclear energy producer (30% of state electricity, 15,900 jobs, $2 billion economic contribution) but does not create new laws or policies. It is a ceremonial gesture with no regulatory or financial impact.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week of November 16-22, 2025, as "Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania. It formally recognizes this period through a state legislative resolution, urging public awareness of hunger and homelessness issues. The bill does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight these concerns within the state. It affects all Pennsylvanians by promoting community focus on these social issues during the designated week.