Sen. Tina Tartaglione

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $500 annual tax credit for Pennsylvania residents who serve as active volunteer certified emergency medical technicians (EMTs) or volunteer firefighters. To qualify, individuals must have at least two full years of service by December 31 of the tax year and respond to at least 20% of their agency's emergency calls during that period. The credit applies to tax liability starting with taxable years beginning after December 31, 2026, and cannot be carried over, refunded, or sold. The Department of Revenue will administer the credit, require self-certification, and submit annual reports to the General Assembly on its usage.

Maddy summarySB 452 establishes the "Safe Path Restricted Account" within Pennsylvania's General Fund, transferring $50 million for fiscal year 2025-2026. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency will use these funds to award grants to political subdivisions and nonprofits operating safe passage programs. These programs aim to improve safety for youth and adults traveling to and from schools and community centers. Priority is given to applicants in areas with high gun violence rates, as determined by the Commission.

Maddy summarySB 131 proposes a constitutional amendment to replace Pennsylvania’s current Legislative Reapportionment Commission with an 11-member Independent Redistricting Commission. The new commission would be composed of four members from the largest political party, four from the second-largest, and three unaffiliated voters, all required to have voted in recent statewide elections and meet strict eligibility rules (e.g., no current officeholders, lobbyists, or campaign staff). This change directly affects how the state redraws congressional and legislative district boundaries after each federal census, aiming to reduce partisan influence in the process. The bill also specifies redistricting criteria but does not detail specific geographic or population standards. As a proposed constitutional amendment, it remains in committee and has not become law.

Maddy summarySR 55 is a symbolic resolution designating April 2025 as "Pennsylvania Donate Life Month" to raise awareness about organ, tissue, and cornea donation. It does not create new laws or policies but commemorates Pennsylvania's donation efforts, citing that over 6,400 residents await transplants and 857 donors gave the gift of life in 2024. The resolution recognizes existing donor awareness work by state agencies and organizations like Gift of Life Donor Program. As a procedural resolution, it has no direct impact on individuals or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 29, 2025, as "Vietnam War Veterans Day" in Pennsylvania, aligning with the state's existing law (Act 124 of 2024) that requires annual recognition of this date. It directs the Governor to issue a proclamation encouraging public schools and educational institutions to observe the day by honoring Vietnam War veterans' service and sacrifices. The resolution does not create new rights or funding but formally recognizes the contributions of veterans who served between 1955 and 1975, including nearly 3,150 Pennsylvanians who died or were missing in action. This follows federal recognition established by the 2017 Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 57) symbolically recognizes April 2025 as "Faith Month" in Pennsylvania. It encourages awareness of religious holidays and observances during that month, citing historical references to faith in American founding documents and emphasizing religious liberty. As a non-binding Senate resolution, it does not create new laws or affect any individuals or groups, serving only as a ceremonial acknowledgment.

Maddy summarySB 516 establishes Pennsylvania's "Lifetime Recovery from Substance Use Grant Program" to fund recovery support services. It requires the Department of Health to create and distribute posters/pamphlets with overdose signs, emergency steps, and naloxone locations to be displayed in public areas of government agencies, transit authorities, and municipalities. The bill directly affects nonprofits, hospitals, counties, and recovery houses that provide services like peer support, housing assistance, and job training for people recovering from substance use. It mandates these providers to apply for grants to expand access to evidence-based recovery support services across the state.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 56) passed by the Pennsylvania Senate to honor the late Jerry Allen Stern, a former state representative who served the 80th District from 1992 to 2015. The resolution extends condolences to his wife, children, grandchildren, and family following his death on December 11, 2024. It recognizes his service as a legislator, his work on committees, and his community involvement in Blair County. As a memorial resolution, it has no policy impact or binding effect.

Maddy summarySB 498 updates Pennsylvania's definition of "emergency vehicle" in the vehicle code to include new categories of vehicles and operators. It specifically adds vehicles used for organ delivery, hazardous material response, correctional emergency transport, and disaster services (like those operated by the Salvation Army or regional EMS councils), as well as privately owned vehicles used by certain officials like police chiefs or fire marshals during emergencies. This change clarifies which vehicles qualify as emergency vehicles under state law, directly affecting police, fire, EMS, and other emergency response personnel statewide. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summarySB 496 requires nonpublic schools participating in Pennsylvania's educational tax credit program to adopt a written policy prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation. This change directly affects private and parochial schools that receive tax credits through the state's program. The bill amends the Public School Code by adding this specific nondiscrimination requirement as a condition for school participation. It does not alter tax credit amounts or other program eligibility criteria.