Sen. Lisa Baker

Maddy summarySB 927 requires Pennsylvania cyber charter schools to conduct weekly real-time check-ins with each enrolled student to verify participation and ensure well-being. Specifically, schools must ensure students are visibly seen and communicated with by staff (via webcam or in person) at least once per week during instructional days. This applies only to cyber charter schools, not traditional public or brick-and-mortar schools. The requirement can be met during synchronous online classes when students turn on their webcams. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summarySB 875 creates a "clean slate" provision for individuals who successfully complete Pennsylvania's motivational boot camp program. It allows their criminal history records to become "limited access" for 3 years (misdemeanors) or 5 years (felonies) after program completion, provided they have no new convictions, paid all restitution, and completed the program. This means most background checks would not reveal these records during the limited access period. The bill specifically applies to participants who meet eligibility criteria under the motivational boot camp program, excluding those with certain serious offenses or enhancements. The Department of Corrections must certify successful completion to courts to trigger this record access change.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania Senate resolution (SR 116) urges Congress to support H.R. 2102, the Major Richard Star Act, which would eliminate a rule reducing retirement pay for medically retired service members. Currently, veterans with less than 20 years of service and a disability rating under 50% lose $1 in retirement pay for every $1 in disability benefits they receive. The resolution highlights that an estimated 50,000 veterans are affected by this offset, with average monthly reductions of about $1,900. It specifically calls for removing this restriction to allow medically retired service members to receive full retirement pay and VA disability benefits simultaneously.

Maddy summarySB 930 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to strengthen school safety and security systems. It establishes a School Safety and Security Committee, requires schools to appoint coordinators for safety planning, and mandates annual training for staff on topics like cyber safety, active shooter drills, and mental health awareness. The bill creates a grant program funding mental health services and cyber security measures (e.g., preventing data breaches), with funds restricted to these purposes. Schools must report safety meeting attendance and security personnel details annually, starting in 2026, to their boards of directors. These changes directly affect public school districts, charter schools, and their administrators.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 130) condemns the antisemitic firebombing attack that occurred on June 1, 2025, in Boulder, Colorado, during a Run for Their Lives demonstration supporting Jewish hostages. It calls on Pennsylvania (referred to as "the Commonwealth") to address the rising trend of antisemitism, citing statistics showing Jewish people face 67% of religious hate crimes in the U.S. and a 344% increase in antisemitic incidents over five years. The resolution expresses solidarity with the Jewish community, thanks law enforcement for responding to hate incidents, and urges action to combat antisemitism statewide. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create new laws or funding but formally condemns the attack and advocates for community support.

Maddy summarySB 95 amends Pennsylvania's Pharmacy Act to create a 180-day provisional license for pharmacists moving from other states, allowing them to practice without demonstrating competency under Pennsylvania's requirements. It also permits emergency medical services providers to distribute naloxone dose packages for opioid overdose reversal under specific conditions, including a Department of Health standing order and voluntary distribution without liability. Additionally, the bill requires pharmacies to disclose prescription drug prices (brand vs. generic), cost-sharing amounts, and health insurance options upon customer request. These changes aim to improve pharmacist mobility, expand naloxone access, and increase price transparency for consumers.

Maddy summarySB 719 amends Pennsylvania's CPA Law to update licensing requirements for certified public accountants (CPAs) and accounting firms. It raises the required education credits from 120 to 150 semester credits for exam eligibility, revises exam retake rules to use a rolling 30-month window for passing all sections, and creates "automatic mobility" allowing out-of-state CPAs in good standing to practice in Pennsylvania without a new license. The bill also repeals outdated provisions about "substantial equivalency" for out-of-state practice and clarifies disciplinary procedures. This law, signed by the governor on June 30, 2025 (Act No. 27 of 2025), directly affects CPAs, accounting firms, and individuals seeking licensure in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summarySB 302 creates a $100 fee for defendants when a protection order is granted without their agreement. The fee is distributed as follows: $25 to the Pennsylvania State Police for the protection order registry, $25 to the law enforcement agency that served the order, $25 to the county sheriff for related costs, and $25 to the Department of Human Services for domestic violence victim services. This bill directly affects individuals subject to protection orders and impacts how courts handle service of these orders. It became law on June 30, 2025 (Act No. 23 of 2025), modifying Pennsylvania’s domestic relations code to fund victim services and registry maintenance.

Maddy summarySB 255 classifies "sexual assault by sports official, volunteer or employee of nonprofit association" (18 Pa.C.S. § 3124.3) as a Tier II sexual offense under Pennsylvania sentencing law. This change directly affects individuals convicted of this specific type of sexual assault who work in sports organizations or nonprofit settings. Tier II classification requires longer mandatory registration periods and stricter supervision for offenders. The bill amends Title 42 of Pennsylvania law to add this offense to the existing Tier II list, effective immediately upon the Governor's approval on June 30, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 129 creates 15-member advisory councils for each Pennsylvania veterans' home to provide input on resident care, operations, and compliance. Each council includes 10 veterans appointed by the Governor from local nominations, 3 members (including a family member) from residents, 2 legislators, and 1 member selected by residents. Councils must meet quarterly, submit annual reports assessing care quality, and make recommendations to the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. The bill directly affects all Pennsylvania veterans' homes and their residents by establishing formal channels for community input into facility management.