Sen. Lisa Baker

Maddy summarySB 306 amends the Pennsylvania Election Code to revise how ballot questions are explained to voters. It requires the Attorney General to prepare a plain English statement for statewide ballot questions or constitutional amendments, outlining their purpose, limitations, and effects. The Secretary of the Commonwealth must then publish this statement, post it on the Department of State's website with details about its publication, and certify it to county election boards. County boards are responsible for publishing the statement in election notices and posting copies in voting rooms to inform the public.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 106 is a commemorative resolution that honors the 2025 Philadelphia Eagles for winning Super Bowl LIX and recognizes them as one of the greatest football teams to represent the Commonwealth. This resolution was introduced and adopted on May 7, 2025.

Maddy summarySR 70 is a resolution by the Senate to honor the life of Officer Andrew William Duarte, who died in the line of duty, and to extend condolences to his family.

Maddy summarySB 534 amends Pennsylvania's Military Affairs statutes to increase the monthly pension amounts for specific groups of veterans. This bill raises the pension for eligible blind veterans from $150 to $180 per month. Similarly, it increases the monthly pension for eligible amputee and paralyzed veterans from $150 to $180. The Adjutant General is responsible for determining the eligibility of applicants for these benefits.

Maddy summarySB 727 aims to expand fixed broadband internet services to areas of Pennsylvania that currently lack or have limited access, directly affecting residents and businesses in these "unserved" and "underserved" areas. The bill requires state agencies to inventory state-owned properties and structures for their potential use in broadband infrastructure. It permits state agencies to lease or license these assets to qualified broadband providers, with the generated revenue funding a new "Broadband Services Restricted Account" to support further deployment. The Department of General Services will develop guidelines for providers and site agreements, setting a 90-day approval timeline for such agreements.

Maddy summarySB 722 amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to modify how "net profits" are calculated for personal income tax purposes. The bill updates the rules for deducting start-up expenditures and introduces new provisions for combining net profits and losses from different businesses. It establishes specific netting rules for "small businesses" and "non-small businesses," allowing small businesses to carry over net losses for up to twenty years. This legislation directly affects individuals who report income or losses from their business or professional activities, particularly those operating small businesses, for state personal income tax. These changes will apply to tax years beginning after December 31, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's child protective services laws, affecting how county agencies and the state Department of Human Services investigate child abuse and neglect. It grants the Department of Human Services new authority to assist or take over investigations from county agencies if cases are not handled promptly or if assistance is requested. The bill also allows county agencies to contract with private agencies to receive and assess reports of children needing general protective services and to provide those services. These contracted private agencies would be held to the same standards as county personnel and would receive similar legal immunity.

Maddy summarySR 104 is a resolution that recognizes May 2025 as "National Mammography Month" in Pennsylvania. It encourages residents, especially those in high-risk groups, to schedule mammography appointments to promote early detection of breast cancer.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 100 designates the week of May 4 through 10, 2025, as "Jewish Day Schools Week" in Pennsylvania. This resolution aims to recognize and express appreciation for Jewish day schools across the Commonwealth.

Maddy summarySR 98 is a resolution that designates the week of May 18 through 24, 2025, as "Emergency Medical Services Week" in Pennsylvania. This action aims to recognize the vital public service and lifesaving care provided by emergency medical services teams and providers across the state.