Sen. Lisa Baker

Maddy summarySR 97 is a resolution that formally recognizes the week of May 11 through 17, 2025, as "National Police Week" and designates May 5, 2025, as "Police Officers' Memorial Day" in Pennsylvania. This resolution honors the memory of police officers who have died in the line of duty within the Commonwealth.

Maddy summarySB 658 amends the Pennsylvania Election Code to update requirements for individuals running for public office. It modifies the affidavits (sworn statements) that candidates must file, adding new declarations that they are not seeking multiple offices or holding an office whose term does not expire in the same election year. The bill also explicitly prohibits candidates from seeking nomination or appearing on the ballot for more than one public office in a single election. These changes affect candidates seeking election through political parties or political bodies at various levels, from local to federal offices within Pennsylvania.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 690 amends the Pennsylvania Election Code to introduce new security requirements for ballots used in elections. The bill mandates that vendors supplying ballot paper to election officials must meet specific ISO certifications. It details numerous antifraud measures for ballots, including unique watermarks, secure holographic foils, custom security background designs, and various types of security inks. Additionally, ballots would feature a serialized QR code for voter information and ballot tracking, and voters would receive a perforated paper receipt containing ballot identification numbers. These changes are set to apply to elections held on or after January 1, 2027.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 87 commemorates September 2, 2025, as "V-J Day" in Pennsylvania, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. It encourages local governments and communities throughout the Commonwealth to conduct appropriate observances.

Maddy summarySR 86 is a resolution that recognizes May 8, 2025, as the 80th anniversary of "Victory in Europe Day" or "V-E Day" in Pennsylvania. It expresses the Senate's respect and appreciation for the men and women who served in the European theater during World War II and pays tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Maddy summarySB 641 amends Pennsylvania's 1929 Administrative Code to clarify the maximum size of the Pennsylvania State Police. It specifies that the total number of State Police officers and troopers (including those assigned to the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, Delaware River Bridge Commission, and gaming enforcement) cannot exceed 4,310 at any time. The bill removes a previous numerical cap that counted these assigned personnel toward the total limit, ensuring those officers are excluded from the 4,310 threshold. This change directly affects the State Police's staffing structure and reporting requirements under the Commonwealth's administrative code.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a bill with policy changes) honoring the Philadelphia Eagles for winning Super Bowl LIX on February 9, 2025. It formally recognizes their championship victory over the Kansas City Chiefs (40-22), their historic playoff performance, and their community contributions like supporting schools and mental health initiatives. The resolution expresses the Senate's appreciation for the team's role in uniting Philadelphia and Pennsylvania, calling them "one of the greatest football teams ever to represent this Commonwealth." As a symbolic gesture, it has no legal effect or impact on public policy.

Maddy summarySB 631 requires Pennsylvania schools to obtain annual written consent from parents or guardians before providing virtual mental health services (such as online counseling or AI-based support) to students under 18. It mandates schools to create a clear consent form detailing the services offered, which must be signed each year. The law applies to all school entities, including public, charter, cyber, and private schools, and takes effect July 1, 2025. This policy directly affects students and parents by shifting decision-making authority for virtual mental health services from schools to families.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment limiting Pennsylvania's participation in multi-state agreements (interstate compacts) to 10-year terms. It requires the state legislature to reauthorize such compacts before each general election occurring before the agreement's expiration, preventing automatic extensions. The amendment would change how Pennsylvania enters into long-term multi-state partnerships, ensuring periodic legislative review of these agreements. It does not alter existing compacts but sets a new framework for future ones.

Maddy summarySB 550 requires Pennsylvania statewide officials and General Assembly members to file their financial interest statements electronically starting May 1, 2026, replacing paper submissions. It mandates the Ethics Commission to create a searchable public database on its website by that date, allowing users to filter filings by individual name, office held, filing year, and whether a filing was amended. The database must also link amended filings to original submissions and offer email notifications for new filings. These changes aim to improve public access to financial disclosure records for state officials.