Sen. Lisa Baker

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution (SR 50) recognizes March 28, 2025, as "Drugs Kill Dreams Day" in Pennsylvania to honor the 25th anniversary of Judge J. Gary DeComo's anti-drug slogan, adopted in 2000. It does not create new laws or funding but encourages Pennsylvanians to participate in existing community-based drug prevention education activities. The resolution specifically thanks Judge DeComo for his campaign, which partners with schools and community groups to promote youth prevention efforts. It serves as a symbolic gesture to raise awareness about ongoing prevention work, not a policy change.

Maddy summarySB 173 extends Pennsylvania's veteran benefits and recognition to eligible veterans of the Republic of Korea Armed Forces who served during the Vietnam War (January 9, 1962 - May 7, 1975) and are recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under 38 U.S.C. § 109. It defines "eligible veteran of the Korean Armed Forces" as meeting these criteria and requires proof of service (like discharge papers or VA documentation) for benefits. The bill ensures these veterans receive the same rights, benefits, and privileges as Pennsylvania veterans of U.S. military forces. This policy change directly affects Korean veterans meeting the specific service period and VA recognition requirements.

Maddy summarySB 463, the "Whole Milk in Pennsylvania Schools Act," allows Pennsylvania schools to use state or local funds to provide or sell whole Pennsylvania milk (3% fat) or reduced-fat Pennsylvania milk (2% fat) processed within the state. It directly affects all Pennsylvania schools, including public districts, charter schools, and career technical schools. The bill requires school boards to choose PA milk options, mandates a report on milk consumption and availability within two years, and authorizes the Attorney General to pursue federal legal action if schools face funding loss for complying. "Pennsylvania milk" is defined as raw milk from PA cows processed into fluid milk within Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 40) designates March 9-15, 2025, as "Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically recognizes the importance of pulmonary rehabilitation for improving quality of life for people with chronic respiratory diseases, which are a leading cause of death in the state. The resolution specifically acknowledges the work of the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) and pulmonary specialists in addressing lung health. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or obligations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates April 2025 as "Community College Month" in Pennsylvania. It is a symbolic gesture recognizing community colleges' role in providing affordable higher education, workforce training, and access to students from diverse backgrounds. The resolution does not create new policies, funding, or direct impacts on individuals or institutions. It serves only to highlight community colleges' contributions through a designated month of recognition.

Maddy summarySB 413, the "Statutory Construction of Wage and Hour Laws Act," aligns Pennsylvania's Minimum Wage Act of 1968 with federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) updates to reduce confusion for employers and workers. It requires Pennsylvania wage laws to be interpreted consistently with federal FLSA provisions, including automatic adjustments to the tipped employee minimum cash wage ($2.83/hour) if federal rates increase. The bill ensures Pennsylvania employers following federal standards won’t accidentally violate state law due to outdated state regulations. It does not change existing laws like the 2008 healthcare overtime ban or override federal standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission to release Project 70 land use restrictions on two specific parcels of land (totaling about 0.13 acres) near Lake Winola Access in Overfield Township. The land, described by precise survey coordinates, will be transferred as easements to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for highway improvements. This removes restrictions that normally limit how Project 70-acquired land can be used, with mitigation requiring increased public access and safety measures. The bill directly affects the Fish and Boat Commission's land holdings and the Department of Transportation's road projects.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 32) symbolically recognizes March 2025 as "National Athletic Training Month" in Pennsylvania. It honors athletic trainers' roles in health care, including injury prevention, emergency care, and rehabilitation, as highlighted by the Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers' Society and the National Athletic Trainers' Association. The resolution specifically acknowledges Pennsylvania's leadership in athletic training education and the profession's 3,000+ practitioners in the state. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no policy impact - no new requirements, funding, or legal changes are created.

Maddy summarySB 359 amends Pennsylvania's State Highway Law to require the state to maintain all state highways within boroughs and incorporated towns (including smaller municipalities), funding these improvements from the Commonwealth. It specifically adds a new requirement for the state to construct and maintain drainage systems under roads in towns with populations of 2,500 or fewer, based on the latest federal census. The bill mandates these maintenance and drainage obligations at state expense, applying to both rural highways and those within smaller incorporated communities. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summarySB 326 updates Pennsylvania's Controlled Substance Act to automatically align the state's scheduling of substances with federal changes. It requires the state health secretary to add federally controlled substances to Pennsylvania's schedule within 30 days of federal action, unless objections are filed within that period. If objections are raised, the secretary must hold a hearing and issue a final order before scheduling takes effect. This affects the Pennsylvania Department of Health and regulated entities like pharmacies, healthcare providers, and businesses handling controlled substances.