Sen. Lisa Baker

Maddy summaryPennsylvania's SB 822 strengthens state preemption over local firearm regulations. It declares that state law exclusively governs all aspects of firearms, ammunition, and related items - including purchase, sale, possession, and transportation - nullifying any conflicting local ordinances, resolutions, or rules. The bill also creates a legal pathway for individuals or organizations adversely affected by local gun rules to seek court relief, including recovery of attorney fees and other costs if they successfully challenge such rules. This directly affects municipalities (cities, towns, counties) and residents or businesses operating under local firearm regulations that conflict with state law. The bill does not change existing firearm laws but explicitly prevents local governments from enacting stricter rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the maximum prison sentences for people convicted of attempting, conspiring, or soliciting murder, including the murder of unborn children and law enforcement officers. It establishes a 40-year maximum for these crimes when serious bodily injury occurs, and up to life imprisonment when serious bodily injury results specifically from attempts against law enforcement officers. Additionally, the law mandates a minimum 20-year prison sentence for anyone convicted of attempting, conspiring, or soliciting the murder of a law enforcement officer where serious bodily injury is caused, or for assaulting a law enforcement officer.

Maddy summarySB 507 amends Pennsylvania's medical licensing law to reestablish the State Board of Medical Education and Licensure as the State Board of Medicine and update its structure. It directly affects midwifery professionals by creating three new license categories: midwifery, nurse-midwife, and certified midwife. The bill establishes specific requirements and definitions for these licenses under the board's authority. This change clarifies licensing pathways for midwifery practitioners within the state's medical regulatory framework. The bill passed final passage on October 21, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution officially designates the week of May 10 through 16, 2026, as "National Police Week" and May 4, 2026, as "Police Officers' Memorial Day" within Pennsylvania. The measure serves to formally recognize and honor law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty, specifically mentioning five officers who passed away in 2025. By adopting this resolution, the Pennsylvania Senate acknowledges the sacrifices made by police officers and aligns with a national observance that has been held annually since 1962.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to streamline how the state handles pending applications for long-term care medical assistance. It requires county offices to use a standardized process that includes sending electronic status updates to providers within ten days and reviewing new documents within ten days of receipt. The legislation also allows nursing home providers to request payment for uncompensated care if an application has been pending for at least sixty days, ensuring facilities are compensated while waiting for a final decision. Additionally, the bill mandates that individuals with pending applications be counted in nursing facility census data and requires the state to publish an annual public report on application approval and denial statistics.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill creates a tax incentive program to encourage the restoration and continued use of historic barns that are at least 50 years old. Qualified taxpayers who own these structures can receive a tax credit equal to up to 25% of their rehabilitation costs, with a maximum credit of $100,000 per barn. The program is limited to $10 million in total credits per fiscal year and will be administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development in consultation with agricultural and historical groups. Any unused credits can be carried forward to future tax years, but the program will expire after December 31, 2036.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates May 2026 as "National Treatment Court Month" in Pennsylvania to raise awareness about specialized courts that address substance use and mental health issues. The measure highlights the work of judges, prosecutors, treatment providers, and other professionals who operate these courts to help individuals recover rather than face traditional punishment. By acknowledging these programs, the resolution aims to educate the public and encourage continued support for initiatives that focus on rehabilitation and community safety.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates the week of May 17 through 23, 2026, as "Emergency Medical Services Week" in Pennsylvania. The bill directly affects the state legislature and aims to recognize the work of emergency medical services providers, including first responders, paramedics, and volunteers. It does not create new laws or change policies but serves as a commemorative measure to highlight the importance of emergency care.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Hospital Security Grant Fund to provide financial assistance to nonprofit hospitals for improving safety and security measures. The fund will be administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency and is initially funded with a $10 million transfer from the General Treasury, with potential for additional appropriations in future years. Eligible projects include purchasing security equipment like surveillance systems and metal detectors, conducting vulnerability assessments, providing staff training, and upgrading physical structures to protect patients, employees, and visitors. Grants will be awarded on a rolling basis after applications are reviewed by the commission in consultation with state homeland security and police officials.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Pennsylvania to join the Athletic Trainer Interstate Compact, allowing licensed athletic trainers to practice in other member states without obtaining separate licenses for each location. The legislation empowers the Governor and the Secretary of the Commonwealth to execute the agreement, which aims to improve public access to care, support military families, and reduce administrative burdens for professionals. Under the compact, a Pennsylvania athletic trainer with a valid, unencumbered license would receive a "compact privilege" to work in other participating states while still adhering to the patient's local laws and regulations. The agreement also establishes a commission to oversee the compact and facilitates the sharing of disciplinary and investigative information among member states to maintain public safety.