Sen. Lisa Baker

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution officially designates the week of May 6 through 12, 2026, as Nurses Week in Pennsylvania. The measure aims to recognize the contributions of the state's large nursing workforce, which includes over 240,000 registered nurses and other licensed practitioners. By aligning with National Nurses Week, the resolution highlights the critical role nurses play in the Commonwealth's healthcare delivery system.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution honors Pennsylvania service members participating in Operation Epic Fury and expresses the state's support for their efforts. It recognizes the courage and sacrifice of soldiers, airmen, marines, sailors, and guardians while acknowledging the historical context of threats from Iran. The measure does not change laws or allocate funds but instead formally commends these troops and their families for their dedication to national security. A copy of the resolution will be sent to the Secretary of War and Pennsylvania's members of Congress.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates the week of April 26 through May 2, 2026, as "Jewish Day Schools Week" in Pennsylvania to recognize the state's 34 Jewish day schools. The measure expresses appreciation for these institutions, which educate over 440,000 Jewish Pennsylvanians and provide cultural and religious instruction. The resolution highlights the schools' role in fostering community, offering bilingual education, and connecting students to global Jewish networks. It also notes that these schools have produced notable alumni such as Seth Rogen and Natalie Portman. This is a ceremonial designation with no changes to laws or funding.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 1296 requires commercial drivers in Pennsylvania to demonstrate English proficiency by being able to converse with the public, understand traffic signs, respond to officials, and complete reports. Drivers who fail to meet this standard face a $500 fine and a one-year disqualification for a first offense, with penalties increasing for repeat violations. The bill also imposes fines on employers and contractors if their drivers are convicted of violating the English proficiency requirement.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 287 is a commemorative measure that honors the life and service of Katherine 'Katie' True, a former Pennsylvania state representative from Lancaster County who passed away in October 2025. The resolution formally notes her death and extends condolences to her family while acknowledging her extensive career in public service, which included eight terms in the House and roles as Commissioner of Professional and Occupational Affairs and Secretary of Legislative Affairs. It also recognizes her legislative achievements and advocacy work on issues such as independent living, human trafficking, and domestic abuse before transmitting a copy of the resolution to the True family.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 211) directs Pennsylvania's Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study the effectiveness of the Municipalities Planning Code - the state's primary zoning law - and its enforcement by the Department of Community and Economic Development. The study must examine impacts on housing affordability, municipal costs (including staffing and fees), and compare Pennsylvania's practices to those of other states. The committee must issue a report with findings and recommendations to the General Assembly within 180 days. This resolution does not change laws but seeks data to inform future legislative action.

Maddy summarySB 998 would create a grant program to fund expansions of nursing education programs at colleges and universities. It requires the Department of Community and Economic Development to administer grants for institutions aiming to increase nursing program capacity, directly affecting nursing schools and future nursing students. Key provisions include establishing grant criteria, application processes, and reporting requirements for funded programs. The bill is currently pending in the Appropriations committee after committee review.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally recognizes April 2026 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Pennsylvania to highlight the prevalence and impact of sexual violence. The bill includes background information on statistics regarding sexual assault and harassment, as well as the history of advocacy efforts in the state. It does not change any laws or policies but serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of the issue and support for survivors.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania law to clarify and adjust the fees health care providers can charge when releasing medical records via subpoena. It establishes specific rates for searching, retrieving, and copying records, including a cap of $200 for electronic copies, while allowing annual adjustments based on inflation. The legislation applies to health care facilities and their designated agents who must comply with legal requests for patient charts. By setting these standardized costs, the bill aims to ensure transparency and limit unauthorized additional charges for record retrieval.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution commemorates the 40th anniversary of Operation El Dorado Canyon, a 1986 U.S. military mission targeting terrorist operations in Libya. The bill does not change any laws or policies but instead formally acknowledges the historical event that was launched in response to attacks on American service members in West Berlin. It highlights the coordinated efforts of the Air Force and Navy that neutralized Libyan air defenses and struck strategic sites, resulting in one downed aircraft and two pilot deaths. The resolution serves as a memorial to the operation's success in ending international terrorism based in Libya for decades and its lasting impact on U.S. military strategy.