Sen. Lisa Baker

Maddy summarySB 1147 amends Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to update reimbursement rates for emergency ambulance services under Medicaid programs (Fee-for-Service, Capitation, and Community HealthChoices). It requires reimbursement for every loaded mile based on the higher of 2023 Medicare ambulance rates or current Medicaid fees, effective January 1, 2024. For cases where patients refused transport, it sets new rates starting July 1, 2025, using 2025 Medicare rates or updated Medicaid fees. The bill applies retroactively to July 1, 2025, directly affecting licensed ambulance providers serving Medicaid enrollees.

Maddy summaryThis bill modernizes Pennsylvania's estate laws to allow electronic wills. It defines "will" to include digital documents and creates new rules for creating, signing, and revoking wills online. Key provisions require witnesses to observe the testator via video call (virtual "presence") and follow specific digital execution steps, while still permitting traditional paper wills. The law directly affects Pennsylvanians creating estate plans, making it easier to use digital tools without losing legal validity.

Maddy summarySB 734 designates a specific location for a commemorative bell monument at the Pennsylvania State Capitol to mark the 250th anniversary of the U.S. founding, highlighting Pennsylvania's historical role. The bill requires the Department of General Services to prepare the site and take ownership of the monument after the America250PA Commission disbands, ensuring its long-term maintenance. This procedural bill does not create new policies or affect residents directly, but formally authorizes the monument's placement on Capitol grounds.

Maddy summarySB 1096 amends Pennsylvania's vehicle laws to allocate supplemental state funding specifically for rural infrastructure projects, such as road and bridge repairs. This bill directly affects rural communities and local governments in Pennsylvania that maintain infrastructure in less populated areas. The key mechanism provides new state funds within the existing transportation budget framework, targeting improvements to aging rural roads and bridges. The bill does not change vehicle regulations but adds dedicated resources for infrastructure maintenance in rural regions.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's MCare Act to improve care for veterans by requiring medical professionals to address veteran-specific health conditions. It defines "veteran-related illness" to include conditions like PTSD, traumatic brain injury, military sexual trauma, and suicide linked to military service. Physicians must complete three hours of training on these illnesses for license renewal, and new license applicants must satisfy curricula covering veteran-related illnesses as part of initial licensure requirements. The changes apply directly to physicians seeking or maintaining medical licenses in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summarySB 1106 amends Pennsylvania's PA EDGE tax credit program to clarify eligibility for companies building specific facilities. It defines a "project facility" as either a petrochemical or fertilizer plant using dry natural gas with a $400 million minimum investment or a power generation facility that adds to the grid. To qualify, a company must invest $400 million, create 800 new permanent jobs, pay prevailing wages, and make good-faith efforts to recruit local workers during construction. The tax credits will apply to dry natural gas purchases from January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2052, expiring at the end of 2052.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania Senate resolution (SR 202) formally recognizes December 13, 2025, as "Wreaths Across America Day" within the state. It honors the Wreaths Across America project, which coordinates nationwide wreath-laying ceremonies at veterans' gravesites to "Remember, Honor and Teach." The resolution encourages all Pennsylvania residents to participate in this volunteer effort and reflect on veterans' service and sacrifices. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic observance.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 196) formally honors the life and service of Richard Roman, a public servant in the Commonwealth, and extends condolences to his family. It is a ceremonial gesture with no binding policy changes or direct impact on laws or regulations. The resolution was referred to the Rules & Executive Nominations committee on November 24, 2025, as part of standard legislative procedure for commemorative measures.

Maddy summarySB 520 amends Pennsylvania law to clarify who can legally record communications during enforcement duties, directly affecting waterways conservation officers, game enforcement officers, and parole agents. It expands definitions to allow these officers to use body cameras or recording devices after approved training, while removing public access requirements under the Right-to-Know Law for such recordings. Key provisions include defining "law enforcement officer" to include specific conservation and game officers, requiring training for device use, and repealing prior rules about public access to recordings. The bill also updates enforcement officer powers related to fish and game regulations. This enacted law (Act No. 53 of 2025) focuses on operational clarity for law enforcement recording practices.

Maddy summarySB 88 amends Pennsylvania's Insurance Company Law to require health insurance plans sold in the state to cover specific breast imaging services without cost-sharing for policyholders. It mandates annual mammograms for women 40+ and physician-recommended mammograms for women under 40, plus MRI and other breast imaging for those at average or higher risk of breast cancer due to factors like family history, genetic mutations, or dense breast tissue. The law specifies coverage for screening, supplemental, and diagnostic exams but does not require coverage for mastectomies or override standard deductibles/copays beyond the minimum required services. This replaces prior requirements that allowed cost-sharing and excluded MRI coverage.