Sen. Scott Hutchinson

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 147) designates September 19, 2025, as "POW/MIA Recognition Day" within the state of Pennsylvania. It formally recognizes this date for observance of prisoners of war and missing in action service members. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or alter existing policies; it solely establishes a day of official recognition for the state. The resolution is currently referred to the Rules & Executive Nominations committee.

Maddy summarySR 140 designates September 2025 as "Childhood Cancer Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. This resolution does not create new laws or requirements but formally recognizes the month to promote public awareness about childhood cancer. It encourages state agencies, community organizations, and the public to host educational events and support initiatives during September 2025. The resolution serves as a symbolic gesture by the Pennsylvania legislature to highlight the issue and support affected families.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates September 2025 as "Military Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or allocate funds but formally recognizes the need for increased awareness and support related to military suicide prevention. The designation aims to encourage community efforts and education during that month, directly affecting Pennsylvanians through heightened public focus on this issue.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 138) is a non-binding statement by the Pennsylvania Senate recognizing September 2025 as "Suicide Prevention Month" within the state. It does not create new laws, programs, or funding; it solely serves to symbolically acknowledge the issue and align with the national observance. The resolution highlights suicide statistics and the National Alliance on Mental Illness theme for awareness, but the designation itself has no direct policy impact on individuals or services. It affects the state government's official recognition of the month, not Pennsylvanians' access to mental health resources.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates August 2025 as "Emergency Management Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It recognizes the work of emergency managers across all sectors - including local officials, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, and federal partners - and encourages all Pennsylvania residents to express appreciation for their efforts in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from emergencies and disasters. The resolution has no binding policy requirements or funding changes.

Maddy summarySB 964 clarifies Pennsylvania courts and agencies cannot apply international law if it violates constitutional rights under the U.S. or Pennsylvania constitutions. It prohibits courts from enforcing international law that infringes on guaranteed rights like due process or free speech, while excluding treaties and federal laws from this restriction. The bill creates whistleblower protections for those reporting violations and requires annual reports to the legislature on complaints. These changes aim to ensure state judicial decisions align with constitutional protections without altering existing enforcement of foreign judgments or treaties.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 119) is a non-binding request from the Pennsylvania Senate urging Congress to support the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025 and amend federal law. It specifically seeks to change current requirements under the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, which currently restricts school milk options to fat-free or low-fat varieties. The resolution asks Congress to allow whole milk and 2% reduced-fat milk (flavored or unflavored) in Pennsylvania's elementary and secondary schools, and directs federal agencies to update dietary guidelines accordingly. This would permit schools to offer these milk types without risking federal funding, but the resolution itself does not alter any existing law or standards.

Maddy summarySB 937 requires Pennsylvania's Department of Community and Economic Development to publicly post a monthly log of hospitality provided using funds from the Sports, Marketing and Tourism Account. The log must include the recipient's name, address, employer, event details, description, and estimated value of the hospitality. This applies to Commonwealth officials, employees, and their guests who receive hospitality for tourism-related purposes. The bill directly affects how state tourism funds are spent, mandating transparency about hospitality expenses to the public.

Maddy summarySB 416 allows licensed organizations in Pennsylvania (like charities or community groups) to accept electronic payments - such as credit cards, debit cards, or mobile payments - for raffle tickets. It requires these organizations to verify buyers are at least 18 years old and comply with federal gambling laws. The bill specifically prohibits mobile payment services for certain gaming licensees under Chapter 9. It also removes an outdated regulation (61 Pa. Code § 901.506) that conflicted with these new payment rules.

Maddy summarySB 932 amends Pennsylvania's Second Class Township Code to clarify procedures for filling vacancies on township boards of supervisors. It requires boards to fill vacancies within 30 days, or the vacancy board (composed of supervisors plus one appointed registered elector) must act within 15 days. If the vacancy board fails to fill the position, the chairperson or remaining members must petition the court of common pleas. The bill also specifies that if a majority of board seats become vacant, the court can fill vacancies upon petition by remaining supervisors or 15 registered electors. These changes apply directly to second-class townships across Pennsylvania.