Sen. Scott Hutchinson

Maddy summarySenate Bill 597 amends Pennsylvania's transportation laws, primarily affecting local transportation organizations and companies that provide public and community transit services. The bill revises and adds definitions for various terms, including "shared ride service," "community transportation system," and introduces classifications for transit entities based on their size and service area. It also modifies rules for the transportation fund, application and approval processes for financial assistance, and the administration of different public transportation programs. Key procedural changes include establishing small purchase procedures and repealing provisions related to the evaluation of private investment opportunities.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 102 amends Pennsylvania's Oil and Gas law regarding the distribution of fees collected from unconventional natural gas wells. The bill prohibits the state commission from distributing these fees to municipalities that maintain zoning or other ordinances that unreasonably limit or prohibit future development of unconventional natural gas wells. An ordinance is presumed unreasonable if it conflicts with or exceeds existing state development standards for such wells. If litigation challenges a municipality's ordinance on these grounds, its fee revenue will be placed into a restricted account until the legal dispute concludes.

Maddy summarySB 625 amends the Public School Code of 1949 regarding admission fees for school-sponsored activities. This bill requires public school entities, nonpublic schools, and the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association to accept cash as a form of payment for admission fees. While cash must be accepted, other payment methods may also be offered. The bill allows these entities to refuse cash payments in denominations that significantly exceed the admission fee.

Maddy summarySB 744 establishes a new requirement for correctional institutions in Pennsylvania. It mandates that overwatch towers at these facilities must be staffed by corrections officers during any outdoor movement of inmates. This rule applies unless an overwatch tower does not allow for supervision of inmates during such movements.

Maddy summarySR 111 is a procedural resolution that designates May 2025 as "Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. This resolution aims to increase public awareness of ALS and recognize its impact on patients and families, as well as ongoing research.

Maddy summarySR 70 is a resolution by the Senate to honor the life of Officer Andrew William Duarte, who died in the line of duty, and to extend condolences to his family.

Maddy summarySB 534 amends Pennsylvania's Military Affairs statutes to increase the monthly pension amounts for specific groups of veterans. This bill raises the pension for eligible blind veterans from $150 to $180 per month. Similarly, it increases the monthly pension for eligible amputee and paralyzed veterans from $150 to $180. The Adjutant General is responsible for determining the eligibility of applicants for these benefits.

Maddy summarySB 727 aims to expand fixed broadband internet services to areas of Pennsylvania that currently lack or have limited access, directly affecting residents and businesses in these "unserved" and "underserved" areas. The bill requires state agencies to inventory state-owned properties and structures for their potential use in broadband infrastructure. It permits state agencies to lease or license these assets to qualified broadband providers, with the generated revenue funding a new "Broadband Services Restricted Account" to support further deployment. The Department of General Services will develop guidelines for providers and site agreements, setting a 90-day approval timeline for such agreements.

Maddy summarySB 722 amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to modify how "net profits" are calculated for personal income tax purposes. The bill updates the rules for deducting start-up expenditures and introduces new provisions for combining net profits and losses from different businesses. It establishes specific netting rules for "small businesses" and "non-small businesses," allowing small businesses to carry over net losses for up to twenty years. This legislation directly affects individuals who report income or losses from their business or professional activities, particularly those operating small businesses, for state personal income tax. These changes will apply to tax years beginning after December 31, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis resolution recognizes May 2025 as "Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It aims to raise awareness about asthma and allergies, conditions that affect millions of individuals, including many children and adults in the Commonwealth.