Sen. Gene Yaw

Maddy summarySB 626 establishes a regulatory framework for "skill video gaming" systems that award cash prizes based on player skill (not chance). It requires licenses for operators, distributors, and establishments (like bars or retail locations), imposes a tax on gross revenue from these systems, and mandates age restrictions (players must be 18+). The bill also includes criminal penalties for unlicensed operation, rules for terminal placement (prohibiting "miniature casinos"), and zoning requirements to limit where systems can be located. This directly affects businesses seeking to operate such systems, local governments managing zoning, and players aged 18 and older.

Maddy summarySB 579 adds music therapy as a licensed profession under Pennsylvania's existing Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Professional Counselors Act. It requires individuals practicing music therapy to obtain a license to use the title "licensed professional music therapist" and defines the scope of practice, including clinical music interventions like improvisation and songwriting for therapeutic goals. The bill directly affects music therapists seeking to legally represent their credentials in Pennsylvania, while excluding students, supervised practitioners, and those not claiming to be licensed therapists. Key provisions clarify what constitutes "practice of music therapy" and establish the State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Professional Music Therapists to oversee licensing. This bill does not change employment requirements for government or nonprofit agencies.

Maddy summarySB 545 amends Pennsylvania's Minimum Wage Act to exempt minor league baseball players covered by collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) from minimum wage and overtime rules. It adds a specific exemption (Section 5(a)(13)) for players under CBAs detailing their wages and working conditions. The bill also modifies employer recordkeeping requirements (Section 8), exempting these players from needing employers to maintain certain records or allow inspections regarding their pay. This change directly affects minor league baseball teams and players in Pennsylvania under applicable CBAs. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates April 20-26, 2025, as "Conservation District Week" in Pennsylvania. It honors the state’s local conservation districts, which are county-level units established in 1945 to help manage soil, water, and natural resources on private and public lands. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but formally recognizes these districts’ role in supporting landowners, municipalities, and environmental planning. It affects all Pennsylvania counties (except Philadelphia) that operate conservation districts.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 64) designates April 15, 2025, as "Purple Up! for Military Kids Day" and April 2025 as "Month of the Military Child" in Pennsylvania. It encourages Pennsylvanians to wear purple on April 15, 2025, to show support for military-connected children - over 37,000 in Pennsylvania with at least one parent serving in the military. The resolution is symbolic, recognizing the challenges faced by military children during parental deployments, without creating new laws or funding. It directly affects military-connected children and communities statewide through a non-binding observance.

Maddy summarySB 404 allows Pennsylvania county conservation districts to obtain special permission from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to issue emergency permits for stream reconstruction after floods. It directly affects counties (through their conservation districts) and communities impacted by flood damage by enabling faster restoration of natural waterways. The bill creates a process where counties must first get DEP approval for their stream reconstruction plans based on scientific standards, then use those approved plans to issue emergency permits for specific flood-related repairs. The DEP retains authority for other emergency waterway permits and maintains oversight through review and appeal processes. This change aims to speed up recovery efforts while ensuring projects meet environmental standards.

Maddy summarySB 403 creates a new "continuous maintenance permit" for the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to issue to the Department of Transportation or municipalities. This permit allows these entities to routinely maintain, inspect, and monitor watercourses, obstructions, and related structures without needing separate preapproval for each maintenance task. Permits last at least 10 years, require annual reports on maintenance activities, and include specific rules to avoid violations (like not needing approval for routine debris removal that aligns with engineering plans). The bill directly affects state transportation agencies and local governments responsible for water infrastructure maintenance.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors Senator Mary Jo White's life and service in the Pennsylvania Senate, expressing condolences to her family. It recognizes her work on environmental policy, advocacy for women's rights, and her role as the first woman elected to Senate Republican leadership. The resolution serves as a formal tribute to her career and legacy without creating any new laws or policies.

Maddy summarySB 465 amends Pennsylvania's Local Option Small Games of Chance Act to change how club licensees (like social clubs running bingo or similar games) must distribute proceeds from these activities. It requires that at least 50% of annual proceeds be used for public interest purposes within one year, while limiting clubs to retaining no more than 50% of the proceeds. The bill directly affects licensed clubs operating small games of chance under the existing law. The changes apply to calendar years starting after December 31, 2025, and take effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summarySB 423 creates $1 annual fishing and hunting licenses for volunteer firefighters, volunteer special fire police officers, and volunteer emergency medical service technicians in Pennsylvania. It requires applicants to provide documentation proving 12 months of active, good-standing service in one of these roles. The bill amends existing statutes to establish these specific license exemptions, replacing standard fees with a flat $1 cost for qualifying residents. This directly affects volunteers in these emergency response roles who would otherwise pay higher standard license fees.