Sen. Gene Yaw

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a ten-year pilot program in Pennsylvania to provide grants for schools to install milk dispensary systems that serve whole milk without packaging. The Department of Agriculture, working with the Center for Dairy Excellence, will manage the program by reviewing applications and funding eligible public and nonpublic schools that participate in federal nutrition programs. Grant recipients must prioritize waste reduction, serve low-income students, source milk locally, and share data on their results. To ensure safety and compliance, the program requires all systems to meet state and federal food standards while schools report quarterly data on milk usage and waste reduction.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates the week of June 7 through 13, 2026, as "Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania. The measure encourages residents to hold events and educational programs to highlight the bay's importance as a source of drinking water, recreation, and economic activity. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to recognize the watershed's ecological and historical significance.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires oil and gas well operators in Pennsylvania to obtain a specific drilling permit before drilling wells that target the Utica shale formation or reach depths of 3,800 feet or more. The permit application process will follow existing state regulations for resource development, adding a new layer of administrative review for these specific deep-drilling projects. Directly affecting energy companies and land operators, the law mandates compliance with these permitting rules before any drilling begins in the designated geological horizons. The legislation takes effect 60 days after it is signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates June 2, 2026, as "Cancer Action Day" in Pennsylvania to raise awareness about the state's cancer statistics and prevention efforts. The measure does not create new laws or change existing policies but instead serves as a symbolic gesture to honor those affected by the disease and acknowledge volunteers gathering at the state Capitol. By formally recognizing this date, the Senate aims to highlight the importance of early detection and access to quality healthcare without altering any legal procedures or funding.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 328 designates June 2026 as 'The Month of the American Soldier' in Pennsylvania to honor the service and sacrifice of military personnel. This symbolic resolution does not create new laws, allocate funding, or change existing policies but serves to recognize the contributions of soldiers and their families. The text specifically highlights thirteen Pennsylvania natives who received the Medal of Honor or held high-ranking positions to exemplify the state's military tradition.

Maddy summarySB 1340 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to require school districts to publish rules on their websites regarding home school students' participation in extracurricular activities, such as JROTC. It also mandates that school districts ensure JROTC programs are open to home school students who meet eligibility requirements. Additionally, the bill requires military families providing home instruction to notify their local school district within 30 days of starting.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates June 2026 as "Dairy Month" in Pennsylvania to recognize the state's dairy industry. The measure highlights the economic significance of dairy farming, noting that it supports over 47,000 jobs and generates billions in annual activity. While the resolution does not change laws or regulations, it encourages the public to purchase and consume locally produced dairy products.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 307 formally recognizes the United States Army Field Band for its participation in the Pennsylvania Senate's ceremonial meeting on May 5, 2026. The resolution honors the band's historical legacy and thanks them for performing at the event held at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. This document serves as a commemorative acknowledgment rather than a law that changes policy or affects public programs.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 312 designates the week of May 10 through 16, 2026, as National Hospital Week throughout Pennsylvania. This resolution directly affects hospitals, healthcare workers, and the general public by formally recognizing the contributions of medical facilities to the state's economy and community health. The bill includes provisions to thank frontline health workers and encourages residents to visit local hospitals to appreciate their services. It serves as a commemorative measure to highlight the role of hospitals in providing care, training professionals, and supporting local jobs.

Maddy summaryPennsylvania's SB 822 strengthens state preemption over local firearm regulations. It declares that state law exclusively governs all aspects of firearms, ammunition, and related items - including purchase, sale, possession, and transportation - nullifying any conflicting local ordinances, resolutions, or rules. The bill also creates a legal pathway for individuals or organizations adversely affected by local gun rules to seek court relief, including recovery of attorney fees and other costs if they successfully challenge such rules. This directly affects municipalities (cities, towns, counties) and residents or businesses operating under local firearm regulations that conflict with state law. The bill does not change existing firearm laws but explicitly prevents local governments from enacting stricter rules.