Maddy summaryThis bill requires Emergency Medical Services providers in Pennsylvania to complete specific training on caring for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. The legislation mandates an initial three-hour course covering communication strategies, behavioral management, and recognizing signs of elder abuse, along with an annual one-hour continuing education requirement. The Department of Health will develop this curriculum in partnership with the Department of Aging, and providers who fail to meet these training standards may face certification sanctions. Additionally, the law includes a provision allowing providers who completed similar training within 18 months of the bill's effective date to waive the initial course requirement.
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Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Pennsylvania to join the Athletic Trainer Interstate Compact, allowing licensed athletic trainers to practice in other member states without obtaining separate licenses for each location. The legislation empowers the Governor and the Secretary of the Commonwealth to execute the agreement, which aims to improve public access to care, support military families, and reduce administrative burdens for professionals. Under the compact, a Pennsylvania athletic trainer with a valid, unencumbered license would receive a "compact privilege" to work in other participating states while still adhering to the patient's local laws and regulations. The agreement also establishes a commission to oversee the compact and facilitates the sharing of disciplinary and investigative information among member states to maintain public safety.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution officially designates the week of May 6 through 12, 2026, as Nurses Week in Pennsylvania. The measure aims to recognize the contributions of the state's large nursing workforce, which includes over 240,000 registered nurses and other licensed practitioners. By aligning with National Nurses Week, the resolution highlights the critical role nurses play in the Commonwealth's healthcare delivery system.
Maddy summarySenate Resolution 298 designates May 4, 2026, as "Aerospace Day" in Pennsylvania to raise awareness about the state's aerospace industry. This symbolic resolution does not create new laws or change any policies, but instead serves as a commemorative gesture to highlight the sector's economic importance. The bill directly affects the state government by formally recognizing the date, while the aerospace industry and its workers are the primary subjects of the recognition.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution honors Pennsylvania service members participating in Operation Epic Fury and expresses the state's support for their efforts. It recognizes the courage and sacrifice of soldiers, airmen, marines, sailors, and guardians while acknowledging the historical context of threats from Iran. The measure does not change laws or allocate funds but instead formally commends these troops and their families for their dedication to national security. A copy of the resolution will be sent to the Secretary of War and Pennsylvania's members of Congress.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Chiropractic Practice Act to create a new certification program for chiropractic assistants. It directly affects individuals seeking to work as supportive staff in chiropractic offices by establishing specific eligibility requirements, including age, education, moral character checks, graduation from an approved program, and passing a state exam. The legislation outlines procedures for temporary certification, exam retakes, and the exclusive use of the "certified chiropractic assistant" title, while also defining the scope of work these assistants can perform under the direct supervision of a licensed chiropractor. Additionally, the bill mandates continuing education for renewal and sets rules for reinstating certifications that have been revoked.
Maddy summarySB 980 bans the manufacture, sale, and use of class B firefighting foam containing intentionally added PFAS chemicals after July 1, 2026 (for manufacturers/sellers) and January 1, 2027 (for users), with limited exceptions for federal requirements and exempt facilities like airports. It requires manufacturers of firefighting protective gear to label products containing PFAS and provide online information about PFAS content. The bill establishes civil penalties for violations (up to $5,000 for first offenses, $10,000 for repeat offenses) and creates new grant funding for fire companies to dispose of PFAS foam and purchase PFAS-free alternatives, with penalty revenue directed to these programs.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits smoking in any vehicle transporting a child under 12 years old in Pennsylvania. It defines smoking as using any lighted device, such as a cigarette or pipe, and establishes a $100 fine for a first violation, increasing to $250 for repeat offenses. The law requires that a person be convicted of another traffic violation occurring at the same time to be penalized for smoking around a child. These rules will take effect 90 days after the bill is enacted.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates the week of April 26 through May 2, 2026, as "Conservation District Week" throughout Pennsylvania to raise awareness about local conservation efforts. The measure directly affects Pennsylvania's conservation districts, which are volunteer-led local government units responsible for managing natural resources like soil and water on private and public lands. By officially naming this specific week, the bill aims to highlight the work these districts perform in partnering with landowners, businesses, and other agencies to protect the environment. This action is a commemorative gesture that does not alter existing laws or create new funding, but rather serves to recognize the role of conservation districts in the state.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania law to clarify and adjust the fees health care providers can charge when releasing medical records via subpoena. It establishes specific rates for searching, retrieving, and copying records, including a cap of $200 for electronic copies, while allowing annual adjustments based on inflation. The legislation applies to health care facilities and their designated agents who must comply with legal requests for patient charts. By setting these standardized costs, the bill aims to ensure transparency and limit unauthorized additional charges for record retrieval.