Sen. Gene Yaw

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week of November 23-29, 2025, as "Pennsylvania Week of Prayer and Thanksgiving." It is a ceremonial measure with no binding legal effect, intended to recognize and encourage observance of this period. The resolution directly affects Pennsylvania state government and citizens by formally acknowledging this week for prayer and thanksgiving activities. It does not create new laws, alter policies, or impact specific groups or programs.

Maddy summarySB 1042 updates the process for applying for broadband development grants through Pennsylvania's Broadband Development Authority. It modifies how grant applications are submitted and reviewed under state law, specifically amending Title 64 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes. The bill directly affects entities seeking funding to expand broadband infrastructure in underserved areas. This change streamlines the application procedure but does not alter grant eligibility criteria or funding amounts.

Maddy summarySB 194 allows Pennsylvania local government units (like counties, cities, townships, and school districts) to publish required legal notices through three methods: traditional newspapers, their own official websites, or the websites of local newspapers. If using online methods, they must also physically post notices at their main office and public meeting location. The bill requires local governments to keep records of all published notices for at least three years and clarifies that using these methods doesn’t replace existing legal journal publication requirements when specifically mandated by law. This updates how local governments meet public notice obligations under Pennsylvania law.

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 summarySB 977 would require Pennsylvania's utility commission to create rules allowing electric and natural gas suppliers to provide a single consolidated bill for both energy supply and delivery charges, directly affecting residential, commercial, and industrial customers. The bill mandates new requirements for suppliers, including $250,000 bonding and confirmation they will only offer this billing method with commission approval. It aims to increase competition by enabling suppliers to offer tailored pricing plans like time-of-use rates, addressing low adoption rates (only 18.9% of residential electric customers currently shop suppliers). The policy change would replace the current system of separate utility and supplier bills, streamlining billing for consumers who choose alternative providers.

Maddy summarySR 135 is a Senate resolution honoring Pennsylvania veterans on Veterans Day, November 11, 2025. It formally recognizes all Pennsylvania veterans who served during wartime and peacetime, acknowledging their contributions to national security. The resolution encourages communities across Pennsylvania to hold ceremonies on that date to honor approximately 700,000 current Pennsylvania residents who have served in the armed forces. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic gesture of appreciation.

Maddy summarySB 960 amends Pennsylvania's Liquor Code to clarify rules for hotels, restaurants, and clubs holding liquor licenses. It allows these businesses to sell malt or brewed beverages off-premises in quantities up to 192 fluid ounces per sale, while prohibiting clubs from selling such beverages for off-premises consumption between 2 a.m. and 7 a.m. The bill also restricts certain officials - including police officers, sheriffs, and judges - with arrest or sentencing authority from owning liquor licenses. These changes directly affect licensed establishments and ensure consistent sales hour regulations across different venue types.

Maddy summarySB 95 amends Pennsylvania's Pharmacy Act to create a 180-day provisional license for pharmacists moving from other states, allowing them to practice without demonstrating competency under Pennsylvania's requirements. It also permits emergency medical services providers to distribute naloxone dose packages for opioid overdose reversal under specific conditions, including a Department of Health standing order and voluntary distribution without liability. Additionally, the bill requires pharmacies to disclose prescription drug prices (brand vs. generic), cost-sharing amounts, and health insurance options upon customer request. These changes aim to improve pharmacist mobility, expand naloxone access, and increase price transparency for consumers.

Maddy summarySB 89 requires EMS providers responding to overdoses in Pennsylvania to report specific details - such as time, location, substances involved, and whether reversal drugs were used - within 72 hours to an approved digital reporting system. This directly affects EMS providers who must now document incidents under standardized guidelines, supplementing existing reporting obligations. The bill amends the Overdose Mapping Act to clarify that EMS providers are "authorized users" who must submit data to the Overdose Information Network (ODIN) or other approved platforms, ensuring coordinated data sharing with the Pennsylvania State Police and Department of Health. It does not change other legal reporting requirements but mandates real-time data entry to improve overdose tracking.

Maddy summarySB 635 amends Pennsylvania sentencing law to impose stricter penalties for certain drug-related offenses committed within 1,000 feet of a drug and alcohol recovery house. Specifically, it requires the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing to create enhanced penalties for offenses under the Controlled Substance Act (sections 13(a)(12), (14), or (30)) when committed near these facilities. The bill defines "drug and alcohol recovery house" using existing law (Section 2311-A of the Administrative Code). This policy change directly affects individuals convicted of targeted drug offenses near recovery centers, increasing potential sentencing severity. The bill passed final passage on June 25, 2025.