Sen. Gene Yaw

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 129) honors the late Pennsylvania State Representative Matthew R. Gergely and expresses condolences to his family following his death. It formally recognizes his life, career in McKeesport (including roles as City Administrator and Chief Revenue Officer), and service as a state representative for the 35th district. The resolution, adopted on June 23, 2025, directs the Senate to convey these condolences to his wife, children, and other surviving family members. It does not create any new policy or affect any laws.

Maddy summarySB 872 replaces Pennsylvania’s temporary "Nonnarcotic Medication Assisted Substance Abuse Treatment Grant Pilot Program" with a permanent "Medication-Assisted Substance Abuse Treatment Grant Program" administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. The bill requires counties with correctional facilities offering substance abuse treatment to apply for grants, enabling them to provide medication-assisted treatment (MAT) combined with counseling to eligible offenders both during incarceration and after release. Key provisions mandate county assessments to identify suitable candidates, individualized treatment plans, access to MAT, and coordination with probation/parole, while requiring biennial reports to the legislature on program effectiveness. The law prioritizes nonnarcotic MAT funding and prohibits using grant money to replace existing programs.

Maddy summarySB 863 designates a specific segment of Interstate 180 (from the Lycoming-Northumberland County line to the U.S. Route 15/220 interchange in Lycoming County) as the "Kenneth C. Larson, Jr., Memorial Highway." The bill honors Kenneth C. Larson Jr., a former PennDOT engineer and infrastructure advocate who contributed to regional transportation projects, by requiring the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to install directional signs naming the highway. This is a procedural naming resolution with no policy changes or direct impacts beyond highway signage.

Maddy summarySB 311 prohibits Pennsylvania municipalities from adopting policies that restrict or block utility connections based on the energy source (e.g., electric, natural gas, renewable). It directly affects local governments, residents, and businesses by ensuring they can choose any authorized utility provider without discrimination. Key provisions ban municipal rules that prevent connection to specific energy sources or favor certain providers, while allowing municipalities to manage their own utilities or pursue renewable energy for public operations. The law takes effect 60 days after passage and clarifies that zoning or land-use decisions do not override consumer choice in utility services.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally recognizes the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States Army (established June 14, 1775, as the Continental Army). It commemorates the Army as the nation's oldest fighting force and first national institution, highlighting historical milestones like the Battle of Bunker Hill and George Washington's appointment as Commander in Chief. The resolution serves solely as a ceremonial tribute with no policy changes or direct impact on individuals or programs. It does not create new laws, allocate funds, or affect veterans' benefits.

Maddy summaryThis resolution symbolically designates June 8-14, 2025, as "Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania. It aims to raise public awareness about the Chesapeake Bay's ecological significance, economic value, and role in Pennsylvania's watershed, aligning with the Chesapeake Bay Program's 50th anniversary. The resolution encourages educational events and community activities to highlight the Bay's importance to residents, recreation, and regional ecosystems. It does not create new laws or impose obligations on any entity.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 122) urges Congress to pass H.R. 1947, which would authorize the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense to provide stellate ganglion block (SGB) therapy to veterans and service members with PTSD. SGB is a low-risk nerve block procedure proven to reduce PTSD symptoms like anxiety and hyperarousal, currently available to only 40% of veterans through existing treatments. The resolution highlights that untreated PTSD correlates with higher suicide risk, with 20 veteran suicides occurring daily in the U.S. It specifically requests Congress expand access to SGB therapy as an additional treatment option for veterans diagnosed with PTSD. This is a non-binding resolution, not a law, directing the Senate to formally recommend passage of H.R. 1947.

Maddy summarySB 682 renames Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection to the Department of Environmental Services while transferring all its responsibilities - including energy program oversight, fund administration, and personnel - from the Pennsylvania Energy Office. The bill ensures continuity by keeping existing licenses, contracts, and computer systems unchanged until routine upgrades, and allows the department to gradually update documents and signage over time. It specifically transfers the Energy Conservation and Assistance Fund, Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Fund, and all related duties to the renamed department. The changes take effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summarySB 813 establishes Pennsylvania's HUB Zone Business Procurement Program to increase state contracting with businesses in designated underutilized areas. It requires state agencies to set contract-specific goals ensuring 20% HUB zone business participation on contracts between $100,000-$750,000 and 25% on larger contracts, with waivers available if agencies demonstrate "good faith efforts" to find qualified businesses. The program mandates agencies to compile verified business lists, monitor compliance monthly, and review utilization schedules. This directly affects Pennsylvania state purchasing agencies and for-profit businesses headquartered in designated HUB zones meeting federal certification criteria.

Maddy summarySB 765 updates Pennsylvania's Liquor Code to allow current liquor license holders (like restaurants and retail stores) to sell malt or brewed beverages for off-premises consumption through connected business spaces. It permits using registers in adjacent areas within the same building (under 11,000 sq ft) if they meet specific rules: proper signage, staff training, age verification via scan devices for customers under 35, and prior notice to the Liquor Board. The bill also clarifies that wine expanded permit holders can sell wine in connected areas with similar requirements, including mandatory age checks and sales conducted through registered staff. These changes apply only to existing license holders expanding operations within physically connected spaces, not to new license types.