Sen. Tracy Pennycuick

Maddy summarySB 10 establishes the Pennsylvania Award for Student Success Scholarship Program (PASS), providing financial assistance to low-income students attending nonpublic schools. It directly affects eligible students in Pennsylvania who live in households below 250% of the federal poverty level, attend or reside within the attendance boundary of a low-achieving public school, and have not earned a high school diploma. The program, administered by the State Treasury starting in the 2026-2027 school year, covers tuition, school-related fees, and special education services at participating nonpublic schools. School districts must notify parents of eligible students about the program within 15 days of a school being designated "low-achieving."

Maddy summarySB 315 amends Pennsylvania's 1949 education code to update school funding, safety, and instructional requirements. It establishes new school safety grants, updates teacher certification standards, and strengthens truancy prevention measures for all public and charter schools. The bill adds funding for career and technical education equipment, expands mental health support through school safety programs, and modifies higher education scholarship rules. As Act No. 47 of 2025, it became law on November 12, 2025, affecting students, teachers, school districts, and higher education institutions statewide.

Maddy summaryThis resolution directs Pennsylvania's Joint State Government Commission, Public Utility Commission, Department of Community and Economic Development, and Department of Environmental Protection to study the state's energy needs and develop recommendations for a comprehensive energy strategy. It requires these agencies to assess current energy policies, infrastructure, and environmental impacts to create a unified plan. The resolution does not create new laws but sets a process for agencies to collaborate on developing future energy policy.

Maddy summarySB 1084 creates a new child adoption tax credit under Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code of 1971, allowing adoptive parents to reduce their state income tax payments. The bill amends the existing tax code to establish this credit and clarify definitions for tax credit administration. This change directly affects adoptive families in Pennsylvania by providing a financial benefit to offset adoption costs. The credit is a concrete policy change that modifies how state tax liabilities are calculated for eligible taxpayers.

Maddy summaryThis resolution directs Pennsylvania's Joint State Government Commission to study the state's aircraft and aviation assets (like planes, helicopters, and hangars) owned by departments including Transportation, the Attorney General's office, and State Police. The study must inventory all assets, review operational needs, costs (including maintenance and storage), insurance, and compare leasing versus ownership to identify savings. It requires the Commission to examine best practices from other states and the private sector, then provide cost-saving recommendations to the legislature within 12 months. The goal is to improve efficiency and transparency in managing these resources for taxpayer savings.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 182) commemorates the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps and honors the service and sacrifice of Marines throughout history, specifically acknowledging their contributions to both the Commonwealth and the nation. It is a formal, non-binding resolution adopted by the legislature to recognize this milestone, directly affecting the Commonwealth's official acknowledgment of Marine Corps history. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial tribute to Marines' legacy.

Maddy summarySB 755 abolishes 19 state advisory bodies, including the Climate Change Advisory Committee and Canine Health Board, transferring their duties to existing departments (e.g., Secretary of Agriculture assumes Canine Health Board responsibilities). It revises the composition of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, requiring bipartisan appointments from legislative leaders and adding specific roles like the Attorney General. The bill also repeals outdated provisions in the Dog Law and Pennsylvania Climate Change Act that referenced the abolished entities. These changes streamline state governance by eliminating redundant advisory structures while updating related legal references.

Maddy summarySB 1060 amends Pennsylvania's Health Care Facilities Act to require licensed health care facilities to screen new patients for veteran status during admission. This applies directly to hospitals, clinics, and other facilities that admit new patients under the Act. The bill updates licensing requirements to mandate this screening as a standard part of patient intake, without altering existing benefits or eligibility processes. The provision aims to identify veterans for potential service-connected care options through the facility's existing systems.

Maddy summarySB 6 creates a statewide system to streamline permit processing for state agencies. It requires a digital tracking system for permit applications, establishes a third-party review process for delayed permit decisions, and mandates annual reports on permit timelines. The bill also creates two new state entities: the Pennsylvania Office of Transformation and Opportunity (to coordinate permit reforms) and the Economic Development Strategy Group (to develop growth plans). These provisions directly affect state agencies managing permits, businesses and individuals applying for permits, and the new offices tasked with implementing the changes. The bill passed final passage in October 2025 and now awaits further committee review.

Maddy summarySB 1068 removes existing regulations governing the state's CO2 Budget Trading Program, which is a system where businesses buy and sell allowances for carbon emissions. This change directly affects companies participating in the program by eliminating specific compliance rules they previously had to follow. The key provision is the outright abrogation (removal) of these regulations, streamlining the program's operational requirements without creating new rules. The bill passed final passage on October 22, 2025, and was referred to the Environmental & Natural Resource Protection committee for further consideration.