Sen. Tracy Pennycuick

Maddy summarySB 62 establishes a new $10 million Redevelopment Authority Startup Fund within Pennsylvania's state treasury, funded by a $10 million transfer from the General Fund. It creates a loan program allowing qualified local redevelopment authorities in smaller counties (non-first/second class) to receive startup loans of up to $500,000 at 2% interest, repayable over 10 years. These loans can be used exclusively for purchasing, redeveloping, or remediating residential or commercial properties, but not for operating expenses or debt refinancing. The program aims to support economic development in underserved communities by providing low-cost capital through a revolving fund that replenishes with repayments.

Maddy summarySB 689 amends Pennsylvania's Milk Marketing Law to establish a new "board-established premium" fee on Class 1 fluid milk, directly affecting dairy producers and milk dealers through pricing changes. The bill allows the Pennsylvania Milk Board to set these premiums based on cost of production, price received, and return on equity, with a requirement for legislative review by the Agriculture Committees. If committees fail to disapprove within 30 days (or six session days), the premium is deemed approved. The law also modifies how premiums are collected (via the Department of Revenue), distributed, and exempt from standard administrative review processes, while updating cooperative marketing rules.

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 436 amends Pennsylvania's child protective services laws to specifically address cases involving military families. It adds definitions for "military family" (including service members, spouses, and children) and requires reports of suspected child abuse to note if they involve military families. The bill mandates that when a report concerns a military family, the state must notify both the Pennsylvania Family Advocacy Program and the military installation's representative. These changes update reporting procedures, database entries, and information-sharing rules to better coordinate with military child protection services.

Maddy summarySB 700 requires Pennsylvania public schools to adopt research-backed reading curricula aligned with the science of reading, beginning with the 2026-2027 school year. It mandates schools to use approved reading screeners to identify early literacy struggles, develop intervention plans for struggling students, and notify parents about their child’s reading progress. The bill creates a state list of approved curricula and screeners, overseen by a 20-member Reading Leadership Council including teachers and specialists, and requires schools to report adoption and screening data. Schools must also provide free, required professional development for educators on evidence-based reading instruction and intervention methods. This directly affects all K-3 public school students, their teachers, and parents through updated curriculum, screening, and intervention requirements.

Maddy summarySB 858 (Pennsylvania's Public School Code amendment) allows military-connected children to enroll in Pennsylvania schools before their family establishes residency. It requires military families to provide proof of intent to move (like a lease or home purchase contract) and to confirm residency within 45 days of their military transfer date. Schools must accept previously earned credits and grades for GPA calculations when military students transfer between districts. This directly affects military families relocating within Pennsylvania, ensuring smoother educational transitions during reassignments.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Pennsylvania's Department of Human Services to establish a dental benefit package for medical assistance recipients aged 21 and older by 2025-2026. It mandates that the dental coverage must maintain all existing services provided before 2011 and cannot remove any current benefits, though it may add new coverages. The department must seek federal approval via a waiver or State plan amendment to implement this dental coverage. The bill also requires the department to publish notices in the Pennsylvania Bulletin detailing the benefit package, which will remain in effect until updated by regulation.

Maddy summarySB 870 amends Pennsylvania's military education programs to clarify eligibility and repayment rules for National Guard members and their families. It updates the definition of "approved program of education" to include more training options and refines eligibility criteria, such as requiring six years of service for full-time grants and adding specific rules for members discharged due to service-connected disabilities. The bill also revises recoupment (repayment) procedures, allowing proportional repayment if service obligations aren't met and expanding forgiveness for certain circumstances like medical discharge. These changes directly affect Pennsylvania National Guard members and their families using the Educational Assistance Program and Military Family Education Program. The bill focuses on streamlining program administration without altering benefit amounts or funding.

Maddy summarySB 823 allocates $2 million annually from Pennsylvania's State Gaming Fund to local law enforcement agencies for investigating and enforcing laws related to unlawful gambling. The funding specifically covers violations of gambling statutes (18 Pa.C.S. § 5513) and related offenses like animal fighting (18 Pa.C.S. §§ 5543-5544). This includes Pennsylvania State Police when providing primary police coverage in municipalities without their own police departments. The bill amends existing law to formalize these grant provisions and takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summarySB 115 amends Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to replace the high school diploma or GED requirement for direct care staff in personal care homes and assisted living residences with a skills competency exam. The exam assesses communication skills, basic literacy, cultural awareness, and knowledge of mental health needs specific to these settings, without permitting medication administration. This change specifically applies to individuals who are citizens of or educated in another country, lawfully reside in the U.S., and meet other qualifications, eliminating the need for facilities to seek certain waivers. The bill directs the Department of Human Services to create temporary implementing regulations within two years and repeals conflicting existing regulations.