Sen. Tracy Pennycuick

Maddy summarySB 625 amends the Public School Code of 1949 regarding admission fees for school-sponsored activities. This bill requires public school entities, nonpublic schools, and the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association to accept cash as a form of payment for admission fees. While cash must be accepted, other payment methods may also be offered. The bill allows these entities to refuse cash payments in denominations that significantly exceed the admission fee.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 742 would allow Pennsylvania's Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to contract with a private vendor for the design, marketing, and sale of custom registration plates. Vehicle owners would be able to purchase these vendor-designed plates online for motorcycles, passenger cars, or light trucks. The bill establishes fees for these plates, with a portion of the revenue supporting the Pennsylvania State Police Traffic Safety Enhancement Restricted Account. This account would fund equipment and supplies for the Pennsylvania State Police to enhance traffic safety efforts. PennDOT would be responsible for approving plate designs to ensure they meet reflectivity and readability standards.

Maddy summarySB 657 amends Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to update regulations concerning home- and community-based services. It requires the Department of Human Services to develop regulations that maximize the types of settings available and prioritize individual choice for people receiving residential, day programming, or vocational services through waivers. The bill specifies that these regulations cannot impose requirements beyond federal law or exclude settings based on factors like location or size, unless federal law mandates it. The department must amend existing inconsistent rules and regulations within 180 days to comply with these new directives.

Maddy summarySR 111 is a procedural resolution that designates May 2025 as "Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. This resolution aims to increase public awareness of ALS and recognize its impact on patients and families, as well as ongoing research.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 105 recognizes May 2025 as "National Treatment Court Month" in Pennsylvania. This resolution aims to raise awareness about the effectiveness of various treatment courts, such as Drug Courts and Mental Health Courts, in addressing underlying issues contributing to criminal behavior and promoting recovery.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 94 directs the Joint State Government Commission to establish the Task Force on Recruitment and Retention of Law Enforcement. This task force will examine challenges in attracting and keeping law enforcement officers, corrections officers, and prosecutors across the Commonwealth. It will comprise various state officials and representatives from relevant associations and labor organizations. The task force is mandated to provide recommendations and identify necessary changes to state statutes, practices, policies, and procedures to improve staffing in these critical public safety roles. A report detailing its findings and recommendations must be submitted by April 30, 2026, to the Governor and legislative leaders.

Maddy summarySB 306 amends the Pennsylvania Election Code to revise how ballot questions are explained to voters. It requires the Attorney General to prepare a plain English statement for statewide ballot questions or constitutional amendments, outlining their purpose, limitations, and effects. The Secretary of the Commonwealth must then publish this statement, post it on the Department of State's website with details about its publication, and certify it to county election boards. County boards are responsible for publishing the statement in election notices and posting copies in voting rooms to inform the public.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 106 is a commemorative resolution that honors the 2025 Philadelphia Eagles for winning Super Bowl LIX and recognizes them as one of the greatest football teams to represent the Commonwealth. This resolution was introduced and adopted on May 7, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 305 amends Pennsylvania's procurement law regarding the debarment or suspension of contractors from future government contracts. The bill expands the grounds for debarment to include unsatisfactory performance that occurred in *any state*, not just Pennsylvania. It allows state agencies to consider a contractor's demonstrated history of poor performance on contracts with federal, Commonwealth, or *other state* government agencies or public owners. This means a contractor's past performance across various jurisdictions can now be a factor in Pennsylvania's contract award decisions.

Maddy summarySR 70 is a resolution by the Senate to honor the life of Officer Andrew William Duarte, who died in the line of duty, and to extend condolences to his family.