Sen. Tracy Pennycuick

Maddy summarySB 523 requires full-time firefighters and EMS providers employed by fire departments or local governments in Pennsylvania to receive comprehensive cancer and cardiovascular screenings every three years. The screenings must cover specific conditions including prostate, lung, skin, and heart health checks, as listed in the bill. Employers must cover all associated costs - including copays, deductibles, and insurance expenses - through existing health benefits or insurance plans. This bill directly affects emergency responders working for public fire departments or municipal services.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $500 annual tax credit for Pennsylvania residents who serve as active volunteer certified emergency medical technicians (EMTs) or volunteer firefighters. To qualify, individuals must have at least two full years of service by December 31 of the tax year and respond to at least 20% of their agency's emergency calls during that period. The credit applies to tax liability starting with taxable years beginning after December 31, 2026, and cannot be carried over, refunded, or sold. The Department of Revenue will administer the credit, require self-certification, and submit annual reports to the General Assembly on its usage.

Maddy summarySB 509 amends Pennsylvania's vehicle code to clarify speed enforcement rules for radar, laser (LIDAR), and other speed-measuring devices. It requires that evidence from these devices can only be used to convict drivers who exceed speed limits by 10 mph (or 6 mph on roads over 55 mph), with exceptions for school zones and work zones. The bill also sets new rules for local police using radar, mandating municipal ordinances, officer training, visible patrol vehicles, and warning signs before enforcement begins. This directly affects drivers (through stricter evidence standards), local law enforcement (through new operational requirements), and municipalities (requiring ordinance adoption).

Maddy summarySB 131 proposes a constitutional amendment to replace Pennsylvania’s current Legislative Reapportionment Commission with an 11-member Independent Redistricting Commission. The new commission would be composed of four members from the largest political party, four from the second-largest, and three unaffiliated voters, all required to have voted in recent statewide elections and meet strict eligibility rules (e.g., no current officeholders, lobbyists, or campaign staff). This change directly affects how the state redraws congressional and legislative district boundaries after each federal census, aiming to reduce partisan influence in the process. The bill also specifies redistricting criteria but does not detail specific geographic or population standards. As a proposed constitutional amendment, it remains in committee and has not become law.

Maddy summarySR 55 is a symbolic resolution designating April 2025 as "Pennsylvania Donate Life Month" to raise awareness about organ, tissue, and cornea donation. It does not create new laws or policies but commemorates Pennsylvania's donation efforts, citing that over 6,400 residents await transplants and 857 donors gave the gift of life in 2024. The resolution recognizes existing donor awareness work by state agencies and organizations like Gift of Life Donor Program. As a procedural resolution, it has no direct impact on individuals or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 29, 2025, as "Vietnam War Veterans Day" in Pennsylvania, aligning with the state's existing law (Act 124 of 2024) that requires annual recognition of this date. It directs the Governor to issue a proclamation encouraging public schools and educational institutions to observe the day by honoring Vietnam War veterans' service and sacrifices. The resolution does not create new rights or funding but formally recognizes the contributions of veterans who served between 1955 and 1975, including nearly 3,150 Pennsylvanians who died or were missing in action. This follows federal recognition established by the 2017 Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 57) symbolically recognizes April 2025 as "Faith Month" in Pennsylvania. It encourages awareness of religious holidays and observances during that month, citing historical references to faith in American founding documents and emphasizing religious liberty. As a non-binding Senate resolution, it does not create new laws or affect any individuals or groups, serving only as a ceremonial acknowledgment.

Maddy summarySB 516 establishes Pennsylvania's "Lifetime Recovery from Substance Use Grant Program" to fund recovery support services. It requires the Department of Health to create and distribute posters/pamphlets with overdose signs, emergency steps, and naloxone locations to be displayed in public areas of government agencies, transit authorities, and municipalities. The bill directly affects nonprofits, hospitals, counties, and recovery houses that provide services like peer support, housing assistance, and job training for people recovering from substance use. It mandates these providers to apply for grants to expand access to evidence-based recovery support services across the state.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 56) passed by the Pennsylvania Senate to honor the late Jerry Allen Stern, a former state representative who served the 80th District from 1992 to 2015. The resolution extends condolences to his wife, children, grandchildren, and family following his death on December 11, 2024. It recognizes his service as a legislator, his work on committees, and his community involvement in Blair County. As a memorial resolution, it has no policy impact or binding effect.

Maddy summarySB 440 creates new tax credits under Pennsylvania’s PA EDGE program for semiconductor and biomedical manufacturing and research companies meeting specific criteria. It directly affects businesses that invest at least $200 million (or $20 million for early-stage semiconductor firms) in facilities, create 800 (or 100) permanent jobs, and meet local hiring and wage standards. The bill establishes two credit calculation methods: up to 2.5% of capital investment or up to $20,000 per job (capped at $20 million annually). Eligible companies must apply by March 1 each year, with credits approved by May 1, and the program prioritizes semiconductor projects with a minimum $1 million annual allocation. The tax credits reduce state tax liability for qualifying investments and job creation in these sectors.