Sen. Cris Dush

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 The bill also repeals outdated provisions in the Dog Law and Pennsylvania Climate Change Act that referenced the abolished entities.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.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates October 13, 2025, as the official observance of the 250th anniversary of the United States Navy. It is a ceremonial measure with no binding legal effect, intended to honor the Navy's founding. The resolution directly affects the state legislature and its official communications, encouraging recognition of this historical milestone. It does not create new laws, alter funding, or impact any specific groups or individuals.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week of November 23-29, 2025, as "Pennsylvania Week of Prayer and Thanksgiving." It is a ceremonial measure with no binding legal effect, intended to recognize and encourage observance of this period. The resolution directly affects Pennsylvania state government and citizens by formally acknowledging this week for prayer and thanksgiving activities. It does not create new laws, alter policies, or impact specific groups or programs.

Maddy summarySB 800 amends Pennsylvania's fish and boating laws to clarify how fees collected from fishing and boating activities fund specific conservation efforts. It adds provisions allowing the Fish Fund to cover expenses related to boats/boating that benefit fish and fishing, and the Boat Fund to cover expenses related to fish/fishing that benefit boats/boating. The bill requires the Fish and Boat Commission to track and report all spending under these new provisions annually to legislative committees by January 31. These changes ensure transparency in fund usage while directing resources toward overlapping conservation priorities for both fish and boating infrastructure.

Maddy summarySB 766 amends Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to update licensing rules for child care centers, specifically changing eligibility requirements for children to attend these centers. The bill directly affects licensed child care providers and families seeking child care services by modifying who qualifies based on new criteria. Key provisions revise the Department of Human Services' powers regarding center licensing, requiring centers to verify eligibility according to the updated standards. This changes the operational rules for child care centers without altering funding or creating new programs.

Maddy summarySB 377 requires Pennsylvania state agencies to purchase information technology devices (like computers or tablets) that meet specific security standards when entering new public works contracts. It mandates that these devices, services, and solutions must be configurable, secure, and maintainable according to National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) guidelines or widely adopted industry security practices. The law applies only to contracts signed on or after its effective date (60 days after passage), affecting state agencies buying endpoint devices for public projects. This policy change directly impacts procurement decisions for IT hardware and services across Pennsylvania government operations.