Sen. Cris Dush

Maddy summarySB 932 amends Pennsylvania's Second Class Township Code to clarify procedures for filling vacancies on township boards of supervisors. It requires boards to fill vacancies within 30 days, or the vacancy board (composed of supervisors plus one appointed registered elector) must act within 15 days. If the vacancy board fails to fill the position, the chairperson or remaining members must petition the court of common pleas. The bill also specifies that if a majority of board seats become vacant, the court can fill vacancies upon petition by remaining supervisors or 15 registered electors. These changes apply directly to second-class townships across Pennsylvania.

Maddy summarySB 931 prohibits businesses operating in Pennsylvania from using names, domain names, or branding that falsely suggest affiliation with state or local government (like mimicking a city agency or using government symbols). It directly affects corporations, nonprofits, and other entities conducting business in the state that might confuse the public about government ties. The law imposes penalties of up to seven years in prison or a $15,000 fine for violations, though entities can avoid penalties by including a clear, prominent disclaimer stating they are not affiliated with government. The bill aims to prevent deceptive practices that mislead consumers about an organization's official connections.

Maddy summarySB 95 amends Pennsylvania's Pharmacy Act to create a 180-day provisional license for pharmacists moving from other states, allowing them to practice without demonstrating competency under Pennsylvania's requirements. It also permits emergency medical services providers to distribute naloxone dose packages for opioid overdose reversal under specific conditions, including a Department of Health standing order and voluntary distribution without liability. Additionally, the bill requires pharmacies to disclose prescription drug prices (brand vs. generic), cost-sharing amounts, and health insurance options upon customer request. These changes aim to improve pharmacist mobility, expand naloxone access, and increase price transparency for consumers.

Maddy summarySB 90 modifies Pennsylvania's fire service training rules by requiring Firefighter I training programs to offer two testing options: a single cumulative test at program end or module-based tests completed within the same accreditation period. It mandates annual reports tracking firefighter numbers (paid/volunteer), course participation, specific certifications held (like Firefighter I), course summaries, and fund usage. The bill directly affects all Pennsylvania firefighters in the certification system and fire training programs statewide. These changes standardize testing methods and increase transparency in fire service training management.

Maddy summarySB 739 creates new criminal offenses for manufacturing, distributing, selling, transferring, using, or possessing "illicit devices" for motor vehicles. These devices include physical keys adaptable to multiple vehicles or electronic tools that can unlock, start, or emulate vehicle key fobs. The law specifically targets devices that work across multiple vehicles, with penalties ranging from misdemeanors for first offenses to felonies for repeat violations. Legitimate businesses like dealers, locksmiths, rental agencies, manufacturers, and law enforcement are exempt from these restrictions when operating in their normal course of business.

Maddy summarySB 466 modifies Pennsylvania's fire and emergency medical services (EMS) grant programs and training requirements. It requires semiannual reports on grant recipients (including recipient names, amounts, and purposes) for federal disaster, homeland security, and public health funds, submitted to legislative leaders. The bill updates training standards to allow online/lecture/hands-on formats and integrates records into a certification system, while setting a 45-day application window and 60-day approval timeline for grants to fire and EMS companies. Crucially, it sets an expiration date of December 31, 2029, for the grant authority under these programs. The bill was enacted as Act No. 25 of 2025 on June 30, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 518 requires hunters to report wildlife kills (except raccoons) to a wildlife officer within 24 hours and surrender the entire carcass (except raccoons) to an officer or approved processor. It also makes refusing to answer questions about kills or carcass disposal unlawful, and mandates reporting when killing wildlife to protect oneself. The law directly affects hunters, landowners (including farmers under Pennsylvania’s Right-to-Farm Law), and wildlife officers. Key provisions include standardized reporting methods (phone, online) and clearer rules for carcass handling and investigations.

Maddy summarySB 838 amends Pennsylvania's definition of "private licensed school" in the 1986 Private Licensed Schools Act. It explicitly includes schools offering distance education in a field of study, while clarifying that the definition excludes religious schools, barber/cosmetology schools, employer-run training, and hospital-based programs. This update directly affects for-profit schools teaching skilled trades or business skills through distance learning, requiring them to comply with licensing rules they previously might not have faced. The change ensures these schools fall under the State Board of Private Licensed Schools' oversight, excluding them from existing exemptions.

Maddy summarySB 255 classifies "sexual assault by sports official, volunteer or employee of nonprofit association" (18 Pa.C.S. § 3124.3) as a Tier II sexual offense under Pennsylvania sentencing law. This change directly affects individuals convicted of this specific type of sexual assault who work in sports organizations or nonprofit settings. Tier II classification requires longer mandatory registration periods and stricter supervision for offenders. The bill amends Title 42 of Pennsylvania law to add this offense to the existing Tier II list, effective immediately upon the Governor's approval on June 30, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 202 updates Pennsylvania's 1965 Money Transmission Business Licensing Law to include virtual currency transmission under the same regulatory framework as traditional money transmission. It requires businesses transmitting virtual currency (via money orders, checks, or digital methods) to obtain a license, meet a $500,000 tangible net worth requirement, and post a $1 million security bond. The law exempts personal virtual currency transfers using self-hosted wallets (where users control their digital records) and transactions between businesses for commercial purposes. This bill, signed into law on June 27, 2025, directly affects money transmission businesses and virtual currency service providers operating in Pennsylvania.