Sen. Cris Dush

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SR 115) designates June 2025 as "Dairy Month" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically recognizes the dairy industry's economic significance - supporting over 47,000 jobs and contributing $11.8 billion annually - to raise awareness of the industry's value and hardships while encouraging the purchase of Pennsylvania-produced dairy products. The resolution has no binding policy impact and serves purely as a ceremonial acknowledgment.

Maddy summarySB 808 updates Pennsylvania's lobbying disclosure rules by adding new definitions (like "affiliate" for related entities or family members) and requiring lobbyists, lobbying firms, and political consultants to register electronically within 10 days of starting work. It mandates disclosure of all affiliates in registration filings and adjusts exemptions, such as allowing individuals to be exempt if they earn under $2,500 annually from lobbying or political consulting. The bill also clarifies that political consultants must report the specific candidates they assist, excluding legal work related to elections. These changes aim to increase transparency around who is influencing state policy.

Maddy summarySB 757 requires public employers in Pennsylvania to publicly post proposed collective bargaining agreements, including cost estimates, on their websites for at least two weeks before signing. It mandates that these agreements become public records accessible online within 48 hours of receipt. The law applies to most public employees (excluding elected officials, management staff, and police/fire unions under separate law) and makes agreements unenforceable if proper notice isn't provided. This aims to increase transparency around public sector pay, benefits, and working conditions.

Maddy summaryPennsylvania's SR 112 is a resolution petitioning Congress to call an Article V constitutional convention focused solely on three specific amendments: imposing fiscal restraints on the federal government, limiting federal power and jurisdiction, and restricting terms for federal officials and members of Congress. The resolution explicitly prohibits the convention from considering changes to the Bill of Rights and includes detailed instructions to ensure it stays within these boundaries. It also specifies that Pennsylvania's delegates will be chosen by the state legislature and bound to oppose any proposals outside the designated topics. This is a procedural request to Congress, not a law, and does not directly affect any residents or entities.

Maddy summarySB 708 amends Pennsylvania's Health Care Facilities Act to require health care facilities to notify the Attorney General before making significant changes. These "material changes" include mergers, acquisitions, or major sales of assets valued above specific monetary thresholds, such as $10 million for a single transaction. The bill establishes a waiting period, typically 45 days, after notification, during which the Attorney General can review the proposed transaction. It also grants the Attorney General the authority to request additional information and hold public hearings to gather input from interested parties.

Maddy summarySB 741 creates a new criminal offense in Pennsylvania for the unauthorized use of electronic tracking devices. It makes it illegal to install or place an electronic tracking device on another person or their property without their consent to track their location or movement. The bill includes exceptions for situations like parents tracking their minor children, legal guardians tracking incapacitated persons, and law enforcement in official duties or with court orders. Businesses are also exempt when tracking fleet vehicles or if they have obtained informed consent, and penalties range from a second-degree to a first-degree misdemeanor.

Maddy summarySB 735 amends Pennsylvania's Vehicle Code concerning chemical testing for driving under the influence (DUI). It expands the types of impairment for which other evidence can be introduced in DUI cases to explicitly include drugs alone, or drugs in combination with alcohol. A key provision allows testimony from a certified "drug recognition expert" to be admissible as evidence of impairment in judicial proceedings. This bill defines what constitutes a "drug recognition expert" and directly affects drivers suspected of impairment and the legal process for DUI cases.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 85 directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a performance audit of COVID-19 State and local fiscal recovery funds. This audit will examine funds received by Commonwealth agencies and municipalities under the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The committee will assess compliance with established laws, regulations, contracts, and grant agreements, and report its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly within 12 months.

Maddy summarySB 736 amends the Conservation and Natural Resources Act, primarily focusing on fees and charges for State parks. The bill mandates that the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) provide a 15% discount on all State park fees, admissions, and charges for active duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces, veterans, and their immediate family members. It also clarifies that DCNR cannot impose new general parking or admission fees unless they existed prior to 1995, while allowing for fees on specific services or facilities. All fees collected from State parks must be used for the acquisition, maintenance, operation, or administration of the State park system.

Maddy summarySB 226 amends Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law by changing the definition of "State-affiliated entity." Specifically, it removes the Pennsylvania School Boards Association and the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association from this definition. This means these two organizations would no longer be classified as "State-affiliated entities" under the law, which could affect public access to their records. The bill directly impacts these organizations and individuals seeking information from them under the Right-to-Know Law.