Maddy summarySR 95 is a resolution that officially recognizes the month of May 2025 as "Older Americans Month" in Pennsylvania. This action acknowledges the contributions of older adults and encourages a positive view of aging within the Commonwealth.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Crimes and Offenses code to establish new criminal offenses related to critical infrastructure facilities. It creates penalties for individuals who trespass without permission on these properties, with more severe consequences for those who intend to damage or disrupt operations. The legislation also makes willful damage or tampering with equipment at these facilities a felony. Additionally, it allows owners of critical infrastructure facilities to pursue civil lawsuits against individuals arrested or convicted of these offenses for damages incurred. "Critical infrastructure facilities" are broadly defined to include essential services such as power plants, water treatment facilities, and natural gas pipelines, provided they are secured or clearly marked.
Maddy summarySB 687 amends Pennsylvania's procurement laws to update how public construction projects are managed by government agencies and State-related institutions. The bill establishes a new framework, Chapter 32, which defines and mandates the use of specific "project delivery methods," such as design-build or construction management at-risk, for public building projects costing over $4,000. It repeals and replaces the older "Separations Act" of 1913, consolidating the rules for public construction procurement. This aims to standardize and modernize the options available for project delivery in the Commonwealth.
Maddy summarySB 658 amends the Pennsylvania Election Code to update requirements for individuals running for public office. It modifies the affidavits (sworn statements) that candidates must file, adding new declarations that they are not seeking multiple offices or holding an office whose term does not expire in the same election year. The bill also explicitly prohibits candidates from seeking nomination or appearing on the ballot for more than one public office in a single election. These changes affect candidates seeking election through political parties or political bodies at various levels, from local to federal offices within Pennsylvania.
Maddy summarySB 694 amends Pennsylvania law concerning fees for licenses to carry firearms. The bill establishes a waiver for these fees for certain applicants. Specifically, it waives the fees for individuals who are currently serving in the U.S. armed forces or who are honorably discharged veterans.
Maddy summarySenate Bill 690 amends the Pennsylvania Election Code to introduce new security requirements for ballots used in elections. The bill mandates that vendors supplying ballot paper to election officials must meet specific ISO certifications. It details numerous antifraud measures for ballots, including unique watermarks, secure holographic foils, custom security background designs, and various types of security inks. Additionally, ballots would feature a serialized QR code for voter information and ballot tracking, and voters would receive a perforated paper receipt containing ballot identification numbers. These changes are set to apply to elections held on or after January 1, 2027.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania law concerning adoptees' access to their original birth records. It removes the requirement that adoptees must have graduated high school or completed a GED program to apply for a noncertified copy of their original birth record once they are 18 years old. The bill also eliminates the provision that allowed birth parents to request their names be redacted from these noncertified copies. Additionally, it redefines a "noncertified copy" as a photocopy with a specific disclaimer, rather than a summary.
Maddy summarySB 652 proposes to amend Pennsylvania's Crimes and Offenses law by changing the definition of "dwelling" within the general principles of justification. The bill expands the current definition, which includes a building, structure, or attached porch/deck/patio, to also encompass "the parcel of land to the property lines and any building or structure erected thereon." This change would broaden the legal scope of what constitutes a "dwelling" for individuals in self-defense or similar justification cases.
Maddy summarySenate Resolution 87 commemorates September 2, 2025, as "V-J Day" in Pennsylvania, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. It encourages local governments and communities throughout the Commonwealth to conduct appropriate observances.
Maddy summarySR 86 is a resolution that recognizes May 8, 2025, as the 80th anniversary of "Victory in Europe Day" or "V-E Day" in Pennsylvania. It expresses the Senate's respect and appreciation for the men and women who served in the European theater during World War II and pays tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
