Sen. Cris Dush

Maddy summarySB 415 creates new criminal penalties for ransomware attacks targeting Pennsylvania state government systems. It prohibits possessing, using, or threatening to use ransomware (defined as software blocking access or encrypting data for payment demands) with penalties ranging from misdemeanors to felonies based on the ransom amount ($10,000+ triggers felony charges). The law requires managed IT service providers to notify state agencies within one hour of detecting ransomware, and agencies to report attacks to police within two hours. These provisions aim to prevent, detect, and respond to cyberattacks on Commonwealth agencies while mandating public notification after incidents.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 16-22, 2025, as "Sunshine Week" in Pennsylvania to honor the state's Sunshine Act and Right-to-Know Law, which guarantee public access to government meetings and records. It urges all Pennsylvania residents to observe this week in recognition of open government principles. The resolution has no new policy requirements and serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of existing transparency laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows state legislators' offices and approved organizations (like nonprofits) to directly issue temporary disability parking placards to eligible individuals. Applicants must submit a signed statement confirming disability qualifications and provide medical verification, with the issuing office electronically submitting the application to the state agency. Temporary placards are valid for up to six months, and no fees can be charged beyond actual postage costs. The change streamlines access to temporary disability parking for people with qualifying conditions.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates April 2025 as "Community College Month" in Pennsylvania. It is a symbolic gesture recognizing community colleges' role in providing affordable higher education, workforce training, and access to students from diverse backgrounds. The resolution does not create new policies, funding, or direct impacts on individuals or institutions. It serves only to highlight community colleges' contributions through a designated month of recognition.

Maddy summarySB 391 changes Pennsylvania's hunting regulations by setting the start date for the regular antlered deer hunting season to the first Monday following Thanksgiving. This directly affects deer hunters and wildlife management agencies by establishing a fixed annual opening date, replacing the previous schedule. The bill amends Section 2102 of Title 34 (Game) to add this specific provision, creating a clear, predictable timeline for the season. The change will take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summarySB 397 amends Pennsylvania's Public Employe Relations Act to require public employee unions to report how membership dues are spent. It mandates that unions file quarterly reports with the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board detailing officer salaries, benefits, all expenses (including travel), and political spending related to elections. The bill also requires public employers to forward signed collective bargaining agreements to the board within 15 days and directs the board to make all reports and agreements publicly accessible online. These changes directly affect public-sector unions and the Labor Relations Board, increasing transparency around union finances and contract terms. The law takes effect January 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 373 establishes new statewide cybersecurity standards for Pennsylvania state agencies' information technology systems. It requires agencies to obtain "authorization to operate" for all IT systems using public funds, conduct annual security reviews, and perform risk assessments - including penetration testing - to identify vulnerabilities. The bill mandates biannual compliance checks of vendors and creates a Joint Cybersecurity Oversight Committee to monitor implementation. These requirements directly affect all state agencies and their IT vendors, focusing on proactive security management rather than reactive measures.

Maddy summarySB 38 amends Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to adopt the federal False Claims Act's framework, creating new provisions for holding entities accountable for submitting false claims to the state. It directly affects contractors, grantees, and healthcare providers receiving state funds who knowingly submit false information related to payments or property. Key mechanisms include triple damages for the Commonwealth, civil penalties, and "qui tam" lawsuits allowing private citizens to file claims on behalf of the state. The bill defines "false claims" broadly to cover any knowingly submitted false requests for money or property tied to state programs, with penalties applying to violations like concealing false information or failing to report errors.

Maddy summarySB 386 expands Pennsylvania's restrictions on foreign entities acquiring agricultural land, prohibiting entities from "countries of concern" (including China, Russia, Iran, and others) and foreign political parties from purchasing more than 100 acres of farmland, except through inheritance or as security for debt. It requires title companies to verify compliance, imposes $1,000 penalties for willful failures, and authorizes the Attorney General to investigate violations and seize illegally acquired land. Forfeited land must be sold at auction, with proceeds first covering sale costs and investigation expenses, then paying lienholders, and finally funding the state General Fund. The law defines "agricultural land" as land used for farming crops, livestock, or related products, excluding mineral rights or non-agricultural zoning.

Maddy summarySB 380, the China Divestiture Act, requires Pennsylvania's major retirement systems (State Employees', Public School Employees', and Municipal Retirement Systems) and the State Treasurer to sell all investments tied to China. It mandates phasing out direct holdings of Chinese government securities and scrutinized Chinese companies (including sanctioned entities) within 10 years (50% sold by year 3, 75% by year 5, 100% by year 10). The bill also prohibits new investments in such entities and requires annual reports on divestment progress to state officials. This policy directly affects Pennsylvania's $100+ billion public pension funds by restructuring their investment portfolios.