Sen. Cris Dush

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates January 26-February 1, 2025, as "Catholic Schools Week" in Pennsylvania. It expresses the state Senate's formal congratulations and appreciation to Catholic elementary and secondary schools across the Commonwealth. The resolution acknowledges these schools educate over 100,000 students and highlights their low dropout rate and high college enrollment. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or affect funding or regulations.

Maddy summarySB 221 prohibits lobbyists from holding certain government positions in Pennsylvania, directly affecting individuals working as lobbyists who might seek new roles as public officials, agency employees, or board members of state universities. The bill amends lobbying disclosure law (Title 65, §13A07(f)(1.1)) to explicitly ban lobbyists from being appointed or employed in roles defined under 2 Pa.C.S. §101, including Commonwealth agency employees or members of state university governing boards. This restriction applies only to new appointments or employment beginning after the bill's effective date (60 days after enactment), not to current positions. The measure aims to prevent conflicts of interest by separating lobbying activities from direct government service.

Maddy summarySB 222 amends Pennsylvania's Fiscal Code to establish new oversight rules for state grant programs. It requires grantees (nonprofits, schools, municipalities, and other outside entities) to disclose all funding sources, use Commonwealth grant money only after exhausting other funding, and submit semiannual reports on spending and progress. The bill prohibits using grant funds for bonuses (triggering automatic repayment if violated) and mandates returning unspent funds within 30 days of project completion or if other funding covers costs. These provisions apply to all Commonwealth agencies administering grants, except for municipalities, school districts, and certain educational institutions. The law aims to ensure grant funds are used as intended and prevent misuse.

Maddy summarySB 224 extends the cooling-off period for former Pennsylvania public officials and employees from one year to two years before they can represent clients on matters previously handled by their former government body. This change directly affects individuals who leave state government positions, restricting their ability to lobby or advocate for clients on specific issues within two years of departure. The bill amends Section 1103(g) of Pennsylvania’s ethics law to require this longer waiting period for any compensated representation. The policy aims to prevent potential conflicts of interest by limiting immediate post-employment lobbying on prior matters. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summarySB 218 amends Pennsylvania's Housing Authorities Law to clarify tenant selection rules and expand veteran preferences for low-income housing. It requires housing authorities to rent only to low-income tenants (with income ≤ six times annual rent, including utility costs) and prohibits renting to non-citizens or those violating immigration laws. The bill also adds a provision ensuring veteran preferences apply to all qualifying housing programs, not just specific ones. These changes directly affect Pennsylvania housing authorities and applicants seeking subsidized housing.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution symbolically recognizes February 15-22, 2025, as "National FFA Week" in Pennsylvania. It honors the Future Farmers of America (FFA) organization and its members participating in agricultural education programs statewide. The resolution has no legal effect but serves to acknowledge FFA's role in youth leadership development across Pennsylvania's agricultural education community.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 17) symbolically recognizes February 7, 2025, as "National Wear Red Day" in Pennsylvania. It highlights cardiovascular disease as the leading cause of death for women in the U.S. and promotes awareness of the American Heart Association's "Go Red for Women" campaign. The resolution urges Pennsylvanians to wear red on that date to support efforts combating heart disease and stroke in women. It does not create new laws or allocate funding, serving solely as a symbolic gesture to raise awareness.

Maddy summarySB 193 prohibits the Pennsylvania National Guard and Air National Guard from requiring members or employees to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and bars disciplinary actions based solely on vaccine refusal. It mandates the reinstatement of any Guard member or employee dismissed over vaccine refusal, including restoration of lost pay and benefits. The bill aligns with a federal law (Section 525 of the 2023 NDAA) and defines "COVID-19 vaccine" as one with FDA emergency use authorization or approval. This policy directly affects current and former Pennsylvania National Guard personnel regarding vaccine requirements and employment consequences.

Maddy summarySB 204 amends Pennsylvania's 1978 Storm Water Management Act to update the Department of Environmental Resources to the Department of Environmental Protection and revise administrative references. It adds new requirements for the department to conduct annual water quality testing of surface waters, review watershed storm water plans with the Department of Community and Economic Development, and provide technical assistance to municipalities. The bill repeals outdated specific funding language from the original act that referenced a $500,000 appropriation for 1978-79. These changes directly affect the Department of Environmental Protection, municipalities, and counties responsible for implementing storm water management plans.

Maddy summarySB 153 amends Pennsylvania's 1936 Unemployment Compensation Law to clarify when unemployed workers may lose benefits. It adds specific rules making workers ineligible if they unreasonably discourage their own hiring - such as skipping job interviews without good cause or refusing referrals before discussing job details. Employers can now report such behavior to the state, and the Department of Labor must create forms for this process within 90 days. The bill directly affects workers claiming unemployment benefits by tightening eligibility standards around job search efforts.