Sen. Cris Dush

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Fiscal Code to clarify how individuals can claim abandoned or unclaimed property held by the state. It allows any person with an interest in such property to file a formal claim using a specific form provided by the State Treasurer. Additionally, the law permits the State Treasurer to automatically distribute property or its sale proceeds to a person if that person is identified as the sole owner and the item's value is under $500, even without a filed claim. The changes apply to the state government and affect anyone holding unclaimed assets or seeking to recover them.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the PA VETConnect Program within the Pennsylvania Department of Military Affairs to support veterans and their families. It brings together a network of diverse groups, including federal and state agencies, schools, healthcare providers, and nonprofits, to share information and coordinate services. The department is tasked with administering the program, developing a mission statement, and helping recently separated service members access resources and benefits. By centralizing these efforts, the program aims to improve communication and provide proactive solutions to address the needs of the veteran community.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania law establishes a new annual fee of $290 for owners of noncommercial electric vehicles, replacing the traditional liquid fuels tax that previously exempted these cars. The bill defines specific types of electric and hybrid vehicles to determine eligibility and requires owners to pay this charge concurrently with their vehicle registration fees. Owners can pay the fee as a single annual amount or through a monthly payment plan, and failure to pay within 30 days will result in penalties and a ban on renewing the vehicle's registration. Additionally, the legislation clarifies legal definitions for electric vehicles and hybrids while providing a specific exemption from alternative fuels tax for electricity generated at the owner's home.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Housing Authorities Law to clarify how public housing units are rented and how tenants are selected. It requires housing authorities to rent only to low-income individuals at affordable rates, ensuring that total household income does not exceed six times the annual rent including utilities. The legislation also restricts rentals to U.S. citizens or those with valid immigration status and mandates that authorities file their rental schedules with the State Planning Board. Additionally, the bill establishes a preference for eligible veterans in all housing programs offered by these authorities.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors the life and achievements of Seymour Holtzman, a businessman, humanitarian, and leader who passed away in May 2024. It recognizes his extensive career, which included founding multiple businesses, leading significant investments in Eastern Europe, and serving in various government advisory roles under President Reagan. The document formally expresses the Senate's condolences to his family and acknowledges his contributions as a philanthropist and advocate for free trade.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the state Tax Reform Code to modify various tax rules, including sales tax exclusions, personal income tax definitions, and corporate tax deductions. Key changes include allowing a deduction for student loan interest up to $2,500, exempting certain government and railway compensation related to the East Palestine train derailment from income tax, and creating new tax credits for employer contributions to 529 savings accounts and child care expenses. The legislation also establishes a $50 million annual transfer from personal income tax proceeds to the Clean Streams Fund and expands deductions for medical cannabis businesses. Additionally, it updates definitions and procedures for several existing tax incentive programs related to historic preservation, manufacturing, and city revitalization.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Public School Code of 1949 to update teacher certification requirements, specifically creating new pathways for career and technical education instructors. Under the new rules, individuals can qualify for teaching certificates by demonstrating extensive work experience, such as four years in a trade, or by combining two years of experience with a bachelor's degree. The legislation also establishes specific criteria for instructors with backgrounds as volunteer firefighters or emergency medical technicians, allowing them to teach related occupational skills if they have four years of service. Additionally, the bill modifies funding formulas for student-weighted basic education and adjusts provisions related to school safety, higher education, and library aid.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Professional Nursing Law to change how nurses and dietitians are licensed and educated. It requires applicants to pay fees set by the licensing board and mandates individualized assessments for those with criminal convictions. The law also updates education standards by requiring nursing and dietetic programs to meet specific accreditation criteria and clarifies the qualifications needed for certified registered nurse practitioners. Additionally, it establishes a process for the board to maintain a list of approved clinical nurse specialist programs and manage student credits if a school is removed from that list.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill updates state laws to clarify which inmates are ineligible for early release programs, specifically short sentence parole and certain parole eligibility rules. It directly affects prisoners convicted of specific serious offenses, such as incest, open lewdness, and crimes involving child sexual abuse material, by ensuring they cannot access these accelerated release options. The legislation also standardizes the term "child sexual abuse material" throughout the statutes to replace older references to "child pornography." Additionally, the bill makes minor editorial changes to correct references within the legal code.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania vehicle registration rules by clarifying how to handle lost, stolen, damaged, or illegible plates and expanding where farm vehicles can be driven. It mandates free reissuing of specific special plates for veterans and military families if they become illegible, while allowing standard plates to be reissued with a new design at no cost. Additionally, the legislation creates a new Pennsylvania Sportsman plate available for a $40 fee and establishes a dedicated account to fund youth hunting and fishing education programs. Funds collected from the new plate fee are split evenly between the Game Commission and Fish and Boat Commission, which must use the money solely for educational activities rather than salaries or administrative costs.