Sen. Cris Dush

Maddy summarySB 44 creates a formal process for confirming someone is a victim of human trafficking in Pennsylvania through a "victim determination statement" issued by authorized entities like legal aid organizations or victim service providers. This statement confirms the victim’s status and details the trafficking period and related offenses, which can be used to address legal consequences stemming from their victimization. The bill also establishes a State Human Trafficking Resource Coordinator to coordinate statewide victim services and support. Victims with a valid statement can petition to restore driver’s licenses suspended due to offenses committed while trafficked, unless the department deems them a traffic safety risk.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania law to clarify and adjust the fees health care providers can charge when releasing medical records via subpoena. It establishes specific rates for searching, retrieving, and copying records, including a cap of $200 for electronic copies, while allowing annual adjustments based on inflation. The legislation applies to health care facilities and their designated agents who must comply with legal requests for patient charts. By setting these standardized costs, the bill aims to ensure transparency and limit unauthorized additional charges for record retrieval.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates the week of April 20 through 24, 2026, as 'National Home Visiting Week' in Pennsylvania. The measure highlights the importance of home visiting programs in supporting early childhood development and helping parents with resources and education. It encourages individuals and organizations across the state to utilize these services to promote family well-being.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution commemorates the 40th anniversary of Operation El Dorado Canyon, a 1986 U.S. military mission targeting terrorist operations in Libya. The bill does not change any laws or policies but instead formally acknowledges the historical event that was launched in response to attacks on American service members in West Berlin. It highlights the coordinated efforts of the Air Force and Navy that neutralized Libyan air defenses and struck strategic sites, resulting in one downed aircraft and two pilot deaths. The resolution serves as a memorial to the operation's success in ending international terrorism based in Libya for decades and its lasting impact on U.S. military strategy.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates April 2026 as "Faith Month" in Pennsylvania to highlight the role of religion in the nation's history and values. The measure encourages residents to openly share their faiths and participate in public celebrations, such as prayer and expressions of thanksgiving, during that month. It does not create any new laws or alter government operations but serves as a symbolic gesture to recognize religious freedom.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Clean Streams Law to allow construction sites disturbing between one and two acres to request a waiver for certain stormwater discharge permits. By referencing existing federal regulations, the legislation provides a formal mechanism for these smaller projects to bypass specific state permitting requirements. The change directly affects developers and landowners managing medium-sized construction projects, streamlining the regulatory process for them. The law takes effect 60 days after being passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows boroughs and cities in Pennsylvania to use public funds to cover the training costs for newly elected officers before their terms begin. By amending state statutes for both incorporated towns and cities, the legislation authorizes municipalities to pay for educational programs designed to prepare these officials for their new roles. The measure does not mandate that any specific training be offered or require all municipalities to participate, leaving the decision to pay for such programs entirely up to local governments. It also sets the law into effect 60 days after it is signed, giving communities time to adjust their budgeting processes accordingly.

Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates April 15, 2026, as "Purple Up! For Military Kids Day" and the entire month of April 2026 as the "Month of the Military Child" within Pennsylvania. The measure aims to honor the over 37,000 children in the state who have at least one parent serving in the military, National Guard, or reserves by encouraging public support and awareness. The primary mechanism is a symbolic declaration that invites residents to wear purple on the specified date to show solidarity with military families. This action does not alter laws or allocate funding but serves to recognize the unique challenges faced by these children and promote community engagement.

Maddy summarySB 862 updates Pennsylvania's process for filling vacant borough council seats. If a borough council fails to appoint a replacement within 30 days of a vacancy, a special board (composed of council members and one community member) must fill the seat within 15 days. If the board cannot act, it must petition a court to appoint a resident to serve until the next municipal election occurring more than 60 days after the vacancy. This affects boroughs by ensuring vacancies are resolved promptly to maintain full council representation.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes adding a 10% sales and use tax on online subscriptions to sexually explicit commercial content in Pennsylvania. It defines taxable content as digital images or videos depicting sexual acts intended for sexual arousal, while excluding material with serious literary, artistic, or educational value. The tax would be collected by vendors at the time of purchase and would require online platforms to register with the state even if they do not have a physical presence in Pennsylvania. The revenue generated would go to the state's General Fund as nonmotor vehicle tax revenue, and the law would take effect on July 1, 2027.