Sen. Tim Kearney

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Pharmacy Audit Integrity and Transparency Act to update definitions for specialty drugs and spread pricing, while establishing a new requirement for a single state-run pharmacy benefits manager. The legislation directs the Department of Human Services to select one third-party administrator by July 2026 to manage all pharmacy benefits for Medicaid recipients, replacing the current system where multiple pharmacy benefits managers may handle these services. Managed care organizations receiving Medicaid contracts will be required to use this state pharmacy benefits manager, and the selection process must include competitive bidding and strict conflict-of-interest disclosures to prevent financial entanglements between the manager and other healthcare entities.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates the week of April 20 through 24, 2026, as "Local Government Week" and April 22, 2026, as "Local Government Day" throughout Pennsylvania. The measure aims to recognize the work of local officials and staff who serve in over 4,800 government units, including counties, municipalities, school districts, and authorities that provide essential services to the state's 13 million residents. The resolution formally commends these officials for their contributions to community services such as education, public safety, infrastructure, and social welfare. This is a commemorative action rather than a law that changes policy or funding.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates March 2026 as Irish-American Heritage Month in Pennsylvania to honor the historical and cultural contributions of people of Irish descent. The measure formally recognizes the significant role Irish Americans have played in Pennsylvania, where nearly two million residents trace their ancestry to Ireland. It also expresses support for the Good Friday Agreement and promotes peace on the island of Ireland. The resolution does not change laws or policies but serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of heritage and ongoing international relations.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law to explicitly define "dynamic pricing" as a potential unfair trade practice. It directly affects businesses that sell essential goods or services by clarifying that using artificial intelligence to vary prices within a 24-hour period based on demand may be considered deceptive. The law defines dynamic pricing as changing prices based on demand or AI-driven adjustments, while excluding bona fide pricing practices that offer genuine discounts without misleading consumers. Essential goods are defined as items exempt from sales tax, and the bill includes specific definitions for artificial intelligence, generative AI, and former price comparisons to guide enforcement. The changes take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes workplace heat protection standards in Pennsylvania to safeguard employees from heat-related injuries and illnesses caused by heat stress. It requires the Department of Labor and Industry to create regulations within one year that mandate employers implement cooling measures, such as job rotation, misting equipment, and access to water, when heat index levels reach 80 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. The law applies to all employers except emergency responders and fire service personnel during nonemergency situations, while also creating a dedicated enforcement fund and setting penalties for noncompliance.

Maddy summarySB 1157 amends Pennsylvania's Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act to require immediate action for hazardous substance spills in residential areas. The bill mandates that responsible parties (such as owners, operators, or transporters) must promptly contain, clean up, and remove discharges threatening public health, drinking water, or residential environments. It imposes strict liability on these parties without requiring proof of fault and authorizes the Department of Environmental Resources to issue cleanup directives. The law aims to ensure faster responses to spills endangering homes, water supplies, and residents, aligning with Pennsylvania's constitutional environmental protections.

Maddy summarySB 1193 requires federal immigration agents to obtain a judicial warrant or order before making civil immigration arrests in Pennsylvania state facilities (like prisons or courthouses) or within 1,000 feet of them, with an exception for arrests tied to ongoing proceedings within the facility. It directly affects state agencies, local governments, and public authorities operating such facilities by mandating warrant compliance. The bill allows individuals subjected to warrantless arrests to sue state entities for damages (minimum $500) or other relief, and explicitly states that state immunity laws cannot block such lawsuits. This creates legal accountability for state facilities that permit unauthorized federal immigration enforcement actions.

Maddy summarySB 1199 amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to impose a 50-mill tax (45 mills base plus 5 mills surtax) on gross receipts from digital advertising services displayed to users on digital interfaces within Pennsylvania. It directly affects companies providing digital advertising - such as social media, search engines, and banner ad platforms - that target users located in the state. The tax applies to advertising services utilizing user personal information, including banner ads, search engine ads, and interstitial ads, but exempts broadcast and news media entities. Key provisions define "digital interface" as websites or apps accessible to users and specify that the tax applies when ads are displayed to users within Pennsylvania, not just when the company is based here. This creates a new revenue stream for the state targeting digital ad revenue generated from Pennsylvania residents.

Maddy summarySB 1185 creates an annual open enrollment period for Pennsylvania Medicare supplement insurance policyholders. Starting on each policyholder's birthday, insurers must offer a 90-day window during which individuals can switch to any comparable Medicare supplement policy without being denied coverage or charged more based on health status. Insurers must also notify policyholders 15-30 days before the enrollment period about dates, rights, and policy changes. This amendment modifies Pennsylvania's 1982 Medicare Supplement Insurance Act and replaces an inconsistent existing regulation. The bill directly affects Medicare supplement policyholders in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summarySB 1189 amends Pennsylvania law to prohibit law enforcement officers from arresting or detaining individuals based on race, nationality, or immigration status without probable cause for an immigration violation. The bill defines "indiscriminate arrest" as using these factors to make arrests without a warrant, or to meet a quota, and makes such actions a misdemeanor of the first degree. This applies to all law enforcement officers, including federal officials and state peace officers, as defined in existing law. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.