Sen. Tim Kearney

Maddy summarySB 1202 prohibits payment card networks (like Visa or Mastercard) from including sales tax amounts in credit or debit card processing fees. It specifically bans networks from charging fees based on the total transaction amount (including tax) and prevents them from circumventing this rule by increasing other fees. The bill also stops networks from charging merchants or consumers for disputed transactions until resolved, and prohibits penalties for merchants pricing items legally under state or federal law. This directly affects merchants who accept card payments and payment networks, requiring them to calculate fees without tax amounts. Violations would trigger penalties as outlined in the bill's enforcement section.

Maddy summaryPennsylvania's Senate introduced Resolution 225 condemning federal immigration officers' use of deadly force in incidents raising constitutional concerns, specifically referencing two fatal shootings in Minnesota (Renée Good on January 7, 2026, and Alex Pretti on January 24, 2026). The resolution demands impartial investigations into these incidents, calls for federal agencies to review and reform enforcement practices, and urges Congress to strengthen accountability measures. It affirms that constitutional rights apply to all people regardless of immigration status and emphasizes that public safety requires respect for civil liberties. The resolution serves as a formal statement from Pennsylvania's Senate to federal officials, not a binding law.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 229 (2026) recognizes the observance of Ramadan for Pennsylvania's Muslim community during February 18-March 19, 2026. It formally acknowledges Ramadan as a month of reflection, prayer, and fasting (Sawm) central to the Islamic faith, without creating new laws or policies. The resolution is symbolic, intended to honor the religious practices of Pennsylvania's estimated 300,000 Muslim residents during this annual observance. It does not directly affect any individuals or impose obligations on government entities.

Maddy summarySB 1158 prohibits the use of paraquat and its salts (including methyl viologen and paraquat bismethylsulfate) as pesticides in Pennsylvania. It amends the state's pesticide law to make it unlawful to use these chemicals, defined by their chemical identifier (CAS number 4685-14-7). This directly affects farmers, agricultural businesses, and pest control professionals who currently use paraquat for crop management or other purposes. The prohibition takes effect one year after enactment, replacing any conflicting regulations.

Maddy summarySB 1195 requires most health insurance plans in Pennsylvania to cover preventive services listed by the Insurance Department without cost-sharing (like copays or deductibles). It directly affects health insurers and enrollees (people with health insurance), excluding grandfathered plans (existing before 2010) and limited policies like dental-only or vision-only coverage. The bill establishes a "preventive services list" maintained by the Insurance Department, which can add or remove services after a public comment period. Insurers must cover all listed services without out-of-pocket costs for enrollees, with the department enforcing compliance and imposing penalties for violations.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 228) symbolically recognizes September 25, 2026, as "Chuseok" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws, programs, or funding; instead, it formally acknowledges Chuseok - a Korean harvest festival and cultural celebration - through a legislative resolution. The resolution highlights Chuseok's significance as a time for family gatherings, ancestor rituals, and honoring harvest traditions, such as sharing traditional foods like songpyeon. This recognition is intended to encourage Pennsylvanians to learn about and celebrate Korean cultural heritage. As a commemorative resolution, it has no direct legal or policy impact on individuals or communities.

Maddy summarySB 1036 would update Pennsylvania's laws governing First Class townships by consolidating the existing First Class Township Code into a single, clearer statutory section. This bill directly affects First Class townships across Pennsylvania, which are specific types of local governments responsible for services like roads and zoning. The key mechanism involves repealing outdated or redundant sections of the current code and merging them into a more organized structure within Title 73 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes. This change aims to streamline governance for these townships by reducing legal complexity in their operating framework.

Maddy summarySB 431 amends Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law (2008) to clarify definitions of public records and update procedures for agencies denying requests. It directly affects Pennsylvania residents seeking public records and government agencies handling those requests. Key provisions include defining specific record types more clearly and establishing new, acceptable reasons for agencies to deny requests, such as protecting privacy or ongoing investigations. The bill aims to make the process more transparent and consistent for both citizens and government entities.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 224) formally recognizes February 2026 as "Black History Month" in Pennsylvania. It is a symbolic gesture by the Pennsylvania Senate, not a law with direct effects on residents or policy changes. The resolution acknowledges the historical contributions of African Americans and aligns with the national observance established by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). It does not create new programs, alter regulations, or impact any specific groups beyond encouraging residents to learn about Black history.

Maddy summarySB 737 amends Pennsylvania's municipal law to clarify definitions and expand the scope of public safety authorities under municipal governance. It directly affects local governments and public safety entities by defining their purposes and powers within existing statutes. The bill focuses on procedural and structural changes rather than new funding or regulations, specifically updating how municipal authorities operate in public safety contexts. As a definitional amendment, it does not introduce new policy requirements but refines existing legal frameworks. Specific concrete changes are not detailed in the provided context.