Sen. Tim Kearney

Maddy summarySB 1112, the "Contraceptive Access for All Act," requires most health insurance plans in Pennsylvania - including Medicaid managed care plans and private health insurance - to cover all FDA-approved contraceptives without cost-sharing (like deductibles or copays). It specifically mandates coverage for prescription contraceptives, emergency contraception (like levonorgestrel), and over-the-counter oral contraceptives, and prohibits insurers from requiring prior authorization or step therapy for these items. The law applies to standard health insurance policies but excludes limited policies like dental, vision, or workers' compensation plans. It directly affects health insurers and managed care plans by requiring them to provide this coverage at no additional cost to enrollees.

Maddy summarySB 1102 creates a reimbursement program for Pennsylvania entities affected by a specific budget impasse period (July 1-November 12, 2025). It provides grants to eligible school districts, counties, human services providers, and other Commonwealth-funded organizations that received 2024-2025 fiscal year funding directly from the state. Eligible entities may receive reimbursement for documented financing costs or lost interest earnings directly tied to the budget delay. The Office of the Budget administers the program, with applications due within 90 days of the bill’s effective date, using funds from a newly established restricted account.

Maddy summarySB 1101 amends Pennsylvania's Second Class Township Code to remove a requirement that townships must use a "shadow vehicle" (a vehicle that follows mowing equipment) during road maintenance. The bill states townships are no longer obligated to employ such vehicles for mowing operations on township roads, whether conducted by township staff or contractors. However, townships may still choose to use shadow vehicles voluntarily if their board of supervisors deems it necessary. This change directly affects second-class townships across Pennsylvania and takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week of November 16-22, 2025, as "Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania. It formally recognizes this period through a state legislative resolution, urging public awareness of hunger and homelessness issues. The bill does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight these concerns within the state. It affects all Pennsylvanians by promoting community focus on these social issues during the designated week.

Maddy summarySB 1100 amends Pennsylvania's Older Adults Protective Services Act to establish mandatory fatality review teams that investigate deaths of older adults suspected to involve abuse or neglect. It also strengthens confidentiality rules for records related to these cases, ensuring sensitive information remains protected from unauthorized access. The bill directly affects older adults in Pennsylvania at risk of abuse, as well as state agencies and staff managing protective services. Key provisions include requiring review teams to analyze each death and updating record-keeping protocols to maintain privacy during investigations.

Maddy summarySB 88 amends Pennsylvania's Insurance Company Law to require health insurance plans sold in the state to cover specific breast imaging services without cost-sharing for policyholders. It mandates annual mammograms for women 40+ and physician-recommended mammograms for women under 40, plus MRI and other breast imaging for those at average or higher risk of breast cancer due to factors like family history, genetic mutations, or dense breast tissue. The law specifies coverage for screening, supplemental, and diagnostic exams but does not require coverage for mastectomies or override standard deductibles/copays beyond the minimum required services. This replaces prior requirements that allowed cost-sharing and excluded MRI coverage.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates November 24, 2025, as "Human Rights and Religious Freedom Day" in Pennsylvania for ceremonial observance. It does not create new laws or affect policies, as it is a symbolic resolution without binding requirements. The measure was referred to the Rules & Executive Nominations committee for consideration.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 1089) allows individuals experiencing homelessness to use public spaces for basic needs like sleeping, eating, and storing belongings, provided they aren’t blocking walkways or streets. It requires municipalities to first offer "adequate alternative indoor space" (free, accessible, disability-friendly, and pet-friendly) before restricting such use in public areas. The bill defines "public space" broadly to include parks, sidewalks, plazas, and transit areas, while specifying that alternative housing in another municipality is only accessible if free transportation is provided. It directly affects homeless individuals and local governments responsible for enforcing public space rules. The law creates a legal defense for individuals using public space when adequate alternatives haven’t been offered.

Maddy summaryThe context provided does not include specific details about SB 1080's provisions, amendments, or intended effects. While the bill title references amendments to the Fiscal Code regarding the "Budget Stabilization Reserve Fund," no concrete policy changes, affected parties, or mechanisms are described in the given information. Without additional details on what the amendment alters or how it would operate, a substantive summary cannot be created. This appears to be a procedural fiscal code amendment, but the necessary specifics for a factual summary are missing from the context.

Maddy summarySR 188 is a resolution directing the Joint State Government Commission to study the costs and benefits of Pennsylvania's continued membership in the PJM Interconnection, a regional electricity grid operator. The resolution requires the Commission to analyze factors like electricity pricing, grid reliability, and economic impacts for Pennsylvania consumers and businesses. This study aims to provide data to inform potential future decisions about the state's energy infrastructure participation, without changing current laws or regulations.