Sen. Tim Kearney

Maddy summarySB 1047 would require an independent investigation into any use of deadly force by a police officer. The investigation must be conducted by a third-party entity separate from the officer's department to ensure impartiality. This applies to all law enforcement officers in the state and mandates this external review for every such incident. The key provision changes the standard procedure by removing the investigation from the involved department's control.

Maddy summarySB 1049 updates Pennsylvania's vehicle title transfer rules for salvage and scrap processing. It clarifies procedures when vehicles are sold to salvage dealers or scrap metal processors, specifically addressing how ownership transfers occur. The bill also adjusts how security interests (like liens) are handled during these transfers, ensuring clearer processes for dealers, processors, and vehicle owners. This directly affects businesses in the salvage and scrap industries and individuals selling damaged or end-of-life vehicles.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a uniform $1.65 monthly surcharge for all 911 emergency communication services or prepaid wireless devices, paid by subscribers or consumers. Starting February 1, 2026, the surcharge increases to $2.20 and will adjust annually based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), using June-to-June comparisons. The adjustment rounds to the nearest cent and only increases if the CPI rises; if the CPI declines, the surcharge remains unchanged. The Pennsylvania Department of Health must publish annual adjustments in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. The surcharge is collected separately from existing provider fees for 911 services.

Maddy summarySB 1025 amends Pennsylvania's sentencing laws to specifically address hate-based intimidation crimes. It requires judges to consider hate motivation as an aggravating factor during sentencing for such offenses and mandates the inclusion of community impact statements. These statements allow community members affected by the crime to share how it impacted their neighborhood or group. The bill directly affects individuals convicted of hate crimes and the communities they harm, changing how courts weigh these factors during sentencing.

Maddy summarySB 1027 amends Pennsylvania laws to strengthen protections against hate-based crimes and intimidation. It specifically expands the criminal offense of "ethnic intimidation" under Title 18, clarifies civil rights violations related to hate-based acts under Title 42, and defines key terms for municipal employees under Title 53. The bill requires municipal officers to complete annual training on recognizing and addressing hate-based intimidation. This directly affects victims of hate crimes, law enforcement, and local government employees who interact with the public. The changes aim to improve legal responses to bias-motivated offenses without altering existing penalties.

Maddy summarySB 1026 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to update the Safe2Say Program, which allows students and staff to report safety concerns anonymously in K-12 schools. It also requires colleges and universities to establish written policies addressing sexual harassment and sexual violence, along with an online reporting system for incidents. The bill includes updated definitions for key terms to ensure consistent application across both school levels. These changes directly affect public school students, staff, and postsecondary institutions nationwide.

Maddy summarySB 1033 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow counties with first or second class status to create property tax exemptions for longtime owner-occupants in neighborhoods where property values have risen significantly due to renovation or new construction. It would permit local taxing authorities to establish uniform tax relief for these residents without increasing overall property tax rates. The amendment requires two legislative passages followed by a statewide vote to take effect. This directly affects homeowners in affected counties who qualify as longtime residents in revitalized areas.

Maddy summarySB 1024 amends Pennsylvania law to specifically address ethnic intimidation as a criminal offense under assault statutes (Title 18) and strengthens protections against civil rights violations (Title 42). The bill directly affects individuals who experience or are accused of committing acts of intimidation based on race, ethnicity, or national origin. Key provisions include defining ethnic intimidation as a distinct assault offense and prohibiting actions that violate civil rights protections in public accommodations or services. This legislation updates criminal penalties and civil recourse for targeted discrimination under existing state law.

Maddy summarySB 1029 would create a publicly accessible database of organizations identified as hate groups in Pennsylvania, requiring the Attorney General to establish and maintain this resource. The bill mandates the Attorney General to identify and list groups engaging in hate-based activities, with regular updates to the database. This database would provide transparent information to the public about such groups, including their activities and affiliations. The bill directly affects the Attorney General's office, which would assume new administrative duties, and the public, which would gain access to this information.

Maddy summarySB 1028 amends the Commonwealth Attorneys Act of 1980 to further define the Pennsylvania Attorney General's responsibilities in providing legal advice, handling civil matters, and conducting criminal prosecutions. The bill directly affects the Office of Attorney General and the state's legal processes in these areas. Specific changes to the law are not detailed in the provided context, but the amendment aims to clarify or expand existing provisions. The bill was referred to the Judiciary committee on October 3, 2025, for further review.