Sen. Tim Kearney

Maddy summarySB 1035 (Ryan's Law) would amend Pennsylvania's Medical Marijuana Act to allow terminally ill patients to use medical marijuana in healthcare facilities under specific conditions. The bill requires facilities to permit use (without smoking/vaping), document it in patient records, and store marijuana in locked containers for safety, while exempting emergency departments. It directly affects terminally ill patients (with a one-year life expectancy prognosis) and healthcare facilities licensed under the Health Care Facilities Act. Key provisions include mandatory facility guidelines for use and allowing suspension of compliance if federal agencies prohibit medical marijuana programs. The bill does not require facilities to recommend marijuana or include it in discharge plans.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week of November 2-8, 2025, as "Election Official and Election Worker Appreciation Week" in Pennsylvania. It formally recognizes election officials and workers for their service during elections. The resolution has no binding effect or policy changes; it is a symbolic gesture to honor these individuals. It does not impose new requirements or affect any specific groups beyond this ceremonial acknowledgment.

Maddy summarySB 1008 amends Pennsylvania's vehicle code (Title 75) to update definitions, modify driver's license examination requirements, and establish regulations for low-speed electric scooters. The bill directly affects drivers (through changes to license exams), pedestrians, and electric scooter operators (by creating new operational rules). Key provisions include revising terminology in vehicle law, altering the process for issuing driver's licenses, and introducing a dedicated category for low-speed electric scooters under special vehicle regulations. The bill was referred to the Transportation committee on September 30, 2025, for further review.

Maddy summarySB 996 amends Pennsylvania's Capital Facilities Debt Enabling Act to change bidding rules for redevelopment projects. It requires at least three written bids for all construction work under $25,000, while projects over $25,000 must pay workers the state's prevailing minimum wage and comply with the Steel Products Procurement Act. The bill also clarifies that all redevelopment projects - regardless of contract structure - are treated as "public works" under Pennsylvania's prevailing wage law. This applies to local governments and developers managing capital projects funded through redevelopment assistance programs. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates June 8, 2025, as "Lieutenant Colonel George Hardy Day" in Pennsylvania. It honors Lieutenant Colonel George Hardy for his military service, recognizes him as a decorated veteran and community leader, and acknowledges him as a symbol of courage. The resolution is a formal commemorative measure with no binding legal effect, solely intended to publicly recognize his contributions. It directly affects Pennsylvanians by establishing a state-recognized day of remembrance for this individual.

Maddy summarySR 142 is a symbolic resolution designating September 1, 2025, as "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Day" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or affect specific groups; instead, it formally recognizes this date for a public safety awareness campaign focused on preventing drunk driving. The resolution serves as a procedural statement to encourage law enforcement and community efforts during the designated period. This is a non-binding commemorative measure, not a policy change.

Maddy summarySB 987 amends Pennsylvania's rules of evidence to clarify procedures for subpoenaing records in legal cases. It directly affects courts, attorneys, and organizations holding records (such as hospitals or financial institutions) by specifying how records can be legally requested. The key provision modifies Title 42 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to define acceptable formats and timelines for producing documents under subpoena. This change aims to streamline access to evidence while maintaining procedural safeguards for record-holding entities. The bill is currently pending referral to the Judiciary committee for further review.

Maddy summarySB 989 would require health insurance plans in Pennsylvania to cover immunizations (such as vaccines) without out-of-pocket costs for policyholders. The bill applies to all health insurance providers operating in the state and mandates that they include immunization coverage in their plans. It also imposes penalties on insurers that fail to provide this coverage. This change would directly affect insurance companies and ensure Pennsylvanians with health insurance have guaranteed access to immunization services.

Maddy summaryPennsylvania's SB 988 amends crop insurance provisions to support farmers who plant cover crops (like grasses or legumes for soil health). It creates a $5 per acre rebate for farmers who pay federal crop insurance premiums on land where cover crops are planted, following USDA guidelines. The rebate program requires verification of cover crop planting and prohibits double funding from other state or federal grants. Eligible farmers must apply through the state department, with rebates distributed proportionally if funds are limited. This directly affects Pennsylvania agricultural producers enrolled in federal crop insurance programs.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 144) designates September 10, 2025, as "World Suicide Prevention Day" within Pennsylvania. It is a ceremonial recognition with no binding policy changes or direct impact on individuals or programs. The resolution formally acknowledges the annual observance of World Suicide Prevention Day in the state. It was referred to the Rules & Executive Nominations committee on September 4, 2025.