Sen. Tim Kearney

Maddy summarySB 872 replaces Pennsylvania’s temporary "Nonnarcotic Medication Assisted Substance Abuse Treatment Grant Pilot Program" with a permanent "Medication-Assisted Substance Abuse Treatment Grant Program" administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. The bill requires counties with correctional facilities offering substance abuse treatment to apply for grants, enabling them to provide medication-assisted treatment (MAT) combined with counseling to eligible offenders both during incarceration and after release. Key provisions mandate county assessments to identify suitable candidates, individualized treatment plans, access to MAT, and coordination with probation/parole, while requiring biennial reports to the legislature on program effectiveness. The law prioritizes nonnarcotic MAT funding and prohibits using grant money to replace existing programs.

Maddy summarySB 852 updates Pennsylvania's Minimum Wage Act to establish new hourly wage rates starting in 2026 ($12/hour) and 2027 ($15/hour), with automatic annual cost-of-living adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index beginning in 2025. It clarifies that tipped workers must retain all tips, cannot be required to surrender tips to employers to meet wage requirements, and must be informed in writing about their minimum wage entitlement. The bill also preempts local ordinances, meaning cities cannot set higher minimum wages than this state law. It directly affects all Pennsylvania employers and workers, particularly those in tipped occupations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Pennsylvania's Department of Human Services to establish a dental benefit package for medical assistance recipients aged 21 and older by 2025-2026. It mandates that the dental coverage must maintain all existing services provided before 2011 and cannot remove any current benefits, though it may add new coverages. The department must seek federal approval via a waiver or State plan amendment to implement this dental coverage. The bill also requires the department to publish notices in the Pennsylvania Bulletin detailing the benefit package, which will remain in effect until updated by regulation.

Maddy summarySB 796 increases the tax on motor vehicle leases from 3% to 5% of the lease price and raises the fee for renting a motor vehicle from $2 to $6.50 per day. Revenue from these fees will fund Pennsylvania’s Public Transportation Assistance Fund, which supports public transportation services statewide. The bill affects vehicle lessees and renters, including those using carsharing services, though carsharing rentals of less than 6 hours will have lower fees (ranging from $0.25 to $1.25). The changes take effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summarySB 795 imposes a new fee on transportation network companies (like Uber or Lyft) operating in Pennsylvania. Companies must pay 4.6% of total ride fares in Philadelphia (a city of the first class) and 6% elsewhere, remitted quarterly to the Public Transportation Trust Fund. These fees will directly fund transportation programs, including operating costs for public transit systems, as specified in the bill’s fund allocation provisions. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summarySB 847 requires Pennsylvania borough councils to appoint a registered borough resident (who has lived there continuously for at least one year) to fill vacant elected offices like mayor, council member, or auditor within 30 days. If councils fail to act, a "vacancy board" (composed of council members plus one appointed elector) must fill the vacancy within 15 additional days. If the vacancy board also fails, the court of common pleas appoints a resident to serve until the next municipal election. This directly affects all Pennsylvania boroughs and their residents who must meet residency requirements for temporary appointments.

Maddy summarySB 845 requires commercial marinas and boat docks in Pennsylvania to implement electrical safety measures to prevent shock hazards. It mandates annual inspections by licensed electricians starting January 2025, installation of ground-fault protection (limiting electrical leakage to 100 milliamperes), and posting permanent warning signs stating "ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARD RISK: NO SWIMMING WITHIN 100 YARDS" near water. These rules apply to facilities offering services for remuneration (e.g., rental, repairs), excluding privately owned docks used solely by owners or guests. The requirements take effect 60 days after enactment, with new electrical systems needing compliance after July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates August 31, 2025, as "Overdose Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania. It requests the Governor to issue a proclamation encouraging public officials and residents to observe the day through appropriate activities, and to order flags flown at half-staff. The resolution aims to raise awareness about drug overdoses, reduce stigma around substance use, and acknowledge the impact of overdose deaths on families and communities. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic recognition of the overdose crisis.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates June 10, 2025, as "Delco Day" in Pennsylvania to honor Delaware County's community spirit and annual charitable event. It recognizes the "Delco Day" celebration, which unites residents to raise funds for local charities - specifically supporting the HEADstrong Foundation's "Nick's House," providing free housing for cancer patients and families seeking treatment in the Philadelphia area. The resolution is ceremonial and does not create new laws or funding.

Maddy summarySB 839 requires Pennsylvania public schools to incorporate media literacy education into K-12 curricula. The bill mandates the Department of Education to develop an age-appropriate model curriculum within 12 months, covering critical thinking about media messages, bias, misinformation, marketing tactics, and perspective gaps. School districts must implement this curriculum starting the school year after the bill takes effect. The Department must also provide free online resources and teacher training on media literacy.