Sen. Tim Kearney

Maddy summarySB 642 creates a statewide database for child protective services in Pennsylvania, containing founded and indicated child abuse reports. It establishes three clearance levels for background checks required for employees and volunteers working with children, based on their job role: Level 1 (direct care, like teachers or camp counselors) requires reporting certain abuse reports indefinitely or for 3-10 years depending on severity; Level 2 (non-direct roles, like cafeteria staff) has shorter reporting periods (5-15 years) or excludes some reports; and special cases (like kinship caregivers) have different rules. The bill directly affects anyone seeking employment or volunteer positions in schools, day cares, health facilities, or child-focused programs, requiring them to undergo these background checks. The database will limit information shared to only founded/indicated reports relevant to the applicant’s specific role and clearance level.

Maddy summarySB 621 prohibits Pennsylvania businesses from deducting taxes for expenses related to opposing unionization efforts. It specifically blocks deductions for costs tied to National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) complaints, anti-union meetings with employees, or labor law violations. The law applies to corporations and business entities operating in Pennsylvania, including foreign companies. Exceptions allow deductions for legitimate communications with union representatives or shareholders. This changes tax treatment for anti-union activities without altering labor law.

Maddy summarySB 618 clarifies definitions in Pennsylvania's condominium laws and specifically protects solar energy installations on certain unit types. It defines "detached roof" (a roof solely owned by a unit owner) and "townhouse unit" (a single-family design with specific construction features), then prohibits homeowners' associations from banning solar panels on these units. The law directly affects condo owners seeking to install solar energy systems on detached roofs or townhouse units, ensuring associations cannot restrict such installations. This changes existing rules by explicitly limiting associations' authority over solar energy systems in defined unit categories.

Maddy summarySB 616 restricts Pennsylvania electric utilities from passing lobbying, political advertising, or other prohibited costs to consumers through rate increases. It requires utilities with over 75,000 customers to file annual reports detailing lobbying expenses, employee involvement, and third-party vendor payments related to political activities. The bill also mandates that utilities can only include specific types of advertising (e.g., safety information or energy conservation) in rate calculations. Additionally, it requires electric distribution companies to join regional transmission organizations and report their voting records on organizational matters.

Maddy summaryThis resolution recognizes April 9, 2025, as "Appomattox Day" in Pennsylvania to honor the April 9, 1865, Confederate surrender at Appomattox, Virginia, which ended the Civil War and led to emancipation. It cites historical accounts of enslaved people gaining freedom and references Frederick Douglass's writings on the conflict's significance. The resolution urges Pennsylvania to designate Appomattox Day as a legal holiday but does not create the holiday itself.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 79) formally recognizes April 12, 2025, as the 161st anniversary of the Fort Pillow Massacre - a 1864 Civil War battle where Confederate forces killed approximately 300 Union soldiers (including about 200 Black soldiers) after they surrendered. It commemorates the event through a symbolic Senate resolution, with no new policy or funding changes. The resolution highlights historical facts about the massacre, including the disproportionately high death rate among Black Union soldiers and its impact on prisoner exchanges. As a commemorative resolution, it does not directly affect any individuals or enact new laws.

Maddy summarySB 622 modifies Pennsylvania's Insurance Company Law of 1921 to change how non-network emergency medical services (EMS) agencies bill insurers and patients. It requires EMS agencies to submit an annual form by October 15 to receive direct payments from insurers, with the Department of Health maintaining a public registry of these agreements. The bill prohibits EMS agencies from billing patients directly when insurers pay at network rates (except for copayments/deductibles) and bans suggesting donations will avoid billing. These changes apply specifically to insurers covering emergency medical services under health insurance policies, excluding certain types like homeowner's or fixed indemnity insurance.

Maddy summarySB 570 would create Pennsylvania's "End of Life Options Act," allowing terminally ill residents (18+ with an incurable illness expected to cause death within six months) to request medication to end their life. To qualify, patients must receive confirmation of terminal illness from two doctors, make two oral requests 15 days apart, submit a written request, and be deemed capable of making an informed decision. Patients retain the right to rescind their request at any time without restriction. The bill also requires documentation, counseling referrals, and reporting, but it remains pending in the Judiciary Committee and is not yet law.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates March 18, 2025, as "COVID-19 Day of Remembrance" in Pennsylvania to honor Pennsylvanians who died from the virus, including the first state death on March 18, 2020. It recognizes healthcare workers, essential personnel, and all residents affected by the pandemic. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it serves as a symbolic observance. The date was chosen to mark the anniversary of the first confirmed death in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summarySB 585 prohibits businesses from charging extra fees when consumers pay by mail or choose paper billing statements instead of digital options. It directly affects consumers who prefer traditional payment methods and businesses that previously imposed such fees. The law allows businesses to offer incentives (like discounts) for digital payment or billing choices but bans differential charges for paper or mail. This amendment to Pennsylvania's consumer protection law takes effect 60 days after enactment.