Sen. Tim Kearney

Maddy summarySB 342 creates the Pennsylvania Family and Medical Leave Act, providing eligible employees with up to six weeks of unpaid leave to care for a sibling, grandparent, or grandchild with a certified terminal illness. This applies only when the family member has no living spouse, children over 17, or parents under 65. The law builds on federal family leave protections but adds specific eligibility conditions for these family relationships. Employers must post a summary of the law, and employees can file complaints with the Department of Labor if denied leave under these provisions.

Maddy summarySB 317 requires most health insurance policies in Pennsylvania to cover eating disorder treatment, directly affecting people with conditions like anorexia, bulimia, or binge-eating disorder. The bill mandates coverage for inpatient care, residential treatment, counseling, and specialized nutrition services provided by licensed professionals, as defined in the law. Insurers cannot deny coverage based solely on weight, prior treatment history, or attempt to steer patients toward less comprehensive care. This applies to individual and group health plans (excluding limited coverage types like dental or accident-only policies) and takes effect within 60 days of enactment.

Maddy summarySB 316 amends Pennsylvania's Human Relations Act by clarifying key definitions related to employment protections. It explicitly excludes domestic workers employed casually in private homes and family members (parents, spouses, children) working for relatives from being classified as "employees" under the law. The bill also expands the definition of "independent contractor" to include licensed professionals (e.g., doctors, lawyers) and individuals covered by federal fair housing laws. These changes directly affect which workers are subject to the Act's anti-discrimination protections, particularly impacting domestic workers and family-based employment arrangements.

Maddy summarySB 318 requires most health insurance policies in Pennsylvania to cover postacute neurorehabilitation services for individuals with acquired brain injuries. This includes specific therapies like cognitive rehabilitation, neurobehavioral treatment, community reintegration, and day rehabilitation programs, as determined medically necessary by a patient's doctor. Insurers cannot impose arbitrary limits on the number of covered days or apply stricter deductibles/copays for these services than for other covered benefits. The law applies to group/individual health plans but excludes accident-only, dental, vision, Medicare supplements, and certain other limited policies.

Maddy summarySB 319 requires Pennsylvania law enforcement officers to knock and announce their presence before forcibly entering a home during warrant execution and wait at least 15 seconds for occupants to respond. Officers must wear body cameras recording searches for five minutes before and after execution, and be clearly identifiable in uniform. The bill mandates new training on warrant procedures, establishes escalating sanctions (including certification suspension for repeated violations), and allows individuals harmed by intentional non-compliance to sue for damages. These requirements apply to all officers executing warrants under Pennsylvania law.

Maddy summarySB 334 modifies Pennsylvania's court cost and fine payment rules to prioritize financial ability over penalties for those unable to pay. It requires judges to hold hearings before imposing fines or jail time for nonpayment, then sets income-based installment plans (using 125%-200% of Federal poverty levels) or waivers for low-income defendants. The bill directly affects individuals facing court costs, fines, or driver's license suspensions due to unpaid citations. Key provisions include preventing jail time for nonpayment if a defendant proves financial hardship, capping monthly payments based on income, and waiving collection fees for those below poverty thresholds.

Maddy summarySB 348 requires firearm owners or lawful possessors in Pennsylvania to report a lost or stolen firearm to local police within 24 hours, providing specific details like the serial number, model, and caliber. Police must then forward this information to the Pennsylvania State Police, who will share it with all law enforcement agencies to aid in locating the firearm. Violating this reporting requirement is a minor offense punishable by a fine of up to $500. The bill directly affects individuals who own or legally possess firearms, creating a new administrative duty to report losses or thefts.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all Pennsylvania municipal law enforcement agencies to create and implement written policies governing the use of force and deadly force by officers. The policies must include specific decision-making criteria for when force can be used (such as threats to safety or possession of weapons), prohibit choke holds except when deadly force is authorized, and mandate public posting online and physical availability upon request. The Municipal Police Officers' Education and Training Commission must certify each agency's policy biennially and provide non-compliance lists to the Pennsylvania State Police. This law directly affects municipal law enforcement agencies and their officers by standardizing force guidelines and increasing transparency around use-of-force incidents.

Maddy summarySB 274 creates two key programs in Pennsylvania law. First, it requires courts to offer non-prison sentencing options for individuals convicted of nonviolent offenses who are primary caretakers of dependent children (including pregnant women or new mothers), mandating community-based rehabilitation programs like parenting classes, job training, or mental health services instead of incarceration. Second, it establishes a Maternity Medical Services Program within correctional facilities, providing pregnancy and postpartum care for eligible incarcerated women at a reduced fee (with no denial of care due to inability to pay). The bill directly affects incarcerated parents, particularly mothers, by prioritizing family unity and maternal health. It amends sentencing procedures and medical services statutes to implement these changes.

Maddy summarySB 264 extends the maximum duration for tax breaks on qualifying properties in economically depressed areas from 10 to 20 years under Pennsylvania's Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance Act. It directly affects businesses seeking tax exemptions for deteriorated industrial, commercial, or new construction in designated depressed communities. The key change modifies Section 5(b)(1) to allow local taxing authorities to provide longer tax exemption schedules, while maintaining existing eligibility criteria. This applies to new exemption applications submitted after the law's effective date, which takes effect 60 days after enactment.