Sen. Tim Kearney

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates April 12 through 18, 2026, as Architecture Week in Pennsylvania to honor the contributions of architects and design professionals. The measure directly affects the American Institute of Architects Pennsylvania and its members, including architects, engineers, and allied design professionals. By officially recognizing this period, the Senate aims to increase public awareness of architecture's value and celebrate the industry's role in building communities.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates the week of April 6 through 12, 2026, as 'Public Health Week' throughout Pennsylvania to align with the national observance. The measure includes a series of 'whereas' clauses that highlight various public health statistics and challenges, such as declining life expectancy, health disparities among racial and ethnic groups, and the impact of violence and disease on the community. By officially recognizing this week, the resolution aims to raise awareness about the importance of preventive health measures and the role of public health professionals in improving overall community well-being.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 262 is a commemorative measure that formally recognizes the 56th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22, 2026, within Pennsylvania. The resolution highlights the history of the event and encourages residents to participate in environmental protection efforts aligned with the 2026 theme, 'Our Power, Our Planet.' This document does not create new laws or alter policies but serves to acknowledge the date and promote public awareness of environmental stewardship.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study reimbursement rates and workforce challenges for shift nursing services provided to individuals under Pennsylvania's Medical Assistance program. The study will examine current payment structures for both children and adults, compare rates with neighboring states, and analyze how costs differ between home care and hospital settings. Committee members will also gather input from healthcare providers, families, and advocacy groups to assess the impact of potential rate changes on nurse availability and missed shifts. The committee is required to submit a final report with its findings and recommendations to the Senate within 12 months of the resolution's adoption.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution officially designates April 2026 as National Fair Housing Month in Pennsylvania. The measure serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of fair housing principles without altering existing laws or regulations.

Maddy summarySB 862 updates Pennsylvania's process for filling vacant borough council seats. If a borough council fails to appoint a replacement within 30 days of a vacancy, a special board (composed of council members and one community member) must fill the seat within 15 days. If the board cannot act, it must petition a court to appoint a resident to serve until the next municipal election occurring more than 60 days after the vacancy. This affects boroughs by ensuring vacancies are resolved promptly to maintain full council representation.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Data Center Fair Share Act, requires large data centers in Pennsylvania that consume significant amounts of electricity to negotiate binding agreements with local community organizations. These agreements must include specific, measurable benefits for the host community, such as job training or infrastructure support, and the bill also mandates that these facilities make financial contributions to help pay for local power grid upgrades. Additionally, the legislation creates a new fund to support low-income households with energy bills and directs state agencies to create temporary regulations within 120 days to enforce these new requirements on large energy users.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new automation fee of up to $10 for court clerks in Pennsylvania counties of the second class A and third through eighth class, including home rule counties of the same class. The fee applies to the initiation of any legal action or proceeding and must be deposited into a special fund designated solely for purchasing and maintaining automation technology in clerk of courts offices. The bill allows the fee amount to be increased no more than once every three years, with any increase capped at the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers over the preceding three years. The legislation takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Crane Operator Licensure Act to include well drilling under the same regulatory framework, creating a single State Board of Crane Operators and Well Drillers. It establishes new requirements for well driller licensure, including examinations, bonding, insurance, continuing education, and registration for drilling companies and rigs. The legislation also expands definitions to cover various types of wells and drilling activities, while maintaining existing provisions for crane operator certification and enforcement mechanisms.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Pennsylvania's Public Utility Commission to create a public online database tracking all utility rates and rate increase requests. The database must be searchable by company, utility type, year, or docket number and include data from the previous 20 years. The commission must update the database within 10 days of receiving a new rate increase request and make it available on its website. The bill allows the commission to hire a third party to manage the database and takes effect immediately upon passage.