Sen. Tim Kearney

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Prothonotary Fee Law to allow prothonotaries in specific county classes to charge a new automation fee of up to $10 for initiating legal actions. The collected fees must be deposited into a special county fund dedicated solely to funding automation and ongoing technology updates for the prothonotary's office. The fee amount can be increased no more than once every three years, with any increase capped by the percentage change in the national Consumer Price Index. The legislation takes effect 60 days after passage.

Maddy summarySB 804 amends Pennsylvania's health and safety laws to ban the intentional addition of DEHP and certain ortho-phthalates (like BBP, DBP, DINP) in medical devices. It specifically targets intravenous (IV) solution containers (like IV bags) and IV tubing used in hospitals and healthcare facilities. The bill prohibits manufacturers from adding these chemicals to medical devices if they serve a functional purpose, requiring notice of such additions. This affects device manufacturers and healthcare facilities purchasing these products, directly changing manufacturing standards for common medical equipment.

Maddy summarySB 614 amends Pennsylvania's Fiscal Code to establish a state-funded initiative supporting workforce development for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), which are community health centers serving rural and underserved areas. The bill directly affects FQHCs by providing funding to recruit and retain primary care staff, addressing documented shortages in these facilities. Key provisions include creating a dedicated funding stream within the state budget specifically for FQHC workforce expansion, with appropriations to cover hiring and training costs. This policy change aims to strengthen primary care access in communities with limited healthcare resources through targeted financial support.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill establishes a statewide paid parental leave program requiring employers to provide eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of paid leave for the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child within the first year. Eligible employees must have worked for their employer for at least 12 months and completed 1,250 hours of service in the previous year, and they will receive their full pre-leave pay rate during the leave period. The Department of Labor and Industry will administer the program, enforce compliance through complaints and penalties, and maintain a Paid Parental Leave Account to fund the initiative. Additionally, the bill creates a Small Business Grant Program to assist smaller employers with the costs of providing paid parental leave, and requires employers to notify employees about their rights and post information about the program in the workplace.

Maddy summarySB 124 (Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code amendment) allows Pennsylvania taxpayers to deduct up to $10,000 in unreimbursed expenses related to donating a human organ (such as liver, kidney, or bone marrow) for transplantation. The deduction covers travel, lodging, lost wages, and medical costs incurred during the donation, but only for the tax year the transplant occurred and only once per lifetime. It does not apply to tax years before 2025 and cannot reduce taxable income below zero. This provision directly affects individuals who donate organs and seek tax relief for associated costs.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates March 20, 2026, as Eid al-Fitr Day in Pennsylvania to recognize the end of the Islamic month of Ramadan. The measure is sponsored by multiple state senators and serves as a formal acknowledgment of the religious observance rather than establishing a state holiday or altering government operations. The resolution includes background information on Eid al-Fitr, explaining its significance to the Muslim community and the traditions associated with the celebration.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates the week of February 23 through March 1, 2026, as "Eating Disorders Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania. The measure aims to increase public awareness about eating disorders by encouraging education, resource sharing, and early intervention efforts across the state. It does not change laws or allocate funding but serves as a symbolic designation to highlight the seriousness of these conditions and promote community engagement. The resolution applies broadly to residents, healthcare providers, educators, and organizations throughout Pennsylvania during the designated week.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's vehicle laws to clarify definitions of speed-measuring technology, including LIDAR, RADAR, and other electronic devices, while establishing new rules for when local law enforcement can use these tools to enforce speed limits. It requires that convictions based on speed measurements from these devices only apply when the recorded speed is at least 10 miles per hour over the limit, or 6 miles per hour over if the limit exceeds 55 mph, with stricter rules applying in school zones and work zones. The legislation also mandates that local police departments must adopt ordinances authorizing RADAR use, that officers complete approved training before using these devices, and that they operate from clearly marked vehicles visible to the public. Additionally, the bill restricts the use of speed-measuring devices to time vehicles within 500 feet of certain speed limit signs, except in designated zones like school areas and work zones.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Landlord and Tenant Act to regulate residential rental application fees and background check policies. It limits application fees to the lesser of the actual cost of a background check or $50, allowing landlords to charge only for criminal history and credit checks. The legislation also requires landlords to make individualized assessments when considering criminal history, evaluating factors like the nature of the offense and time elapsed since conviction. These rules apply only to residential properties and cannot be waived by applicants through contracts.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's corporate net income tax law to update how taxable income is calculated for corporations, particularly those operating across state lines. It clarifies definitions for taxable income and adjusts rules for dividend deductions, restricting additional deductions for dividends between companies in the same unitary group after December 31, 2026. The legislation also introduces stricter limits on deductions for intangible and interest expenses related to transactions with affiliated entities, while providing tax credits to offset taxes paid by related companies in other jurisdictions. Additionally, the bill updates provisions for underpayment of estimated taxes and establishes requirements for consolidated tax reporting.