Sen. Lynda Culver

Maddy summarySB 979 would prevent property tax increases for minor home improvements (20% or less of a property’s current assessed value) on primary residences under specific conditions. The bill prohibits assessors from raising taxes if the home has been the owner’s primary residence for at least five years from the improvement date and this is the first time such minor improvements have been made during ownership. It also explicitly excludes normal repairs and painting from triggering tax reassessments. This bill directly affects homeowners in Pennsylvania making small renovations to their primary homes.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Professional Psychologists Practice Act to update definitions and expand the powers of the State Board of Psychology. It primarily affects licensed psychologists by clarifying what constitutes the practice of psychology and establishing new categories for those who hold prescription certificates. Key provisions include defining collaborative relationships between prescribing psychologists and primary care providers, setting standards for prescribing controlled substances, and outlining procedures for license suspension or revocation. The legislation also clarifies definitions for terms like "prescription certificate" and "controlled substance" to ensure consistent regulatory oversight.

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 formally recognizes March 2026 as "National Nutrition Month" throughout Pennsylvania. The bill does not create new laws or change government programs but serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of an existing national health awareness campaign led by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. It encourages all Pennsylvanians to participate in nutrition education efforts and focus on healthy eating habits during the month. The resolution is non-binding and does not allocate funding or mandate specific actions by state agencies.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates March 11, 2026, as "Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day" in Pennsylvania to honor the work of licensed nutrition professionals. The bill recognizes registered dietitian nutritionists as food and nutrition experts who require accredited degrees, internships, and national examinations to practice. It also praises the Pennsylvania Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and its approximately 3,127 members for promoting healthy eating and well-being across the state. This resolution is symbolic and does not create new laws or funding, serving instead to acknowledge the contributions of these healthcare professionals.

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 Senate Resolution designates March 12, 2026, as "Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, Registered Day" throughout Pennsylvania to honor the contributions of these healthcare professionals. The bill recognizes the specialized training and education of registered nutrition and dietetics technicians, who work in settings like hospitals, schools, and community health programs. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to raise awareness about the role these technicians play in promoting nutrition and health. The resolution encourages Pennsylvanians to acknowledge and appreciate the work of these professionals in their communities.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates October 13, 2026, as Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day in Pennsylvania to raise visibility for a specific stage of breast cancer. The measure does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to honor patients and families affected by the disease. It highlights the need for increased research and equitable care access while aligning with national awareness efforts that use teal, green, and pink ribbon colors. The resolution is non-binding and focuses on public recognition rather than implementing policy changes.

Maddy summarySB 782 allows Pennsylvania state retirees (annuitants) to work part-time as certified instructors in specific roles - such as police training, emergency medical services, or fire instruction - without losing their retirement annuity. The bill clarifies that service in these positions does not count toward additional retirement benefits, contributions, or creditable service under the state retirement system. This directly affects retirees employed in these approved educational roles at state institutions, schools, or agencies like the Pennsylvania State Fire Academy.

Maddy summarySB 802 creates a voluntary "communication impairment designation" for Pennsylvania drivers with conditions affecting communication (e.g., autism, aphasia). Drivers submit a medical professional's sworn statement, confirm voluntary disclosure, and provide emergency contact info to add a visible "i" symbol to their license. Law enforcement can access the designation and emergency contacts during traffic stops via secure networks, but specific medical details remain private and are not public records. The designation can be added, updated, or removed without fees (except standard license renewal costs), with penalties for fraudulent applications or misuse to avoid lawful orders.