Sen. Lynda Culver

Maddy summarySB 1202 prohibits payment card networks (like Visa or Mastercard) from including sales tax amounts in credit or debit card processing fees. It specifically bans networks from charging fees based on the total transaction amount (including tax) and prevents them from circumventing this rule by increasing other fees. The bill also stops networks from charging merchants or consumers for disputed transactions until resolved, and prohibits penalties for merchants pricing items legally under state or federal law. This directly affects merchants who accept card payments and payment networks, requiring them to calculate fees without tax amounts. Violations would trigger penalties as outlined in the bill's enforcement section.

Maddy summaryThis is a Senate Resolution (not a bill), recognizing March 8-14, 2026, as "Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically honors the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation's (AACVPR) National Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week, highlighting efforts to address pulmonary disease as a leading cause of death. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any individuals or programs; it is a formal acknowledgment by the Pennsylvania Senate. It specifically commends AACVPR's work on pulmonary health awareness and rehabilitation.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Fiscal Code to update rules for handling abandoned and unclaimed property. It directly affects individuals and businesses that help locate or recover such property for a fee (referred to as "finders"). Key changes require finder agreements with property owners to be in writing, disclose fees (capped at 10% of the property value), and include details about the property and the finder's registration. Additionally, it mandates new background checks and photo requirements for applicants seeking a "finder registration certificate," excluding those with recent convictions for theft, fraud, or related offenses. These provisions aim to increase transparency and prevent exploitation in the unclaimed property recovery process.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 227) designates May 7, 2026, as "The Day of Prayer and Fasting" in Pennsylvania. It is a ceremonial resolution calling for voluntary prayer, fasting, and reflection on that date, without creating new laws or obligations. The resolution references Pennsylvania's historical emphasis on religious liberty and draws parallels to other states observing similar days, but it has no legal effect on citizens or government operations.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 226) formally recognizes February 15, 2026, as "International Childhood Cancer Day" in Pennsylvania. It expresses the Senate's support for raising awareness about pediatric cancer, honoring children affected by the disease, and acknowledging efforts to improve treatments and research. The resolution has no binding effect or policy changes - it is a symbolic gesture to encourage public awareness and support for families and advocates. It does not directly affect any individuals or allocate funding.

Maddy summarySB 327 amends Pennsylvania law to establish specific certification requirements for police officers employed at Fort Indiantown Gap. It directly affects installation police officers at Fort Indiantown Gap who must meet three key conditions: complete basic training, fulfill required in-service training hours, and either hold active certification or have lapsed certification within the last two years with continuous service at the installation. The bill creates a clear pathway for these officers to maintain their certification under the state commission's standards. The law takes effect 60 days after passage, as specified in Section 2 of the bill.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 220) symbolically designates February 8-14, 2026, as "Cardiac Rehabilitation Week" in Pennsylvania. It recognizes the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation's National Cardiac Rehabilitation Week and highlights cardiac rehab's role in helping patients manage risk factors for heart disease, which causes 22% of deaths in the state. The resolution has no policy or funding changes - it is purely a commemorative designation honoring cardiac rehab professionals and efforts to combat heart disease.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates February 2026 as "Career and Technical Education Month" in Pennsylvania. It aims to raise public awareness of career and technical education (CTE) programs, which currently serve over 75,000 students across nearly 90 CTE centers and 140 high schools statewide. The resolution highlights how these programs prepare students for in-demand careers with family-sustaining wages while meeting national skill standards. As a symbolic observance, it does not create new laws or policies but recognizes the existing CTE infrastructure and its role in workforce development.

Maddy summarySB 704, also known as the Grid Stabilization and Security Act, directs the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to identify economically viable sites for natural gas electric generation projects. These sites must be located near natural gas sources and existing electricity transmission infrastructure to benefit end-user consumers. The DCED is required to prepare a list of these suitable sites, submit it to the Department of Environmental Protection, and publish it on their website. Additionally, the bill mandates that DCED collaborate with the Department of Environmental Protection's Bureau of Air Quality to identify necessary air quality permits for each listed site.

Maddy summarySB 431 amends Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law (2008) to clarify definitions of public records and update procedures for agencies denying requests. It directly affects Pennsylvania residents seeking public records and government agencies handling those requests. Key provisions include defining specific record types more clearly and establishing new, acceptable reasons for agencies to deny requests, such as protecting privacy or ongoing investigations. The bill aims to make the process more transparent and consistent for both citizens and government entities.