Sen. Lynda Culver

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 17-23, 2025, as "THON Week" in Pennsylvania to honor Penn State student volunteers involved in the IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon. It recognizes their work supporting pediatric cancer research and patient care through the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital. The resolution does not create new laws or alter funding; it is a ceremonial acknowledgment of the event's mission and impact. THON, a student-run philanthropy, has raised over $236 million since 1977 for childhood cancer support.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 28) urges Pennsylvania's Governor to offer the Pennsylvania National Guard's services to Texas for Operation Lone Star, a border security effort. It directly affects Pennsylvania's National Guard and Texas' border operations, requesting deployment to assist with border security. The resolution cites Pennsylvania's interest in addressing border-related impacts like fentanyl trafficking and costs ($1.6 billion burden to taxpayers), and references the Guard's past experience in border operations. As a resolution, it does not mandate deployment but formally requests the Governor to volunteer the Guard's support and transmits the request to federal and Texas officials.

Maddy summarySB 355 prohibits using computer programs to buy tickets for resale or circumvent online ticket sales limits, targeting scalpers who use bots. It directly affects ticket resellers using automated tools and protects venues, artists, and ticket platforms (defined as "operators" or "rights holders") from financial harm. The law allows these affected parties to sue violators for $500 per ticket sold illegally, plus legal fees. Key provisions ban automated ticket purchasing, bypassing sales restrictions, and disabling security systems on ticket sites. The bill amends Pennsylvania's consumer protection law to address deceptive ticket resale practices.

Maddy summarySB 354 changes how Pennsylvania charter schools receive state funding for special education students, effective the 2025-2026 school year. It replaces a previous formula with a new system that provides additional funding based on three cost categories: Category 1 (1.51x base funding), Category 2 (3.77x), and Category 3 (7.46x), determined by the actual cost of services documented by the charter school. Charter schools must submit cost documentation to the state and school districts, and must return overpayments if costs are lower than received. This directly affects charter schools serving special education students and the school districts that fund them. The bill also clarifies which state education laws apply to charter schools.

Maddy summarySB 314 requires Pennsylvania's Department of Health to report the death of any registered voter aged 18 or older to local election commissions within seven days of learning of the death. Election commissions must then cancel that voter's registration and update their records. The law aims to improve the accuracy of voter rolls by ensuring deceased individuals are removed promptly. It takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summarySB 304 creates a new "Military Education Scholarship Account" program under Pennsylvania's Public School Code, designed to provide financial support for education expenses for children of active-duty military members (including National Guard and reserve members on active duty) or children of service members killed in action. Parents of eligible school-age children can apply for a state-controlled account holding funds that may be used for approved education costs at private schools, colleges, or approved tutoring programs. The program prohibits use of these funds alongside other state scholarship programs like the Educational Improvement Tax Credit. If a child moves out of state or the agreement ends, remaining funds revert to the child's local school district.

Maddy summarySB 261 requires individuals applying for Pennsylvania's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps) who live with children under 18 and have an absent parent to cooperate with child support services to establish paternity and support orders. This applies to both identified parents and "putative" parents (those presumed to be parents). The bill specifies that inability to comply with these requirements - determined by child support services or a court - cannot make someone ineligible for SNAP benefits. The law amends Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to align with federal SNAP regulations regarding child support coordination.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 9-15, 2025, as "Cardiac Rehabilitation Week" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically recognizes cardiac rehabilitation efforts and the work of professionals in preventing and treating heart disease, which is a leading cause of death in the state. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but formally acknowledges the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation's role in promoting heart health awareness.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 2025 as "Career and Technical Education Month" in Pennsylvania. It formally recognizes the importance of career and technical education programs for students and the workforce, without creating new laws or altering existing policies. The resolution aims to raise public awareness about these programs, which serve over 68,000 students statewide and connect them to in-demand careers.

Maddy summarySB 249, nicknamed "Tara's Law," amends Pennsylvania's Crime Victims Act to require state and local law enforcement agencies to make a reasonable effort to contact surviving family members of murder victims or intervenors (those who helped during a crime) before publicly releasing the victim's identity. The bill creates an exception allowing immediate public release if needed for an ongoing murder investigation. This change directly affects law enforcement agencies' protocols when handling sensitive victim information. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.