Sen. Lynda Culver

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates July 4, 2026, as 'Knoebels Amusement Resort Day' throughout Pennsylvania to honor the park's 100th anniversary. The bill recognizes Knoebels, a family-owned amusement park in Elysburg, for its century of operation and its status as the largest free-admission park in the United States. It highlights the park's history, from its origins as a picnic destination to its current offerings of rides and attractions, while noting its resilience against past flooding challenges. The measure serves as a commemorative tribute rather than enacting new laws or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Pennsylvania courts in specific counties to charge an additional $10 automation fee when starting a legal case. The collected money must be used exclusively to fund and maintain automated systems within the clerk of courts offices. The fee can be raised once every three years, but only by an amount matching the recent inflation rate as measured by the Consumer Price Index. This change aims to provide dedicated funding for court technology updates while limiting how often and how much the fee can increase.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows prothonotaries in specific Pennsylvania counties to charge a new $10 automation fee for starting any legal case. The collected money must be placed in a special fund dedicated solely to updating and maintaining the prothonotary's office technology. The fee can be raised once every three years, but only by an amount matching the recent increase in the national Consumer Price Index. This change applies to second-class A counties, third through eighth-class counties, and home rule counties within those classes.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution congratulates Indiana University of Pennsylvania on its 150th anniversary, marking 150 years since the institution began as Indiana State Normal School in 1875. The document outlines the school's historical evolution from a teacher training program to a university and notes its current status as the only state-owned institution authorized to confer doctor of philosophy degrees. It also highlights the university's ongoing academic growth, including plans to establish a College of Osteopathic Medicine. The resolution expresses the Senate's best wishes for the university's continued success and directs a copy of the document to the university's Council of Trustees.

Maddy summarySB 375 repeals a requirement that schools provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training for staff every three years. Instead, it mandates that Pennsylvania schools obtain and maintain automated external defibrillators (AEDs) - heart rhythm shock devices - by requiring 2.5% of annual school safety funding to be used for purchasing AEDs and related training. The bill establishes an AED program requiring school staff to complete AED and CPR training through approved organizations like the American Heart Association, and it defines AEDs as portable devices that restore heart rhythm during cardiac arrest. This law directly affects all public and nonpublic schools in Pennsylvania, shifting focus from mandatory staff CPR training to AED availability and use.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates the week of May 10 through 19, 2026, as "Go Public Gardens Days" throughout Pennsylvania to encourage residents to visit public gardens. The measure directly affects botanical gardens, zoos, historical homes, parks, and other horticultural organizations across the state by formally recognizing their importance. By declaring this specific timeframe, the resolution aims to highlight the economic, educational, and recreational value of these community spaces without imposing new laws or regulations. It serves as a commemorative gesture to promote awareness of public gardens rather than creating concrete policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's vehicle inspection rules by exempting the newest model year vehicles from emission testing for five years and removing the gas cap test requirement for cars manufactured without one. While these newer cars are waived from emission checks, they must still undergo visual inspections to ensure emissions control parts have not been tampered with. Additionally, the legislation directs the state to stop spending money on the enhanced emission inspection program in several specific counties and to submit a revised plan to the federal government proving those areas can still meet air quality standards without it.

Maddy summaryPennsylvania's SB 822 strengthens state preemption over local firearm regulations. It declares that state law exclusively governs all aspects of firearms, ammunition, and related items - including purchase, sale, possession, and transportation - nullifying any conflicting local ordinances, resolutions, or rules. The bill also creates a legal pathway for individuals or organizations adversely affected by local gun rules to seek court relief, including recovery of attorney fees and other costs if they successfully challenge such rules. This directly affects municipalities (cities, towns, counties) and residents or businesses operating under local firearm regulations that conflict with state law. The bill does not change existing firearm laws but explicitly prevents local governments from enacting stricter rules.

Maddy summarySB 848 amends Pennsylvania's 1929 Administrative Code to update the composition of the State Planning Board. It adds two members appointed by the Senate President pro tempore (from different political parties) and two by the House Speaker (also from different parties), while expanding ex-officio membership to include eight cabinet secretaries and agency directors. The bill specifies four-year terms for Governor-appointed members and increases the board's required quorum from 13 to 14 members. These changes directly affect how the board is structured and who serves on it, without altering the board's policy responsibilities. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution officially designates the week of May 10 through 16, 2026, as "National Police Week" and May 4, 2026, as "Police Officers' Memorial Day" within Pennsylvania. The measure serves to formally recognize and honor law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty, specifically mentioning five officers who passed away in 2025. By adopting this resolution, the Pennsylvania Senate acknowledges the sacrifices made by police officers and aligns with a national observance that has been held annually since 1962.