Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill

Maddy summarySB 1137 allows individuals denied a firearm transaction due to their criminal, juvenile, or mental health records to challenge the accuracy of those records. The bill requires the Pennsylvania State Police to accept written challenges within 30 days of denial and permits the person to request subpoenas for documents supporting the denial. This process provides a formal mechanism for correcting potential errors in the records used during background checks. The bill directly affects anyone denied a firearm based on these records in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania Senate resolution (SR 206) designates the week of January 18-25, 2026, as "Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Holiday Week" in the state. It is a commemorative resolution with no binding requirements, urging Pennsylvanians to reflect on Dr. King's legacy and commitment to equality during that week. The resolution does not create new laws or affect specific groups, as it solely serves to honor Dr. King's historical contributions.

Maddy summarySB 734 designates a specific location for a commemorative bell monument at the Pennsylvania State Capitol to mark the 250th anniversary of the U.S. founding, highlighting Pennsylvania's historical role. The bill requires the Department of General Services to prepare the site and take ownership of the monument after the America250PA Commission disbands, ensuring its long-term maintenance. This procedural bill does not create new policies or affect residents directly, but formally authorizes the monument's placement on Capitol grounds.

Maddy summarySB 686 amends Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law to make it a felony to intentionally alter, destroy, conceal, or remove public records after someone has requested them under the law. It directly affects government employees who handle public records, targeting actions like hiding documents during active requests or with fraudulent intent. Previously, such tampering was a misdemeanor, but this bill upgrades penalties to a third-degree felony when records are involved in an ongoing request or appeal. The law aims to ensure the accuracy and accessibility of public records during official inquiries.

Maddy summarySB 1098 amends Pennsylvania's eminent domain law to require government agencies taking property to provide property owners with a 30-day written notice before filing a declaration of taking. This notice must detail the proposed taking, project purpose, and owner rights - including reimbursement options for appraisal, legal, and engineering fees. The bill also adjusts compensation calculations by disregarding value reductions from conservation easements or agricultural designations and treats contiguous or unified-use properties as a single parcel for damage assessment. These changes directly affect property owners facing condemnation and aim to increase transparency in the eminent domain process.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania Senate resolution (SR 202) formally recognizes December 13, 2025, as "Wreaths Across America Day" within the state. It honors the Wreaths Across America project, which coordinates nationwide wreath-laying ceremonies at veterans' gravesites to "Remember, Honor and Teach." The resolution encourages all Pennsylvania residents to participate in this volunteer effort and reflect on veterans' service and sacrifices. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic observance.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 196) formally honors the life and service of Richard Roman, a public servant in the Commonwealth, and extends condolences to his family. It is a ceremonial gesture with no binding policy changes or direct impact on laws or regulations. The resolution was referred to the Rules & Executive Nominations committee on November 24, 2025, as part of standard legislative procedure for commemorative measures.

Maddy summarySB 88 amends Pennsylvania's Insurance Company Law to require health insurance plans sold in the state to cover specific breast imaging services without cost-sharing for policyholders. It mandates annual mammograms for women 40+ and physician-recommended mammograms for women under 40, plus MRI and other breast imaging for those at average or higher risk of breast cancer due to factors like family history, genetic mutations, or dense breast tissue. The law specifies coverage for screening, supplemental, and diagnostic exams but does not require coverage for mastectomies or override standard deductibles/copays beyond the minimum required services. This replaces prior requirements that allowed cost-sharing and excluded MRI coverage.

Maddy summarySB 1097 amends Pennsylvania's holiday statutes to include provisions for "family recognition" within special observances. This procedural bill would update Title 38 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes regarding holiday and observance designations. The bill specifically aims to formally recognize families within the context of state-observed days, though the exact mechanisms for this recognition are not detailed in the provided context. It is currently in the referral stage with no further actions recorded.

Maddy summarySB 1050 modifies Pennsylvania's child protective services laws by clarifying who must report suspected child abuse and expanding exemptions from the definition of child abuse. It directly affects child welfare professionals, healthcare providers, and educators who currently have mandatory reporting duties. The bill adds specific categories of actions or circumstances that are excluded from being classified as child abuse, reducing the scope of mandatory reporting requirements. This change aims to streamline reporting obligations while maintaining protections for children.