Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill

Maddy summarySB 441 redirects revenue from table game taxes (like those paid by casinos) from the General Fund to the Property Tax Relief Fund. This change affects table game operators who pay the tax and Pennsylvania residents who benefit from the Property Tax Relief Fund. The bill amends Section 13A62(b)(3) of the state code to require this new deposit method. It also repeals a conflicting section of the Tax Reform Code of 1971 to implement the change, effective 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 41) formally recognizes March 2025 as "Irish-American Heritage Month" in Pennsylvania, aligning with the federal designation made by the U.S. President. It acknowledges the historical contributions of Irish Americans to Pennsylvania and the United States, including their roles in founding the nation, cultural impact, and service in government and the military. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no binding policy changes or direct effects on legislation or funding - it serves solely to honor Irish-American heritage. The resolution also expresses support for the Good Friday Agreement and peace in Ireland.

Maddy summarySB 415 creates new criminal penalties for ransomware attacks targeting Pennsylvania state government systems. It prohibits possessing, using, or threatening to use ransomware (defined as software blocking access or encrypting data for payment demands) with penalties ranging from misdemeanors to felonies based on the ransom amount ($10,000+ triggers felony charges). The law requires managed IT service providers to notify state agencies within one hour of detecting ransomware, and agencies to report attacks to police within two hours. These provisions aim to prevent, detect, and respond to cyberattacks on Commonwealth agencies while mandating public notification after incidents.

Maddy summarySB 413, the "Statutory Construction of Wage and Hour Laws Act," aligns Pennsylvania's Minimum Wage Act of 1968 with federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) updates to reduce confusion for employers and workers. It requires Pennsylvania wage laws to be interpreted consistently with federal FLSA provisions, including automatic adjustments to the tipped employee minimum cash wage ($2.83/hour) if federal rates increase. The bill ensures Pennsylvania employers following federal standards won’t accidentally violate state law due to outdated state regulations. It does not change existing laws like the 2008 healthcare overtime ban or override federal standards.

Maddy summarySB 373 establishes new statewide cybersecurity standards for Pennsylvania state agencies' information technology systems. It requires agencies to obtain "authorization to operate" for all IT systems using public funds, conduct annual security reviews, and perform risk assessments - including penetration testing - to identify vulnerabilities. The bill mandates biannual compliance checks of vendors and creates a Joint Cybersecurity Oversight Committee to monitor implementation. These requirements directly affect all state agencies and their IT vendors, focusing on proactive security management rather than reactive measures.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 29) formally recognizes January 2025 as "National Blood Donor Month" in Pennsylvania, aligning with a nationwide observance. It does not create new laws or obligations; it is a symbolic gesture by the Pennsylvania Senate to raise awareness about blood donation needs. The resolution highlights that January is a critical time for blood banks due to seasonal factors like holidays and weather, which increase demand while reducing donations. It directly affects no individuals or entities, serving only as a statement of support for blood donation efforts.

Maddy summarySB 38 amends Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to adopt the federal False Claims Act's framework, creating new provisions for holding entities accountable for submitting false claims to the state. It directly affects contractors, grantees, and healthcare providers receiving state funds who knowingly submit false information related to payments or property. Key mechanisms include triple damages for the Commonwealth, civil penalties, and "qui tam" lawsuits allowing private citizens to file claims on behalf of the state. The bill defines "false claims" broadly to cover any knowingly submitted false requests for money or property tied to state programs, with penalties applying to violations like concealing false information or failing to report errors.

Maddy summarySB 386 expands Pennsylvania's restrictions on foreign entities acquiring agricultural land, prohibiting entities from "countries of concern" (including China, Russia, Iran, and others) and foreign political parties from purchasing more than 100 acres of farmland, except through inheritance or as security for debt. It requires title companies to verify compliance, imposes $1,000 penalties for willful failures, and authorizes the Attorney General to investigate violations and seize illegally acquired land. Forfeited land must be sold at auction, with proceeds first covering sale costs and investigation expenses, then paying lienholders, and finally funding the state General Fund. The law defines "agricultural land" as land used for farming crops, livestock, or related products, excluding mineral rights or non-agricultural zoning.

Maddy summarySB 380, the China Divestiture Act, requires Pennsylvania's major retirement systems (State Employees', Public School Employees', and Municipal Retirement Systems) and the State Treasurer to sell all investments tied to China. It mandates phasing out direct holdings of Chinese government securities and scrutinized Chinese companies (including sanctioned entities) within 10 years (50% sold by year 3, 75% by year 5, 100% by year 10). The bill also prohibits new investments in such entities and requires annual reports on divestment progress to state officials. This policy directly affects Pennsylvania's $100+ billion public pension funds by restructuring their investment portfolios.

Maddy summarySB 332 amends Pennsylvania's Election Code to change the date of the general primary election in presidential election years. Currently, the primary is held on the third Tuesday of March in such years, but this bill would move it to the fourth Tuesday of April. This change applies to general primaries starting in 2028 and affects how voters select candidates for statewide offices and the presidency. The bill directly impacts election scheduling for voters, candidates, and officials by altering the timing of primary elections.