Maddy summaryPennsylvania's Senate introduced Resolution 225 condemning federal immigration officers' use of deadly force in incidents raising constitutional concerns, specifically referencing two fatal shootings in Minnesota (Renée Good on January 7, 2026, and Alex Pretti on January 24, 2026). The resolution demands impartial investigations into these incidents, calls for federal agencies to review and reform enforcement practices, and urges Congress to strengthen accountability measures. It affirms that constitutional rights apply to all people regardless of immigration status and emphasizes that public safety requires respect for civil liberties. The resolution serves as a formal statement from Pennsylvania's Senate to federal officials, not a binding law.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySenate Resolution 229 (2026) recognizes the observance of Ramadan for Pennsylvania's Muslim community during February 18-March 19, 2026. It formally acknowledges Ramadan as a month of reflection, prayer, and fasting (Sawm) central to the Islamic faith, without creating new laws or policies. The resolution is symbolic, intended to honor the religious practices of Pennsylvania's estimated 300,000 Muslim residents during this annual observance. It does not directly affect any individuals or impose obligations on government entities.
Maddy summarySB 1197 repeals a Pennsylvania law requiring life-sustaining treatment for pregnant patients who are incapacitated, even if they had a living will or health care directive opposing such treatment. It removes specific medical conditions that would allow withholding treatment (like not supporting fetal development) and eliminates the requirement that the state pay for such care. The bill adds optional language to living wills and health care powers of attorney, allowing individuals to specify pregnancy-related health care decisions if diagnosed as pregnant. This change affects pregnant patients unable to make their own health care decisions and their designated health care agents. The bill makes no new requirements but removes existing pregnancy-specific rules from advance care planning documents.
Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 1191) is a ceremonial resolution designating a specific section of Broad Street in Philadelphia (from Spring Garden Street to Callowhill Street) as "Dr. Constance E. Clayton Way." It does not create new laws or policies; it only renames a public road to honor Dr. Constance E. Clayton, a former Philadelphia school superintendent and educator. The bill includes findings about her life and career, but the actual change is limited to the street name. No individuals or entities are directly affected by this naming action beyond the standard administrative update to road signage.
Maddy summarySB 1196 requires Pennsylvania's Medicaid program and commercial health insurers to treat non-opioid pain medications equally to opioid medications. Specifically, it prohibits Medicaid from labeling non-opioid drugs as "nonpreferred" when opioids are preferred and bans insurers from imposing stricter coverage rules, higher costs, or more restrictive prior authorization for non-opioid drugs compared to opioids. The law applies to all FDA-approved pain medications once approved, ensuring patients have equal access to non-opioid options without facing worse insurance terms than opioid alternatives. It takes effect 60 days after enactment.
Maddy summarySB 1195 requires most health insurance plans in Pennsylvania to cover preventive services listed by the Insurance Department without cost-sharing (like copays or deductibles). It directly affects health insurers and enrollees (people with health insurance), excluding grandfathered plans (existing before 2010) and limited policies like dental-only or vision-only coverage. The bill establishes a "preventive services list" maintained by the Insurance Department, which can add or remove services after a public comment period. Insurers must cover all listed services without out-of-pocket costs for enrollees, with the department enforcing compliance and imposing penalties for violations.
Maddy summarySB 1159 would make it a minor criminal offense to organize, operate, or permit events where live pigeons are used as targets for shooting contests, such as events where pigeons are launched or presented to shooters from a fixed location. The law specifically targets these contests for amusement or skill in marksmanship, but excludes activities authorized under Pennsylvania's game laws (like hunting) or dog training programs. It also does not apply to events with special permits under existing regulations. The bill would take effect 60 days after enactment.
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 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 summaryThis resolution (SR 224) formally recognizes February 2026 as "Black History Month" in Pennsylvania. It is a symbolic gesture by the Pennsylvania Senate, not a law with direct effects on residents or policy changes. The resolution acknowledges the historical contributions of African Americans and aligns with the national observance established by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). It does not create new programs, alter regulations, or impact any specific groups beyond encouraging residents to learn about Black history.