Sen. Sharif Street

Maddy summarySB 1027 amends Pennsylvania laws to strengthen protections against hate-based crimes and intimidation. It specifically expands the criminal offense of "ethnic intimidation" under Title 18, clarifies civil rights violations related to hate-based acts under Title 42, and defines key terms for municipal employees under Title 53. The bill requires municipal officers to complete annual training on recognizing and addressing hate-based intimidation. This directly affects victims of hate crimes, law enforcement, and local government employees who interact with the public. The changes aim to improve legal responses to bias-motivated offenses without altering existing penalties.

Maddy summarySB 1026 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to update the Safe2Say Program, which allows students and staff to report safety concerns anonymously in K-12 schools. It also requires colleges and universities to establish written policies addressing sexual harassment and sexual violence, along with an online reporting system for incidents. The bill includes updated definitions for key terms to ensure consistent application across both school levels. These changes directly affect public school students, staff, and postsecondary institutions nationwide.

Maddy summarySB 1024 amends Pennsylvania law to specifically address ethnic intimidation as a criminal offense under assault statutes (Title 18) and strengthens protections against civil rights violations (Title 42). The bill directly affects individuals who experience or are accused of committing acts of intimidation based on race, ethnicity, or national origin. Key provisions include defining ethnic intimidation as a distinct assault offense and prohibiting actions that violate civil rights protections in public accommodations or services. This legislation updates criminal penalties and civil recourse for targeted discrimination under existing state law.

Maddy summarySB 1029 would create a publicly accessible database of organizations identified as hate groups in Pennsylvania, requiring the Attorney General to establish and maintain this resource. The bill mandates the Attorney General to identify and list groups engaging in hate-based activities, with regular updates to the database. This database would provide transparent information to the public about such groups, including their activities and affiliations. The bill directly affects the Attorney General's office, which would assume new administrative duties, and the public, which would gain access to this information.

Maddy summarySB 1028 amends the Commonwealth Attorneys Act of 1980 to further define the Pennsylvania Attorney General's responsibilities in providing legal advice, handling civil matters, and conducting criminal prosecutions. The bill directly affects the Office of Attorney General and the state's legal processes in these areas. Specific changes to the law are not detailed in the provided context, but the amendment aims to clarify or expand existing provisions. The bill was referred to the Judiciary committee on October 3, 2025, for further review.

Maddy summarySB 1035 (Ryan's Law) would amend Pennsylvania's Medical Marijuana Act to allow terminally ill patients to use medical marijuana in healthcare facilities under specific conditions. The bill requires facilities to permit use (without smoking/vaping), document it in patient records, and store marijuana in locked containers for safety, while exempting emergency departments. It directly affects terminally ill patients (with a one-year life expectancy prognosis) and healthcare facilities licensed under the Health Care Facilities Act. Key provisions include mandatory facility guidelines for use and allowing suspension of compliance if federal agencies prohibit medical marijuana programs. The bill does not require facilities to recommend marijuana or include it in discharge plans.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates September 2025 as "National Recovery Month" in Pennsylvania through a symbolic recognition. It has no legal effect and serves to honor recovery efforts (such as substance use disorder treatment and mental health support) during that month. The resolution was referred to the Rules & Executive Nominations committee on October 3, 2025. It does not impose new requirements or change existing laws.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 165) designates October 15, 2025, as "Global Dignity Day" within Pennsylvania. It is a ceremonial recognition with no binding legal requirements or direct impact on specific individuals or groups. The bill serves solely to honor the concept of global dignity through a formal state acknowledgment on that date. As a resolution, it does not create new policies, alter existing laws, or affect government programs.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week of November 2-8, 2025, as "Election Official and Election Worker Appreciation Week" in Pennsylvania. It formally recognizes election officials and workers for their service during elections. The resolution has no binding effect or policy changes; it is a symbolic gesture to honor these individuals. It does not impose new requirements or affect any specific groups beyond this ceremonial acknowledgment.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 163) honors civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer on the 108th anniversary of her birth. It recognizes her work specifically focused on advancing civil rights for minorities, women, and low-income families. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but formally acknowledges her contributions through a legislative gesture. The bill was referred to the Rules & Executive Nominations committee on October 3, 2025.