Sen. Sharif Street

Maddy summarySB 447 requires health insurance policies in Pennsylvania to cover annual prostate cancer screenings with no out-of-pocket costs for men aged 40+ who are high-risk. High-risk status includes genetic factors, family history of prostate cancer (a first-degree relative diagnosed), or physician determination of medical need. The law mandates coverage for screenings like PSA tests and digital rectal exams, applying to policies filed or renewed 180 days after the law takes effect. It directly affects insured men meeting these criteria and insurance companies offering health coverage in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summarySB 711, titled "An Act providing for Public Transportation Trust Fund transfers and increases," aims to modify the funding and allocation mechanisms for public transportation in Pennsylvania. The bill mandates that 6.15% of the revenue collected under Article II of the Tax Reform Code of 1971 be deposited into the Public Transportation Trust Fund monthly. It also allows the total financial assistance provided to local transportation organizations to exceed the current 20% limit of the prior year's allocation. Furthermore, the Secretary of Transportation gains the authority to adjust the annual increase in the local match requirement for these organizations for five fiscal years, starting in fiscal year 2025-2026.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 503 establishes the Pennsylvania Climate Emissions Reduction Program (PACER), a state-run "cap-and-invest" system to regulate carbon dioxide emissions from the power sector. Under PACER, the Department of Environmental Protection will conduct auctions where electricity generators and other eligible parties must purchase CO2 allowances. The program's revenue is intended to fund specific accounts for consumer protection, energy transformation, workforce enhancement, and low-income support. The Department is also mandated to review the program's emissions budget, considering its impacts on jobs, consumers, and the environment. This program aims to replace Pennsylvania's participation in any other multi-state carbon auction for the electric generation sector.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Public Utilities law regarding energy efficiency and conservation programs for electric distribution companies. It requires the Public Utility Commission to adopt an updated program, mandating these companies to implement plans focused on energy efficiency, conservation, and increasing consumer resilience to extreme weather events. The bill modifies requirements for targeted energy reduction efforts, including those for government entities, non-profits, and low-income households, ensuring proportionate benefits and allowing for alternative compliance mechanisms. It establishes ongoing requirements for these plans, removing previous fixed deadlines, and outlines cost recovery mechanisms for approved measures.

Maddy summarySB 501 renames the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act to the Pennsylvania Reliable Energy Sustainability Standards Act. The bill revises definitions for various energy sources, expanding what qualifies as "alternative" or "sustainable" energy to include "advanced reactors." It introduces new "zero emissions credits" and updates the portfolio requirements that electric distribution and supply companies must meet. Additionally, it provides for force majeure events, health and safety standards, and interagency responsibilities related to energy generation.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 504, known as the Community Energy Act, establishes a program for community energy facilities in Pennsylvania. This bill allows electric customers, including homeowners, renters, and businesses, to subscribe to a portion of a local solar or renewable natural gas facility. Subscribers would receive credits on their monthly electric bills for the energy generated, aiming to provide guaranteed savings. The bill outlines duties for the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission and electric distribution companies, and includes prevailing wage and labor requirements for the construction and operation of these facilities.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 502 establishes the Reliable Energy Siting and Electric Transition Board within Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection. This new board directly affects companies proposing to build or expand large electric generators (25 megawatts or more) or significant energy storage facilities (10 megawatts or more). Its primary purpose is to create a statewide process for selecting and approving sites for these large-scale energy projects. The Board, composed of state officials and industry representatives, is authorized to issue "certificates of reliable energy supply" to streamline construction while considering human health, safety, and environmental impacts. However, these certificates cannot be granted for facilities planned on land zoned residential since January 1, 2024, or if the project previously sought local government approval.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 106 is a commemorative resolution that honors the 2025 Philadelphia Eagles for winning Super Bowl LIX and recognizes them as one of the greatest football teams to represent the Commonwealth. This resolution was introduced and adopted on May 7, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 709, known as the Health Care Workplace Violence Prevention Act, mandates that all health facilities in Pennsylvania establish violence prevention committees. These committees, comprised of both management and non-managerial employees, are responsible for conducting risk assessments, developing written workplace violence prevention programs, and providing employee training. The bill also requires employees to report incidents of workplace violence and prohibits retaliation against those who report. The Department of Labor and Industry is granted powers and duties related to these requirements, and the bill imposes fines for non-compliance.

Maddy summarySB 651 is a joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution to establish "Workers' rights." This amendment would grant employees the fundamental right to organize and collectively bargain through representatives of their choice regarding wages, hours, working conditions, and workplace safety. It specifies that no law can diminish these rights, including those that prohibit agreements requiring union membership as a condition of employment. If passed by the General Assembly twice, this proposed amendment would then be put before Pennsylvania voters for approval.