Sen. Judy Ward

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 233) symbolically recognizes March 21, 2026, as "World Down Syndrome Day" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or affect any individuals or policies, as it is a ceremonial gesture acknowledging the day. The resolution cites statistics about Down syndrome and highlights contributions of people with Down syndrome to society, but contains no binding provisions or requirements. It serves solely to honor the occasion through official state recognition.

Maddy summarySB 1194 requires Pennsylvania health care facilities (like hospitals and clinics) to allow patients to receive autologous blood transfusions (using their own stored blood) or direct allogeneic blood transfusions (using blood donated specifically for them) before certain medical procedures. Patients must notify the facility at least 72 hours in advance and, for direct allogeneic transfusions, provide a list of eligible blood donors. The law aims to reduce reliance on standard donor blood, which carries risks like allergic reactions or infection transmission. It applies to all licensed health care facilities and takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis is a Senate Resolution (not a bill), recognizing March 8-14, 2026, as "Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically honors the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation's (AACVPR) National Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week, highlighting efforts to address pulmonary disease as a leading cause of death. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any individuals or programs; it is a formal acknowledgment by the Pennsylvania Senate. It specifically commends AACVPR's work on pulmonary health awareness and rehabilitation.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Fiscal Code to update rules for handling abandoned and unclaimed property. It directly affects individuals and businesses that help locate or recover such property for a fee (referred to as "finders"). Key changes require finder agreements with property owners to be in writing, disclose fees (capped at 10% of the property value), and include details about the property and the finder's registration. Additionally, it mandates new background checks and photo requirements for applicants seeking a "finder registration certificate," excluding those with recent convictions for theft, fraud, or related offenses. These provisions aim to increase transparency and prevent exploitation in the unclaimed property recovery process.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 231) designates February 20-22, 2026, as "THON Weekend" in Pennsylvania to honor student volunteers from Penn State's IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon. It recognizes their work supporting pediatric cancer research and care through the Four Diamonds Fund, which has raised over $254 million since 1977 to assist children with cancer and fund research. The resolution is ceremonial and does not create new laws or obligations.

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 resolution designates February 2026 as "Senior Independence Month" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or allocate funding but formally recognizes older adults' contributions and calls for community engagement to support their independence. The resolution urges Pennsylvanians to promote programs that foster connections and provide resources for seniors. As a symbolic measure, it affects all Pennsylvania residents by encouraging awareness and participation in senior-focused activities during February 2026.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 220) symbolically designates February 8-14, 2026, as "Cardiac Rehabilitation Week" in Pennsylvania. It recognizes the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation's National Cardiac Rehabilitation Week and highlights cardiac rehab's role in helping patients manage risk factors for heart disease, which causes 22% of deaths in the state. The resolution has no policy or funding changes - it is purely a commemorative designation honoring cardiac rehab professionals and efforts to combat heart disease.

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 summarySB 704, also known as the Grid Stabilization and Security Act, directs the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to identify economically viable sites for natural gas electric generation projects. These sites must be located near natural gas sources and existing electricity transmission infrastructure to benefit end-user consumers. The DCED is required to prepare a list of these suitable sites, submit it to the Department of Environmental Protection, and publish it on their website. Additionally, the bill mandates that DCED collaborate with the Department of Environmental Protection's Bureau of Air Quality to identify necessary air quality permits for each listed site.