Sen. Judy Ward

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 203) designates November 2025 as "Lung Cancer Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically recognizes ongoing improvements in lung cancer detection, treatment access, and survival rates within the state, as documented in the American Lung Association's 2025 report. The resolution encourages Pennsylvania residents to learn more about lung cancer detection and treatment options but does not create new laws or funding. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no binding effect on policy or resources.

Maddy summarySB 1096 amends Pennsylvania's vehicle laws to allocate supplemental state funding specifically for rural infrastructure projects, such as road and bridge repairs. This bill directly affects rural communities and local governments in Pennsylvania that maintain infrastructure in less populated areas. The key mechanism provides new state funds within the existing transportation budget framework, targeting improvements to aging rural roads and bridges. The bill does not change vehicle regulations but adds dedicated resources for infrastructure maintenance in rural regions.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's MCare Act to improve care for veterans by requiring medical professionals to address veteran-specific health conditions. It defines "veteran-related illness" to include conditions like PTSD, traumatic brain injury, military sexual trauma, and suicide linked to military service. Physicians must complete three hours of training on these illnesses for license renewal, and new license applicants must satisfy curricula covering veteran-related illnesses as part of initial licensure requirements. The changes apply directly to physicians seeking or maintaining medical licenses in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summarySB 1109 amends Pennsylvania's realty transfer tax rules to expand exemptions for certain government entities and conservancies. It adds new exemptions for transfers to or from conservancies (e.g., when a conservancy gives property to the state or a local government) and clarifies that specific agencies like the Pennsylvania Game Commission remain subject to the tax. The bill also removes conflicting existing regulations in the state code. This directly affects real estate transactions involving these entities, reducing tax liability for qualifying transfers.

Maddy summarySB 1098 amends Pennsylvania's eminent domain law to require government agencies taking property to provide property owners with a 30-day written notice before filing a declaration of taking. This notice must detail the proposed taking, project purpose, and owner rights - including reimbursement options for appraisal, legal, and engineering fees. The bill also adjusts compensation calculations by disregarding value reductions from conservation easements or agricultural designations and treats contiguous or unified-use properties as a single parcel for damage assessment. These changes directly affect property owners facing condemnation and aim to increase transparency in the eminent domain process.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania Senate resolution (SR 202) formally recognizes December 13, 2025, as "Wreaths Across America Day" within the state. It honors the Wreaths Across America project, which coordinates nationwide wreath-laying ceremonies at veterans' gravesites to "Remember, Honor and Teach." The resolution encourages all Pennsylvania residents to participate in this volunteer effort and reflect on veterans' service and sacrifices. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic observance.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 198), not a bill with policy changes. It celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), a voluntary program promoting responsible forest management. The resolution commends the Pennsylvania SFI Implementation Committee (PA SIC) for its 30 years of work training loggers, supporting sustainable forestry practices, and fostering collaboration among landowners, industry, and conservation groups across Pennsylvania. It has no binding effect or new requirements - it solely honors the SFI's contributions to forest stewardship.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 196) formally honors the life and service of Richard Roman, a public servant in the Commonwealth, and extends condolences to his family. It is a ceremonial gesture with no binding policy changes or direct impact on laws or regulations. The resolution was referred to the Rules & Executive Nominations committee on November 24, 2025, as part of standard legislative procedure for commemorative measures.

Maddy summarySB 520 amends Pennsylvania law to clarify who can legally record communications during enforcement duties, directly affecting waterways conservation officers, game enforcement officers, and parole agents. It expands definitions to allow these officers to use body cameras or recording devices after approved training, while removing public access requirements under the Right-to-Know Law for such recordings. Key provisions include defining "law enforcement officer" to include specific conservation and game officers, requiring training for device use, and repealing prior rules about public access to recordings. The bill also updates enforcement officer powers related to fish and game regulations. This enacted law (Act No. 53 of 2025) focuses on operational clarity for law enforcement recording practices.

Maddy summarySB 88 amends Pennsylvania's Insurance Company Law to require health insurance plans sold in the state to cover specific breast imaging services without cost-sharing for policyholders. It mandates annual mammograms for women 40+ and physician-recommended mammograms for women under 40, plus MRI and other breast imaging for those at average or higher risk of breast cancer due to factors like family history, genetic mutations, or dense breast tissue. The law specifies coverage for screening, supplemental, and diagnostic exams but does not require coverage for mastectomies or override standard deductibles/copays beyond the minimum required services. This replaces prior requirements that allowed cost-sharing and excluded MRI coverage.