Sen. Judy Ward

Maddy summarySB 1020 modifies Pennsylvania's hunting and trapping license fee structure to expand resident license exemptions. It directly affects Pennsylvania residents who hunt or trap, particularly those who may qualify for reduced or waived fees under updated criteria. The bill changes specific provisions in Title 34 of the state statutes to clarify eligibility for these exemptions, making it easier for qualifying residents to obtain licenses without paying standard fees. The bill passed final passage on November 18, 2025, and was referred to the Game & Fisheries committee for further consideration.

Maddy summarySB 995 amends Pennsylvania's Local Option Small Games of Chance Act to update prize limits for small gambling games, directly affecting local operators of games like bingo or raffles. The bill increases the maximum prize value allowed per game, changing the current cap set by the 1988 law. This adjustment aims to modernize regulations for small-scale gaming activities while maintaining local control over such events. The bill is currently under review in the Community, Economic & Recreational Development committee.

Maddy summarySB 1050 modifies Pennsylvania's child protective services laws by clarifying who must report suspected child abuse and expanding exemptions from the definition of child abuse. It directly affects child welfare professionals, healthcare providers, and educators who currently have mandatory reporting duties. The bill adds specific categories of actions or circumstances that are excluded from being classified as child abuse, reducing the scope of mandatory reporting requirements. This change aims to streamline reporting obligations while maintaining protections for children.

Maddy summarySB 533 creates a fee exemption for veterans and active military members participating in approved hunting events. It allows the Pennsylvania Game Commission to issue "Military Event License Exemption Permits" for events on private land (with landowner approval) that provide rehabilitation or enjoyment for eligible individuals. Eligible participants include veterans with 30%+ service-connected disabilities, Purple Heart recipients, and one designated assistant per participant. Events are limited to 10 people for no more than seven consecutive days, require 14-day advance applications, and still require adherence to all hunting regulations like seasons and bag limits. The bill takes effect 60 days after passage.

Maddy summarySB 715 extends the expiration date of Pennsylvania's Rare Disease Advisory Council from June 30, 2025, to June 30, 2028. This procedural bill directly affects the council, which advises state departments on rare disease issues, and the departments it collaborates with (Health, Insurance, Human Services, Education). The key provision simply changes the expiration date in the 2017 law without altering the council's structure or duties. This extension provides continued operation of the council for an additional three years.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates November 2025 as "Care at Home Month" in Pennsylvania to recognize and promote home care services supporting seniors and individuals with disabilities. It is a symbolic designation without legal force or funding provisions, aiming to raise public awareness about home-based care options. The resolution does not create new laws, alter existing policies, or directly affect specific groups through enforceable requirements. It serves as a ceremonial observance to highlight the importance of community-based care services.

Maddy summarySB 10 establishes the Pennsylvania Award for Student Success Scholarship Program (PASS), providing financial assistance to low-income students attending nonpublic schools. It directly affects eligible students in Pennsylvania who live in households below 250% of the federal poverty level, attend or reside within the attendance boundary of a low-achieving public school, and have not earned a high school diploma. The program, administered by the State Treasury starting in the 2026-2027 school year, covers tuition, school-related fees, and special education services at participating nonpublic schools. School districts must notify parents of eligible students about the program within 15 days of a school being designated "low-achieving."

Maddy summarySB 731 amends the existing Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly (PACE) program to add a new "Needs Enhancement Tier" for determining eligibility. This tier would allow more elderly residents to qualify for prescription drug assistance based on specific financial or health needs. The bill changes how eligibility is assessed under the program, making it easier for seniors with higher needs to access medication support. The bill recently passed final passage on November 12, 2025, and is now referred to Rules & Executive Nominations.

Maddy summarySB 1082 designates January 11 as "Human Trafficking Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania each year. The bill requires the state government to annually recognize this day to promote public awareness about human trafficking. It does not create new programs, funding, or legal obligations; it solely establishes an official observance date. This designation directly affects Pennsylvania state agencies and public awareness efforts.

Maddy summaryThis resolution symbolically recognizes November 14, 2025, as "World Diabetes Day" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or policies; it is a ceremonial designation for the state to acknowledge the global observance of World Diabetes Day. The resolution directly affects Pennsylvania's official calendar for that date, encouraging state entities to participate in related observances. It has no direct impact on individuals, healthcare, or funding.