Sen. Judy Ward

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 741 creates a new criminal offense in Pennsylvania for the unauthorized use of electronic tracking devices. It makes it illegal to install or place an electronic tracking device on another person or their property without their consent to track their location or movement. The bill includes exceptions for situations like parents tracking their minor children, legal guardians tracking incapacitated persons, and law enforcement in official duties or with court orders. Businesses are also exempt when tracking fleet vehicles or if they have obtained informed consent, and penalties range from a second-degree to a first-degree misdemeanor.

Maddy summarySB 736 amends the Conservation and Natural Resources Act, primarily focusing on fees and charges for State parks. The bill mandates that the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) provide a 15% discount on all State park fees, admissions, and charges for active duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces, veterans, and their immediate family members. It also clarifies that DCNR cannot impose new general parking or admission fees unless they existed prior to 1995, while allowing for fees on specific services or facilities. All fees collected from State parks must be used for the acquisition, maintenance, operation, or administration of the State park system.

Maddy summarySB 226 amends Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law by changing the definition of "State-affiliated entity." Specifically, it removes the Pennsylvania School Boards Association and the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association from this definition. This means these two organizations would no longer be classified as "State-affiliated entities" under the law, which could affect public access to their records. The bill directly impacts these organizations and individuals seeking information from them under the Right-to-Know Law.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 102 amends Pennsylvania's Oil and Gas law regarding the distribution of fees collected from unconventional natural gas wells. The bill prohibits the state commission from distributing these fees to municipalities that maintain zoning or other ordinances that unreasonably limit or prohibit future development of unconventional natural gas wells. An ordinance is presumed unreasonable if it conflicts with or exceeds existing state development standards for such wells. If litigation challenges a municipality's ordinance on these grounds, its fee revenue will be placed into a restricted account until the legal dispute concludes.

Maddy summarySB 732 amends Pennsylvania's Medical Marijuana Act, updating provisions related to medical marijuana use in the workplace for certified patients, employers, and job applicants. The bill introduces specific definitions for "impaired," "under the influence," and "safety-sensitive positions" to clarify employment standards. It removes some prior blanket prohibitions on patients performing certain duties while under the influence and instead focuses on defined impairment and drug testing. Employers are permitted to require drug tests for safety-sensitive roles and make employment decisions based on test results or refusal to test.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 108 designates May 13, 2025, as "Cancer Action Day" in Pennsylvania. This resolution honors all Pennsylvanians impacted by cancer and those who work to fight the disease, acknowledging efforts by organizations such as the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network.

Maddy summarySR 107 is a commemorative resolution that congratulates The Pennsylvania State University wrestling team on winning its 13th National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Championship. It also extends congratulations to Pennsylvania residents and student athletes from Pennsylvania universities who competed and placed in the championship.

Maddy summarySB 306 amends the Pennsylvania Election Code to revise how ballot questions are explained to voters. It requires the Attorney General to prepare a plain English statement for statewide ballot questions or constitutional amendments, outlining their purpose, limitations, and effects. The Secretary of the Commonwealth must then publish this statement, post it on the Department of State's website with details about its publication, and certify it to county election boards. County boards are responsible for publishing the statement in election notices and posting copies in voting rooms to inform the public.

Maddy summarySR 70 is a resolution by the Senate to honor the life of Officer Andrew William Duarte, who died in the line of duty, and to extend condolences to his family.