Sen. Judy Ward

Maddy summaryThis bill creates two new criminal offenses in Pennsylvania to protect vulnerable individuals who rely on others for care. It establishes charges for the neglect and abuse of care-dependent persons, as well as a specific crime for institutional sexual assault committed by caretakers in facilities. Under the proposed changes, these acts would be classified as felonies of the second or third degree, depending on the severity of the harm or the nature of the conduct. The legislation aims to strengthen legal protections for people receiving services in care settings by defining these behaviors as serious crimes with defined penalties.

Maddy summarySB 1409 amends Pennsylvania's Insurance Company Law to establish specific rules for how health insurers handle mental health treatments. The bill creates new definitions for "behavioral health crisis" and "serious mental illness," which includes conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression. Under these new rules, insurers can only require patients to try one alternative drug before approving a prescribed medication for serious mental illnesses, and they cannot require prior authorization or step therapy for drugs used during a behavioral health crisis if those drugs are FDA-approved and evidence-based. These changes will apply to new insurance policies starting January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania law to criminalize the act of photographing, filming, or viewing intimate parts of another person without their knowledge and consent for sexual gratification. The legislation specifically includes images created using artificial intelligence and defines intimate parts to include genitals, pubic areas, buttocks, and female nipples. It also clarifies that the offense occurs in places where a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as changing rooms or private residences. The law applies to anyone who knowingly records or views these images, regardless of whether the person is wearing clothing. This measure takes effect 60 days after it is passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services to publish an annual report detailing its inspections, violations, and payments for child care facilities. It also mandates that any child care facility using fossil-fuel heating systems must install approved carbon monoxide alarms within eighteen months. Facilities that fail to meet these safety standards will not receive or renew their operating licenses, though provisional licenses may be issued under specific conditions. The report must be made available online and sent to relevant legislative committees, while the carbon monoxide requirement does not override existing construction codes.

Maddy summarySB 1334 amends Pennsylvania's Medical Practice Act to formally establish licensing requirements and definitions for various medical imaging and allied health professionals. The bill directly affects respiratory therapists, perfusionists, genetic counselors, prosthetists, orthotists, pedorthists, and new categories including medical imaging professionals, radiation therapists, and radiologist assistants. Key provisions introduce specific definitions for imaging modalities like computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging while repealing outdated rules regarding radiologic procedures. Additionally, the legislation sets forth general qualification standards and outlines the framework for issuing licenses and certificates to these newly recognized roles.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania Senate Resolution urges the U.S. Congress to review Major Richard D. Winters' actions during World War II and award him the Congressional Medal of Honor. The bill highlights his leadership at Heteren Crossroads in 1944, where he led a small force against a larger German unit, resulting in significant enemy casualties and the protection of allied headquarters. It also notes the upcoming 25th anniversary of the popular 'Band of Brothers' television series, which brought Winters' story to a wide audience. The resolution directs copies to federal lawmakers and Pennsylvania representatives to advocate for this recognition.

Maddy summarySB 1182 amends Pennsylvania's Board of Vehicles Act to update definitions and add new requirements for vehicle dealers, manufacturers, and distributors. It requires manufacturers/distributors to reimburse dealers for all parts and service costs mandated by them, includes audit provisions for these reimbursements, and establishes a process for manufacturers/distributors to repurchase dealer inventory or equipment. The bill also adds consumer data protection rules, defining "consumer data" to align with federal standards (15 U.S.C. § 6809) and limiting how third-party "authorized integrators" can access dealer data. These changes directly affect vehicle dealers (who sell new/used cars), manufacturers, and distributors, while protecting consumer data used in dealership operations.

Maddy summarySB 362 creates new criminal penalties for using counterfeit payment cards that mimic public assistance benefits (like food stamps or cash aid). It classifies offenses as second-degree felonies for $1,000+ in fraud (third-degree for less), requires offenders to pay full restitution, and permanently bans convicted individuals from receiving cash assistance. The bill directly affects people who commit fraud using fake cards tied to assistance programs and strengthens state enforcement against such fraud. Key provisions include clear penalty tiers based on the amount defrauded and a four-year statute of limitations for prosecution.

Maddy summarySB 9 requires public schools and colleges in Pennsylvania to explicitly label athletic teams as "male," "female," or "coed" based on students' sex assigned at birth. It prohibits male students from participating on teams designated for females, directly affecting student-athletes and school athletic programs. The bill creates legal causes of action allowing students to sue institutions for denying athletic opportunities or causing harm due to violations, and protects schools from penalties for maintaining sex-segregated teams. It also permits schools to sue entities that unfairly target them for enforcing these designations, with all claims needing to be filed within two years of the harm.

Maddy summarySB 1261 updates Pennsylvania laws to provide financial assistance to fire and emergency medical services (EMS) companies through a state loan program. The bill allows these organizations to apply for loans to purchase or modernize vehicles, facilities, and protective equipment, while also permitting refinancing of existing debt. Key provisions include setting specific loan limits, requiring applicants to contribute at least 20% of project costs, and mandating that protective gear be free of harmful chemicals. Additionally, the legislation repeals previous COVID-19 specific grant programs and establishes a requirement for annual reporting on the use of these funds.