Sen. Judy Ward

Maddy summarySenate Bill 705 amends the Pennsylvania Election Code regarding applications for official mail-in ballots. The bill specifies that only the Department of State or a county board of election may send an application for an official mail-in ballot to a qualified elector. It also removes the existing provisions for a permanent mail-in voting list, meaning voters can no longer opt to automatically receive mail-in ballot applications for all elections. These changes directly affect registered voters who use mail-in ballots and the process by which they receive applications.

Maddy summarySR 97 is a resolution that formally recognizes the week of May 11 through 17, 2025, as "National Police Week" and designates May 5, 2025, as "Police Officers' Memorial Day" in Pennsylvania. This resolution honors the memory of police officers who have died in the line of duty within the Commonwealth.

Maddy summarySR 95 is a resolution that officially recognizes the month of May 2025 as "Older Americans Month" in Pennsylvania. This action acknowledges the contributions of older adults and encourages a positive view of aging within the Commonwealth.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 670 amends the Housing Authorities Law to establish new procedures for public housing applicants with criminal records and expands requirements for landlords in the Housing Choice Voucher Program. It creates Public Housing Safety Committees, comprising the Authority's Executive Director, District Attorney, and President Judge, to review applicants with certain criminal offenses on a case-by-case basis, evaluating potential threats to resident safety. The bill also broadens requirements for all Housing Authorities (previously limited to first-class cities) to ensure compliance with federal criminal activity rules for tenants and to deny Housing Choice Voucher Program approval to landlords with delinquent property taxes. Additionally, it requires law enforcement agencies to provide background checks to landlords in the Housing Choice Voucher Program upon request.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Crimes and Offenses code to establish new criminal offenses related to critical infrastructure facilities. It creates penalties for individuals who trespass without permission on these properties, with more severe consequences for those who intend to damage or disrupt operations. The legislation also makes willful damage or tampering with equipment at these facilities a felony. Additionally, it allows owners of critical infrastructure facilities to pursue civil lawsuits against individuals arrested or convicted of these offenses for damages incurred. "Critical infrastructure facilities" are broadly defined to include essential services such as power plants, water treatment facilities, and natural gas pipelines, provided they are secured or clearly marked.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 91 designates May 2025 as "Lyme Disease and Tick-Borne Illness Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. This resolution aims to increase public awareness among Pennsylvania residents about the prevention, causes, effects, and treatment options for Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.

Maddy summarySB 694 amends Pennsylvania law concerning fees for licenses to carry firearms. The bill establishes a waiver for these fees for certain applicants. Specifically, it waives the fees for individuals who are currently serving in the U.S. armed forces or who are honorably discharged veterans.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 690 amends the Pennsylvania Election Code to introduce new security requirements for ballots used in elections. The bill mandates that vendors supplying ballot paper to election officials must meet specific ISO certifications. It details numerous antifraud measures for ballots, including unique watermarks, secure holographic foils, custom security background designs, and various types of security inks. Additionally, ballots would feature a serialized QR code for voter information and ballot tracking, and voters would receive a perforated paper receipt containing ballot identification numbers. These changes are set to apply to elections held on or after January 1, 2027.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 93 designates May 2025 as "Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. This resolution aims to promote awareness among all road users about safely sharing the road with motorcyclists and to encourage motorcycle safety practices.

Maddy summarySB 693 amends the Mental Health Procedures Act to establish a "duty to warn" for qualified mental health professionals. This bill requires professionals to notify a potential victim and law enforcement when a patient communicates a specific and immediate threat of serious bodily injury against an identifiable person. If the potential victim attends a school or institution of higher education, the professional must also submit a report through the Safe2Say Program. Professionals acting in good faith in discharging this duty are protected from civil or criminal liability.