Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study the financial impact on Pennsylvania of paying for health insurance benefits required by state law but not covered under federal standards. The study will list all health mandates adopted since 2011, analyze their compliance with federal rules, calculate potential costs to the state, and assess their effect on insurance markets. The Insurance Department is required to provide necessary data to the committee, which must submit its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly within one year. This action is a response to a federal proposal that could require states to cover the cost of certain health benefits beyond those already mandated by national law.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to establish stricter rules for when individuals can switch managed care health plans. It requires people who qualify for public assistance to stay in their current plan for at least twelve months unless they meet specific criteria to change. The law allows switching without a reason during a short window after first joining a plan, once a year during a designated enrollment period, or at any time for documented "good cause" such as moving, religious objections, or poor quality of care. To approve a switch based on quality issues, the department must review objective evidence like medical records or official complaints rather than relying on general dissatisfaction. The state must also follow federal regulations when implementing these changes and provide a process for appealing denied requests.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Municipalities Planning Code to require developers to prove adequate water supply before approving new subdivisions or land developments. Specifically, it mandates that applicants provide evidence showing water will be supplied by a certified public utility, a cooperative association of lot owners, or a municipal entity, rather than relying solely on private wells. The legislation applies to all municipalities and planning agencies handling land development applications and must be submitted prior to final approval. This change ensures that new communities have access to reliable, regulated water sources as part of the standard development review process.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Clean Streams Law to allow construction sites disturbing between one and five acres to request a waiver from certain stormwater discharge permit requirements. Under the new provision, if a construction site meets specific federal criteria for a waiver, the state environmental department must grant it. The change applies to construction projects that would otherwise need a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit for stormwater runoff. The bill takes effect 60 days after passage.
Maddy summaryPennsylvania Senate Bill 1330 amends the state's Chiropractic Practice Act to update regulations for chiropractors and expand the scope of their certified services. The bill introduces new certifications allowing practitioners to perform dry needling, treat animals, and manage concussions for student athletes. It also replaces the old examination requirements with a new system for continuing education, adds rules for using artificial intelligence in adjustments, and clarifies definitions for various chiropractic procedures. These changes aim to modernize the legal framework governing the profession while maintaining oversight through the State Board of Chiropractic.
Maddy summarySenate Resolution 323 formally congratulates The Pennsylvania State University wrestling team on winning its 14th NCAA Division I Championship and honors Pennsylvania athletes who placed in both the men's and inaugural women's wrestling championships. The resolution highlights the team's historic dominance by citing specific records, such as setting a new tournament scoring record and producing multiple All-American wrestlers under head coach Cael Sanderson. It also recognizes individual achievements, including awards won by wrestlers like Mitchell Mesenbrink and the strong performance of Pennsylvania-native athletes across the tournament.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates June 1, 2026, as "PIAA Wrestling Day of Champions" to honor the sport's growth and significance in Pennsylvania. The measure highlights the increasing participation in wrestling, particularly among female athletes, and celebrates the state's rich history in the discipline. It serves as a commemorative gesture rather than enacting new laws or funding.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to clarify rules for student transportation and liability insurance, primarily affecting school districts and charter schools. It allows districts to provide free transportation for students attending nonpublic schools and field trips, extending the ten-mile limit for area career and technical schools. The legislation also specifies that students in kindergarten through eighth grade cannot be transported via common carriers and establishes insurance requirements for private vehicles used in school transport. Additionally, it mandates that charter schools within ten miles of a student's residence receive the same free transportation as public schools, with specific distance exceptions for elementary and secondary students.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's school employee retirement system by clarifying which organizations are eligible to participate. It specifically prohibits certain school employees and any new hires at non-governmental entities from joining the retirement plan, while allowing current participants at those entities to remain enrolled until they leave their jobs. To manage the exit of ineligible organizations, the bill replaces standard withdrawal liability with a one-time administrative fee capped at 5% of the potential liability, which funds the administrative costs of removing these entities from the system.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution officially designates the week of May 10 through 16, 2026, as "National Police Week" and May 4, 2026, as "Police Officers' Memorial Day" within Pennsylvania. The measure serves to formally recognize and honor law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty, specifically mentioning five officers who passed away in 2025. By adopting this resolution, the Pennsylvania Senate acknowledges the sacrifices made by police officers and aligns with a national observance that has been held annually since 1962.