Maddy summarySB 962 eliminates school district property taxes for residential and commercial properties in Pennsylvania, effective for school districts starting in 2030. It replaces these taxes with two new revenue sources: a 2% increase in county-level sales and use taxes (on items like clothing and candy, previously exempt) and a local income tax of up to 1.88% on resident taxpayers' earned income and retirement benefits (excluding Social Security). The bill establishes two funds: the School District Property Tax Elimination Fund (to distribute sales tax revenue to school districts) and the School District Emergency Fund (for financial stability). It also requires landlords to reduce rents for tenants by the equivalent amount of eliminated property taxes. The legislation aims to shift school funding away from property taxes while maintaining school district budgets, affecting homeowners, businesses, and residents subject to the new income tax.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 937 requires Pennsylvania's Department of Community and Economic Development to publicly post a monthly log of hospitality provided using funds from the Sports, Marketing and Tourism Account. The log must include the recipient's name, address, employer, event details, description, and estimated value of the hospitality. This applies to Commonwealth officials, employees, and their guests who receive hospitality for tourism-related purposes. The bill directly affects how state tourism funds are spent, mandating transparency about hospitality expenses to the public.
Maddy summarySB 947 amends Pennsylvania's 1987 law designating a specific area at the Harrisburg State Capitol as "Soldiers' Grove" to honor veterans. It prohibits all festivals, celebrations, or gatherings in this area except for events specifically for veterans, their families, first responders, or their families. Government entities cannot issue permits for such events, and violations carry a penalty of up to $2,500 or one year in jail. The bill focuses on protecting the memorial site's solemn character, not creating new programs or funding.
Maddy summarySB 932 amends Pennsylvania's Second Class Township Code to clarify procedures for filling vacancies on township boards of supervisors. It requires boards to fill vacancies within 30 days, or the vacancy board (composed of supervisors plus one appointed registered elector) must act within 15 days. If the vacancy board fails to fill the position, the chairperson or remaining members must petition the court of common pleas. The bill also specifies that if a majority of board seats become vacant, the court can fill vacancies upon petition by remaining supervisors or 15 registered electors. These changes apply directly to second-class townships across Pennsylvania.
Maddy summarySB 518 requires hunters to report wildlife kills (except raccoons) to a wildlife officer within 24 hours and surrender the entire carcass (except raccoons) to an officer or approved processor. It also makes refusing to answer questions about kills or carcass disposal unlawful, and mandates reporting when killing wildlife to protect oneself. The law directly affects hunters, landowners (including farmers under Pennsylvania’s Right-to-Farm Law), and wildlife officers. Key provisions include standardized reporting methods (phone, online) and clearer rules for carcass handling and investigations.
Maddy summarySB 892 amends Pennsylvania's Cosmetology Law to create clear definitions for specific beauty services and establish licensing exemptions. It defines "blow-dry styling," "braiding," "eyelash extension," "makeup application," and "threading" as distinct from traditional cosmetology, explicitly excluding activities like hair coloring or cutting. The bill exempts individuals offering only these defined services from cosmetology licensing requirements, and facilities providing exclusively these services are exempt from salon licensing. However, these exempt providers cannot combine these services with licensed cosmetology work in the same setting. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.
Maddy summarySB 891 amends Pennsylvania's Professional Nursing Law to streamline the licensing process for nursing applicants. It requires the Board of Nursing to immediately admit eligible applicants who have completed an approved nursing program and provided verification, removing administrative delays. The bill specifically abrogates two existing regulations (49 Pa. Code §§ 21.21 and 21.23) that conflicted with this new requirement. This change directly affects nursing applicants and the Board of Nursing, ensuring timely exam access for qualified candidates. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.
Maddy summarySB 894 creates a formal process for businesses to register workers as independent contractors under Pennsylvania's Workers' Compensation Act. To register, a business must obtain a worker's signed waiver and affidavit confirming they are not an employee, agree to forgo workers' compensation benefits, and understand they cannot access the Uninsured Employers Fund if injured. If registered, the business is not liable for benefits or required to provide insurance coverage for that worker, and the worker loses eligibility for those benefits. Registration is valid annually unless the worker revokes it by filing a request with the department, which takes effect 10 days after submission.
Maddy summarySB 893 amends Pennsylvania's Construction Workplace Misclassification Act to clarify that construction workers registered under the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (2008) are considered independent contractors by default. This change directly affects construction workers and contractors in disputes over misclassification, shifting the burden of proof in such cases. The key provision states that current registration under the Home Improvement Act serves as strong evidence that a worker is an independent contractor, not an employee. This simplifies verification for employers and the Department of Labor but does not alter worker rights or create new registration requirements.
Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 129) honors the late Pennsylvania State Representative Matthew R. Gergely and expresses condolences to his family following his death. It formally recognizes his life, career in McKeesport (including roles as City Administrator and Chief Revenue Officer), and service as a state representative for the 35th district. The resolution, adopted on June 23, 2025, directs the Senate to convey these condolences to his wife, children, and other surviving family members. It does not create any new policy or affect any laws.