Sen. Pat Stefano

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution honors Pennsylvania service members participating in Operation Epic Fury and expresses the state's support for their efforts. It recognizes the courage and sacrifice of soldiers, airmen, marines, sailors, and guardians while acknowledging the historical context of threats from Iran. The measure does not change laws or allocate funds but instead formally commends these troops and their families for their dedication to national security. A copy of the resolution will be sent to the Secretary of War and Pennsylvania's members of Congress.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 1296 requires commercial drivers in Pennsylvania to demonstrate English proficiency by being able to converse with the public, understand traffic signs, respond to officials, and complete reports. Drivers who fail to meet this standard face a $500 fine and a one-year disqualification for a first offense, with penalties increasing for repeat violations. The bill also imposes fines on employers and contractors if their drivers are convicted of violating the English proficiency requirement.

Maddy summarySB 980 bans the manufacture, sale, and use of class B firefighting foam containing intentionally added PFAS chemicals after July 1, 2026 (for manufacturers/sellers) and January 1, 2027 (for users), with limited exceptions for federal requirements and exempt facilities like airports. It requires manufacturers of firefighting protective gear to label products containing PFAS and provide online information about PFAS content. The bill establishes civil penalties for violations (up to $5,000 for first offenses, $10,000 for repeat offenses) and creates new grant funding for fire companies to dispose of PFAS foam and purchase PFAS-free alternatives, with penalty revenue directed to these programs.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 287 is a commemorative measure that honors the life and service of Katherine 'Katie' True, a former Pennsylvania state representative from Lancaster County who passed away in October 2025. The resolution formally notes her death and extends condolences to her family while acknowledging her extensive career in public service, which included eight terms in the House and roles as Commissioner of Professional and Occupational Affairs and Secretary of Legislative Affairs. It also recognizes her legislative achievements and advocacy work on issues such as independent living, human trafficking, and domestic abuse before transmitting a copy of the resolution to the True family.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution honors the Curtis Institute of Music on its 100th anniversary. It recognizes the school's century-long impact on Philadelphia and the global music community, highlighting its history of providing free, high-quality education to talented students since 1928. The resolution formally acknowledges the institute's contributions to the arts and celebrates its legacy of producing world-renowned musicians.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits smoking in any vehicle transporting a child under 12 years old in Pennsylvania. It defines smoking as using any lighted device, such as a cigarette or pipe, and establishes a $100 fine for a first violation, increasing to $250 for repeat offenses. The law requires that a person be convicted of another traffic violation occurring at the same time to be penalized for smoking around a child. These rules will take effect 90 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific bridge in Mount Carmel Borough as the "Veterans Viaduct" to honor the service and sacrifices of military veterans. The legislation requires the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to install and maintain official signs displaying this new name on the bridge. By officially renaming the structure, the bill aims to create a lasting symbol of gratitude for veterans who have served the nation. The change takes effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates the week of April 26 through May 2, 2026, as "Conservation District Week" throughout Pennsylvania to raise awareness about local conservation efforts. The measure directly affects Pennsylvania's conservation districts, which are volunteer-led local government units responsible for managing natural resources like soil and water on private and public lands. By officially naming this specific week, the bill aims to highlight the work these districts perform in partnering with landowners, businesses, and other agencies to protect the environment. This action is a commemorative gesture that does not alter existing laws or create new funding, but rather serves to recognize the role of conservation districts in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania law to clarify and adjust the fees health care providers can charge when releasing medical records via subpoena. It establishes specific rates for searching, retrieving, and copying records, including a cap of $200 for electronic copies, while allowing annual adjustments based on inflation. The legislation applies to health care facilities and their designated agents who must comply with legal requests for patient charts. By setting these standardized costs, the bill aims to ensure transparency and limit unauthorized additional charges for record retrieval.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally recognizes May 2026 as "National Mammography Month" in Pennsylvania. The bill does not change laws or allocate funding; it serves as a symbolic gesture to raise awareness about breast cancer screening. The text highlights statistics on mammogram access and the importance of early detection, then encourages Pennsylvania residents, especially those in high-risk groups, to schedule appointments for screening.