Sen. Pat Stefano

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates the week of March 15 through 21, 2026, as "Sunshine Week" in Pennsylvania to promote awareness of open government principles. The resolution highlights the state's Sunshine Act and Right-to-Know Law, which ensure public access to government meetings and records. It encourages residents to learn about and support these laws that allow citizens to review government actions and request public documents. The measure is symbolic and does not create new legal requirements or change existing statutes.

Maddy summaryThis bill abolishes Pennsylvania's State Board of Higher Education and replaces it with a new Performance-based Funding Council to oversee public colleges and universities. The council will consist of representatives from state universities, community colleges, independent institutions, labor unions, businesses, and students, along with state officials from education and labor departments. Key provisions include shifting certain oversight duties to the State Board of Education and Council of Higher Education, while establishing new reporting requirements for public institutions of higher education. The legislation aims to restructure how Pennsylvania manages and funds its public higher education system through a new governance framework.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates March 2026 as Irish-American Heritage Month in Pennsylvania to honor the historical and cultural contributions of people of Irish descent. The measure formally recognizes the significant role Irish Americans have played in Pennsylvania, where nearly two million residents trace their ancestry to Ireland. It also expresses support for the Good Friday Agreement and promotes peace on the island of Ireland. The resolution does not change laws or policies but serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of heritage and ongoing international relations.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution formally recognizes February 28, 2026, as "Rare Disease Day" in Pennsylvania to raise awareness about rare diseases affecting approximately 1.2 million residents. The measure does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight the challenges faced by individuals with rare conditions, including limited treatment options and difficulty finding specialized care. By joining a global observance, the resolution aims to encourage public attention and support for patients and their families without altering existing policies or programs.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates the week of March 1 through 7, 2026, as "Invest in Veterans Week" in Pennsylvania to highlight the state's veteran-owned businesses. The measure aims to increase visibility for veteran entrepreneurs and encourage public support for their enterprises through awareness and promotion. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic recognition to foster community engagement with veteran-owned businesses. The resolution reflects existing state investment in veteran businesses and emphasizes the economic importance of these enterprises to Pennsylvania.

Maddy summarySB 1194 requires Pennsylvania health care facilities (like hospitals and clinics) to allow patients to receive autologous blood transfusions (using their own stored blood) or direct allogeneic blood transfusions (using blood donated specifically for them) before certain medical procedures. Patients must notify the facility at least 72 hours in advance and, for direct allogeneic transfusions, provide a list of eligible blood donors. The law aims to reduce reliance on standard donor blood, which carries risks like allergic reactions or infection transmission. It applies to all licensed health care facilities and takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summarySB 1192 requires Pennsylvania school districts to hold a public referendum for tax increases exceeding the annual index, beginning with the 2026-2027 fiscal year. It mandates that school boards submit specific tax increase proposals to voters at the election immediately preceding the new fiscal year, with approval requiring a majority vote. This directly affects school districts seeking to raise property or income taxes for public school funding, as well as voters in those districts who must approve such increases. The bill modifies existing referendum requirements under the Taxpayer Relief Act to ensure voter consent before certain tax hikes take effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Fiscal Code to update rules for handling abandoned and unclaimed property. It directly affects individuals and businesses that help locate or recover such property for a fee (referred to as "finders"). Key changes require finder agreements with property owners to be in writing, disclose fees (capped at 10% of the property value), and include details about the property and the finder's registration. Additionally, it mandates new background checks and photo requirements for applicants seeking a "finder registration certificate," excluding those with recent convictions for theft, fraud, or related offenses. These provisions aim to increase transparency and prevent exploitation in the unclaimed property recovery process.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 231) designates February 20-22, 2026, as "THON Weekend" in Pennsylvania to honor student volunteers from Penn State's IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon. It recognizes their work supporting pediatric cancer research and care through the Four Diamonds Fund, which has raised over $254 million since 1977 to assist children with cancer and fund research. The resolution is ceremonial and does not create new laws or obligations.

Maddy summarySB 1187 designates the bridge at Bridge Key 45346 on Pennsylvania Route 653 over Buffalo Creek in Garrett Borough, Somerset County, as the Corporal Harold L. Gray Memorial Bridge. The bill honors Corporal Harold L. Gray, a World War II veteran from Garrett who received multiple military awards for bravery, including the Silver Star and Purple Heart, and contributed to his community after the war. The Department of Transportation will install signs displaying the new name on both sides of the bridge. This commemorative measure does not create new policies or affect any group's rights or obligations.