Sen. Pat Stefano

Maddy summarySB 1098 amends Pennsylvania's eminent domain law to require government agencies taking property to provide property owners with a 30-day written notice before filing a declaration of taking. This notice must detail the proposed taking, project purpose, and owner rights - including reimbursement options for appraisal, legal, and engineering fees. The bill also adjusts compensation calculations by disregarding value reductions from conservation easements or agricultural designations and treats contiguous or unified-use properties as a single parcel for damage assessment. These changes directly affect property owners facing condemnation and aim to increase transparency in the eminent domain process.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 198), not a bill with policy changes. It celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), a voluntary program promoting responsible forest management. The resolution commends the Pennsylvania SFI Implementation Committee (PA SIC) for its 30 years of work training loggers, supporting sustainable forestry practices, and fostering collaboration among landowners, industry, and conservation groups across Pennsylvania. It has no binding effect or new requirements - it solely honors the SFI's contributions to forest stewardship.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates December 2, 2025, as "World Nuclear Energy Day" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically recognizes the historical significance of nuclear energy milestones, including the first controlled nuclear chain reaction (1942) and the first commercial nuclear power plant (1957). The resolution highlights Pennsylvania's role as a top nuclear energy producer (30% of state electricity, 15,900 jobs, $2 billion economic contribution) but does not create new laws or policies. It is a ceremonial gesture with no regulatory or financial impact.

Maddy summarySB 1099 amends Pennsylvania's vehicle code to clarify that drivers must obey traffic directions given by authorized personnel, such as police officers or flaggers. It specifically adds rules for organized motorcycle processions, requiring riders to follow designated safety protocols while traveling in groups. The bill also updates the "following too closely" rule to emphasize maintaining a safe distance between vehicles, reducing tailgating risks. These changes directly affect all drivers operating vehicles on Pennsylvania roads, particularly those participating in motorcycle events.

Maddy summarySB 520 amends Pennsylvania law to clarify who can legally record communications during enforcement duties, directly affecting waterways conservation officers, game enforcement officers, and parole agents. It expands definitions to allow these officers to use body cameras or recording devices after approved training, while removing public access requirements under the Right-to-Know Law for such recordings. Key provisions include defining "law enforcement officer" to include specific conservation and game officers, requiring training for device use, and repealing prior rules about public access to recordings. The bill also updates enforcement officer powers related to fish and game regulations. This enacted law (Act No. 53 of 2025) focuses on operational clarity for law enforcement recording practices.

Maddy summarySB 88 amends Pennsylvania's Insurance Company Law to require health insurance plans sold in the state to cover specific breast imaging services without cost-sharing for policyholders. It mandates annual mammograms for women 40+ and physician-recommended mammograms for women under 40, plus MRI and other breast imaging for those at average or higher risk of breast cancer due to factors like family history, genetic mutations, or dense breast tissue. The law specifies coverage for screening, supplemental, and diagnostic exams but does not require coverage for mastectomies or override standard deductibles/copays beyond the minimum required services. This replaces prior requirements that allowed cost-sharing and excluded MRI coverage.

Maddy summarySB 1020 modifies Pennsylvania's hunting and trapping license fee structure to expand resident license exemptions. It directly affects Pennsylvania residents who hunt or trap, particularly those who may qualify for reduced or waived fees under updated criteria. The bill changes specific provisions in Title 34 of the state statutes to clarify eligibility for these exemptions, making it easier for qualifying residents to obtain licenses without paying standard fees. The bill passed final passage on November 18, 2025, and was referred to the Game & Fisheries committee for further consideration.

Maddy summarySB 995 amends Pennsylvania's Local Option Small Games of Chance Act to update prize limits for small gambling games, directly affecting local operators of games like bingo or raffles. The bill increases the maximum prize value allowed per game, changing the current cap set by the 1988 law. This adjustment aims to modernize regulations for small-scale gaming activities while maintaining local control over such events. The bill is currently under review in the Community, Economic & Recreational Development committee.

Maddy summarySB 1050 modifies Pennsylvania's child protective services laws by clarifying who must report suspected child abuse and expanding exemptions from the definition of child abuse. It directly affects child welfare professionals, healthcare providers, and educators who currently have mandatory reporting duties. The bill adds specific categories of actions or circumstances that are excluded from being classified as child abuse, reducing the scope of mandatory reporting requirements. This change aims to streamline reporting obligations while maintaining protections for children.

Maddy summarySB 533 creates a fee exemption for veterans and active military members participating in approved hunting events. It allows the Pennsylvania Game Commission to issue "Military Event License Exemption Permits" for events on private land (with landowner approval) that provide rehabilitation or enjoyment for eligible individuals. Eligible participants include veterans with 30%+ service-connected disabilities, Purple Heart recipients, and one designated assistant per participant. Events are limited to 10 people for no more than seven consecutive days, require 14-day advance applications, and still require adherence to all hunting regulations like seasons and bag limits. The bill takes effect 60 days after passage.