Sen. Pat Stefano

Maddy summarySB 185 permits non-commercial vehicles under 14,000 pounds gross weight to install decorative rear lighting strips (e.g., ornamental lamp bars) that match the color and illumination of the vehicle's stop lamps. These additions must be horizontally mounted, no longer than 60 inches, non-battery-powered, and cannot feature flashing lights (except when paired with turn signals). The law explicitly excludes commercial motor carriers and vehicles with factory-installed lighting matching the described standards.

Maddy summarySB 715 extends the expiration date of Pennsylvania's Rare Disease Advisory Council from June 30, 2025, to June 30, 2028. This procedural bill directly affects the council, which advises state departments on rare disease issues, and the departments it collaborates with (Health, Insurance, Human Services, Education). The key provision simply changes the expiration date in the 2017 law without altering the council's structure or duties. This extension provides continued operation of the council for an additional three years.

Maddy summarySB 10 establishes the Pennsylvania Award for Student Success Scholarship Program (PASS), providing financial assistance to low-income students attending nonpublic schools. It directly affects eligible students in Pennsylvania who live in households below 250% of the federal poverty level, attend or reside within the attendance boundary of a low-achieving public school, and have not earned a high school diploma. The program, administered by the State Treasury starting in the 2026-2027 school year, covers tuition, school-related fees, and special education services at participating nonpublic schools. School districts must notify parents of eligible students about the program within 15 days of a school being designated "low-achieving."

Maddy summarySB 315 amends Pennsylvania's 1949 education code to update school funding, safety, and instructional requirements. It establishes new school safety grants, updates teacher certification standards, and strengthens truancy prevention measures for all public and charter schools. The bill adds funding for career and technical education equipment, expands mental health support through school safety programs, and modifies higher education scholarship rules. As Act No. 47 of 2025, it became law on November 12, 2025, affecting students, teachers, school districts, and higher education institutions statewide.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates October 28, 2025, as "Propane Legislative Day" in Pennsylvania. It recognizes propane as a fuel source and highlights the industry's role in helping residents meet their energy needs. The resolution does not create new laws or regulations but serves as a symbolic acknowledgment by the state legislature. It directly affects Pennsylvania residents and the propane industry by designating a day for public awareness. The resolution was referred to the Rules & Executive Nominations committee on November 11, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates November 7, 2025, as "Victims of Communism Memorial Day" within Pennsylvania. It is a symbolic gesture recognizing individuals affected by communist regimes, primarily impacting Pennsylvania state observances. The resolution does not create new laws or alter existing policies; it simply formally designates a specific date for commemoration. As a procedural resolution, it requires approval by the Pennsylvania General Assembly to take effect.

Maddy summarySB 246 requires Pennsylvania public, nonpublic, and private schools to notify parents/guardians and staff within 24 hours about specific incidents, including weapon possession on school property (violating state law or school policies), repeated bullying, harassment, serious injury, or intentional property damage exceeding $1,000. It applies to all schools covered under the Public School Code, including charter and cyber charter schools. The law specifies notification methods must be effective, limits notifications to relevant school buildings or campuses when incidents occur there, and preserves existing requirements to report to law enforcement. This bill does not change school safety policies but mandates timely communication about certain safety incidents to affected families and staff.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates October 24, 2025, as "Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Day" in Pennsylvania. It is a symbolic recognition by the state legislature, not a policy with legal effect, and does not create new requirements or impact any specific group. The resolution serves to honor the practice and profession of acupuncture and herbal medicine within the state.

Maddy summarySB 1084 creates a new child adoption tax credit under Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code of 1971, allowing adoptive parents to reduce their state income tax payments. The bill amends the existing tax code to establish this credit and clarify definitions for tax credit administration. This change directly affects adoptive families in Pennsylvania by providing a financial benefit to offset adoption costs. The credit is a concrete policy change that modifies how state tax liabilities are calculated for eligible taxpayers.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates November 2025 as "Good Samaritan Law Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It aims to raise public awareness about Good Samaritan laws, which protect individuals who assist others in emergency situations. The resolution does not create new legal requirements or directly affect specific groups - it is a symbolic designation to promote understanding of existing protections. The bill was referred to the Rules & Executive Nominations committee on November 5, 2025.