Maddy summarySR 70 is a resolution by the Senate to honor the life of Officer Andrew William Duarte, who died in the line of duty, and to extend condolences to his family.
Maddy summarySB 534 amends Pennsylvania's Military Affairs statutes to increase the monthly pension amounts for specific groups of veterans. This bill raises the pension for eligible blind veterans from $150 to $180 per month. Similarly, it increases the monthly pension for eligible amputee and paralyzed veterans from $150 to $180. The Adjutant General is responsible for determining the eligibility of applicants for these benefits.
Maddy summarySenate Bill 706 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code of 1949, specifically addressing limitations on educational tax credits. The bill mandates that the department administering these credits must ensure they are approved equitably for contributions from business firms headquartered in each specified region of the Commonwealth. This includes regions like the northcentral, northeast, and southeast. Additionally, any approved tax credits for firms in one region that go unclaimed must be promptly reallocated to business firms in other regions of Pennsylvania.
Maddy summarySR 102 is a procedural resolution that recognizes the week of May 5 through 11, 2025, as "Lung Cancer Action Week" in Pennsylvania. It encourages residents to learn more about lung cancer detection and treatment.
Maddy summarySB 727 aims to expand fixed broadband internet services to areas of Pennsylvania that currently lack or have limited access, directly affecting residents and businesses in these "unserved" and "underserved" areas. The bill requires state agencies to inventory state-owned properties and structures for their potential use in broadband infrastructure. It permits state agencies to lease or license these assets to qualified broadband providers, with the generated revenue funding a new "Broadband Services Restricted Account" to support further deployment. The Department of General Services will develop guidelines for providers and site agreements, setting a 90-day approval timeline for such agreements.
Maddy summarySB 722 amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to modify how "net profits" are calculated for personal income tax purposes. The bill updates the rules for deducting start-up expenditures and introduces new provisions for combining net profits and losses from different businesses. It establishes specific netting rules for "small businesses" and "non-small businesses," allowing small businesses to carry over net losses for up to twenty years. This legislation directly affects individuals who report income or losses from their business or professional activities, particularly those operating small businesses, for state personal income tax. These changes will apply to tax years beginning after December 31, 2024.
Maddy summarySB 726 amends Pennsylvania's open meetings law for the General Assembly. This bill requires the State Senate and House of Representatives to record and post all public committee meetings and hearings where bills are considered or testimony is taken. These recordings must be made available on the General Assembly's publicly accessible website. Additionally, when technically feasible, these meetings must be live-streamed online, increasing public access to legislative proceedings.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's child protective services laws, affecting how county agencies and the state Department of Human Services investigate child abuse and neglect. It grants the Department of Human Services new authority to assist or take over investigations from county agencies if cases are not handled promptly or if assistance is requested. The bill also allows county agencies to contract with private agencies to receive and assess reports of children needing general protective services and to provide those services. These contracted private agencies would be held to the same standards as county personnel and would receive similar legal immunity.
Maddy summarySB 417 amends Pennsylvania's military affairs laws to expand the use and revenue generation capabilities of Fort Indiantown Gap. It authorizes the Adjutant General to lease portions of the Fort's land to private businesses that benefit the local community and military families, with generated revenue directed to a new fund. The bill also broadens the Fort's purpose to include emergency response training and quality-of-life programs for service members, veterans, and their families. A new restricted fund, the Service Members, Veterans and their Families Fund, is established to receive these revenues and donations, supporting these initiatives.
Maddy summarySenate Resolution 99 designates the week of May 6 through May 12, 2025, as "Nurses Week" in Pennsylvania. This resolution acknowledges the contributions of nurses to the Commonwealth's healthcare system.
