Sen. Pat Stefano

Maddy summarySR 98 is a resolution that designates the week of May 18 through 24, 2025, as "Emergency Medical Services Week" in Pennsylvania. This action aims to recognize the vital public service and lifesaving care provided by emergency medical services teams and providers across the state.

Maddy summarySB 671 amends the Job Enhancement Act to establish financial assistance programs for businesses materially impacted by the air ambulance crash in Philadelphia on January 31, 2025. It creates both a grant program and a loan program to provide funding and support to these specific businesses. The bill also requires a report on the program's implementation and a study on best practices for assisting small businesses during emergencies. Financial assistance under this act can only be awarded for five years following its effective date.

Maddy summarySB 701 amends Pennsylvania law regarding judicial expenses. This bill increases the annual registration fee paid by the Office of the Court Administrator of Pennsylvania to the Special Court Judges Association for each magisterial district judge and Philadelphia Municipal Court Judge position, raising it from $200 to $400. The bill clarifies that funding for these registration fees comes from the annual appropriation made to magisterial district judges. Additionally, it confirms the Office of the Court Administrator is directly responsible for the cost of publishing a monthly journal that provides updates on laws and State Supreme Court rule changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania law concerning vehicle offenses and judicial sentencing. It allows courts to impose a fixed sentence for certain minor vehicle offenses with a maximum confinement of 90 days or less. The bill also sets specific imprisonment terms for individuals convicted of driving with a suspended license due to DUI-related issues. Additionally, it streamlines the application process for an ignition interlock limited license and requires interlock vendors to report violations, which could extend the period a user is required to use the device.

Maddy summarySB 695 amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to change how businesses file sales and use tax returns. Starting January 1, 2026, it modifies filing frequencies for businesses based on their previous year's tax liability. Businesses with $1,200 or less in fourth-quarter tax liability will file annually, while those with liability between $1,200 and $25,000 will file quarterly. Existing monthly and advance payment schedules for businesses with higher tax liabilities will continue to apply.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 705 amends the Pennsylvania Election Code regarding applications for official mail-in ballots. The bill specifies that only the Department of State or a county board of election may send an application for an official mail-in ballot to a qualified elector. It also removes the existing provisions for a permanent mail-in voting list, meaning voters can no longer opt to automatically receive mail-in ballot applications for all elections. These changes directly affect registered voters who use mail-in ballots and the process by which they receive applications.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 696 amends Pennsylvania's vehicle code regarding special speed limitations in school zones. The bill clarifies that the 15 miles per hour speed limit within a school zone can be enforced during regular school hours. This enforcement is permissible regardless of whether students are allowed to walk to and from the school located within that zone. The change aims to ensure consistent application of school zone speed limits based on a school's operational hours, affecting drivers in those areas.

Maddy summarySR 97 is a resolution that formally recognizes the week of May 11 through 17, 2025, as "National Police Week" and designates May 5, 2025, as "Police Officers' Memorial Day" in Pennsylvania. This resolution honors the memory of police officers who have died in the line of duty within the Commonwealth.

Maddy summarySR 95 is a resolution that officially recognizes the month of May 2025 as "Older Americans Month" in Pennsylvania. This action acknowledges the contributions of older adults and encourages a positive view of aging within the Commonwealth.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 96 recognizes May 2025 as "Mental Health Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. This resolution also states the Senate's intent to pursue policies that promote mental health for all residents, aiming for parity with physical health in resources, education, treatment, and insurance coverage.