Sen. Pat Stefano

Maddy summaryThis resolution symbolically recognizes May 15, 2025, as "Senior Fraud Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania. It aims to raise public awareness about financial fraud targeting seniors, citing statistics showing Pennsylvania seniors over 60 lost an estimated $310 million to $2.7 billion in 2023. The resolution directs state agencies like the Department of Aging and Attorney General's office to promote fraud prevention education and resources for seniors and caregivers. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new laws but encourages community action and awareness efforts.

Maddy summarySB 552 requires insurers to reimburse volunteer fire companies for actual and reasonable emergency response costs (excluding labor) incurred during officially dispatched incidents. Fire companies must submit itemized bills to insurers, who are responsible for payment under defined cost guidelines; if insurers refuse, fire companies can sue the liable party. The bill imposes penalties of up to $1,000 for false reimbursement claims and mandates police reports related to emergencies be shared within 30 days. This directly affects Pennsylvania's volunteer fire companies and insurers by establishing a clear reimbursement process for emergency services.

Maddy summarySB 554, the Public Official and Public Employee Expense Reimbursement Act, requires Pennsylvania public officials and employees to submit itemized receipts for travel expenses and limits reimbursements to federal per diem rates set by the IRS. It directly affects all Commonwealth employees and elected/appointed officials who incur travel costs while performing duties. The key provision mandates written itemized receipts (listing each cost separately) and ties reimbursement amounts to federal guidelines, preventing excessive payments. This bill takes effect 60 days after enactment and applies to all state government departments, agencies, and branches.

Maddy summarySB 568 requires social media platforms to remove nonconsensual intimate images of Pennsylvania residents within 48 hours of receiving a valid request. It directly affects individuals whose private images were shared without consent, as defined by Pennsylvania law. Platforms must establish a clear online portal for removal requests and are shielded from liability if they act in good faith. The law applies specifically to social media services that connect users for social interaction, excluding email or cloud services. It takes effect 90 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution (SR 73) designates the week of April 14-20, 2025, as "National Osteopathic Medicine Week" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically recognizes the contributions of doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs), who provide patient-centered care focusing on the whole person, and highlights Pennsylvania's role as a national leader in osteopathic medicine (with 10,078 DOs and three osteopathic medical colleges). The resolution encourages Pennsylvanians to support public awareness of osteopathic medicine but does not create new laws, funding, or obligations.

Maddy summarySB 543 creates a new misdemeanor offense in Pennsylvania for "masked intimidation," defined as intentionally harassing, intimidating, or threatening someone while hiding one's face with a mask. It directly affects individuals who use face coverings to cause fear of physical harm, excluding common scenarios like holiday costumes, occupational safety, weather protection, artistic performances, or health-related mask-wearing during emergencies. The bill specifies that violating this provision carries a third-degree misdemeanor penalty but explicitly states it does not infringe on First Amendment rights. Key exceptions include masks worn for religious reasons, winter sports, medical safety, or emergency situations. The law would take effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summarySB 542 amends Pennsylvania's vehicle laws to change how speeding offenses are handled. It specifies that drivers using speed timing devices (like radar) won't get license points for speeding less than 10 mph over the limit, except in school zones or work zones. The bill also clarifies rules for police using speed enforcement devices, requiring training for local officers and specific signage, while creating a 15-day license suspension for speeding 11+ mph over limits in active work zones. These changes directly affect drivers receiving speeding tickets and law enforcement agencies using speed timing technology.

Maddy summarySB 347 prohibits clinics or establishments from knowingly providing space for individuals to use controlled substances illegally under Pennsylvania law. It creates criminal penalties, including up to 20 years in prison or $500,000 in fines (up to $2 million for non-individuals), and civil penalties of up to $250,000 for violations. The law grants district attorneys and the Attorney General authority to investigate and prosecute these violations, with strict limits on challenging the Attorney General's role. It specifically exempts medical marijuana use under Pennsylvania’s existing Medical Marijuana Act (2016) and lawful prescription practices. The bill amends Pennsylvania’s Controlled Substance Act to clarify these prohibitions and penalties.

Maddy summarySB 96 amends Pennsylvania's assault laws to clarify and strengthen penalties for "terroristic threats," specifically targeting threats that cause fear or disrupt public spaces. It directly affects schools, universities, and public facilities by requiring convicted offenders to pay restitution covering actual emergency response costs, including fire/police services, unused food, and staff wages during evacuations. The law specifies that threats causing school/university disruptions or targeting educational institutions carry felony penalties, while other threats are misdemeanors. This policy change shifts focus from solely punishing the threat to compensating communities for real costs incurred during responses.

Maddy summarySB 113 establishes new rules for investigating misconduct by Pennsylvania correctional and forensic employees (e.g., prison staff, forensic facility workers). It requires recorded interrogations, informs employees of their right to legal counsel, prohibits using polygraph tests or threatening job loss to compel statements, and mandates paid suspensions during investigations unless criminal charges are filed. The bill ensures union contracts cannot weaken these protections and prohibits retaliation against employees exercising these rights. It also clarifies that investigations must follow specific procedures to protect employee rights during disciplinary processes.