Sen. Pat Stefano

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (SR 36), not a law with policy changes. It formally recognizes March 2025 as "National Social Work Month" in Pennsylvania. The resolution honors social workers for their roles in crisis response, mental health care, supporting students during the pandemic, and advocating for policies like minimum wage and social safety nets. It does not create new laws, allocate funding, or directly affect specific groups - it simply urges Pennsylvanians to join in celebrating the profession.

Maddy summarySB 423 creates $1 annual fishing and hunting licenses for volunteer firefighters, volunteer special fire police officers, and volunteer emergency medical service technicians in Pennsylvania. It requires applicants to provide documentation proving 12 months of active, good-standing service in one of these roles. The bill amends existing statutes to establish these specific license exemptions, replacing standard fees with a flat $1 cost for qualifying residents. This directly affects volunteers in these emergency response roles who would otherwise pay higher standard license fees.

Maddy summarySB 422 requires Pennsylvania's Department of Education to select and provide a free supplemental mathematics program for kindergarten through grade five students in public and nonpublic schools (including private and parochial schools). The program must be self-directed, flexible, and designed to strengthen students' math fluency and problem-solving skills while allowing student ownership of learning and parental involvement. Schools can voluntarily adopt the program at no cost, and the Department must annually report on participation to the General Assembly. This bill amends the Public School Code to establish a standardized, free resource for early math education without altering existing curricula.

Maddy summarySB 397 amends Pennsylvania's Public Employe Relations Act to require public employee unions to report how membership dues are spent. It mandates that unions file quarterly reports with the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board detailing officer salaries, benefits, all expenses (including travel), and political spending related to elections. The bill also requires public employers to forward signed collective bargaining agreements to the board within 15 days and directs the board to make all reports and agreements publicly accessible online. These changes directly affect public-sector unions and the Labor Relations Board, increasing transparency around union finances and contract terms. The law takes effect January 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 373 establishes new statewide cybersecurity standards for Pennsylvania state agencies' information technology systems. It requires agencies to obtain "authorization to operate" for all IT systems using public funds, conduct annual security reviews, and perform risk assessments - including penetration testing - to identify vulnerabilities. The bill mandates biannual compliance checks of vendors and creates a Joint Cybersecurity Oversight Committee to monitor implementation. These requirements directly affect all state agencies and their IT vendors, focusing on proactive security management rather than reactive measures.

Maddy summarySB 399 shortens the time limit for filing lawsuits related to construction projects in Pennsylvania. It reduces the general deadline from 12 years to 6 years after construction completion for claims against contractors, designers, or supervisors. The bill also creates an exception: if injury or death occurs between 4 and 6 years after completion, lawsuits can be filed within 8 years (down from 14). This applies to anyone "lawfully" performing construction work, including those with required permits. The changes take effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 29) formally recognizes January 2025 as "National Blood Donor Month" in Pennsylvania, aligning with a nationwide observance. It does not create new laws or obligations; it is a symbolic gesture by the Pennsylvania Senate to raise awareness about blood donation needs. The resolution highlights that January is a critical time for blood banks due to seasonal factors like holidays and weather, which increase demand while reducing donations. It directly affects no individuals or entities, serving only as a statement of support for blood donation efforts.

Maddy summarySB 38 amends Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to adopt the federal False Claims Act's framework, creating new provisions for holding entities accountable for submitting false claims to the state. It directly affects contractors, grantees, and healthcare providers receiving state funds who knowingly submit false information related to payments or property. Key mechanisms include triple damages for the Commonwealth, civil penalties, and "qui tam" lawsuits allowing private citizens to file claims on behalf of the state. The bill defines "false claims" broadly to cover any knowingly submitted false requests for money or property tied to state programs, with penalties applying to violations like concealing false information or failing to report errors.

Maddy summarySB 386 expands Pennsylvania's restrictions on foreign entities acquiring agricultural land, prohibiting entities from "countries of concern" (including China, Russia, Iran, and others) and foreign political parties from purchasing more than 100 acres of farmland, except through inheritance or as security for debt. It requires title companies to verify compliance, imposes $1,000 penalties for willful failures, and authorizes the Attorney General to investigate violations and seize illegally acquired land. Forfeited land must be sold at auction, with proceeds first covering sale costs and investigation expenses, then paying lienholders, and finally funding the state General Fund. The law defines "agricultural land" as land used for farming crops, livestock, or related products, excluding mineral rights or non-agricultural zoning.

Maddy summarySB 380, the China Divestiture Act, requires Pennsylvania's major retirement systems (State Employees', Public School Employees', and Municipal Retirement Systems) and the State Treasurer to sell all investments tied to China. It mandates phasing out direct holdings of Chinese government securities and scrutinized Chinese companies (including sanctioned entities) within 10 years (50% sold by year 3, 75% by year 5, 100% by year 10). The bill also prohibits new investments in such entities and requires annual reports on divestment progress to state officials. This policy directly affects Pennsylvania's $100+ billion public pension funds by restructuring their investment portfolios.