Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution directs the Joint State Government Commission to create a Task Force on Child Protection in the Digital Age to evaluate how current laws address online risks to minors. The Task Force will include representatives from law enforcement, victim advocacy, medical professionals, and other relevant agencies appointed by the Attorney General. Its main role is to review Pennsylvania's statutes regarding child protection in the digital age, particularly concerning artificial intelligence and child sexual abuse material, and recommend updates to laws and policies. The commission must submit an initial report by November 30, 2027, with follow-up reports every odd-numbered year thereafter, and publish findings online while sending copies to state leadership.
Sen. Pat Stefano
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 835 requires Pennsylvania public school districts to display the U.S. flag on or near school buildings during school hours in normal weather, and to purchase flags if they do not already have them. School boards must also display the POW/MIA flag alongside the U.S. flag where practical. The bill amends the Public School Code of 1949 to mandate these specific flag display practices in all public schools. It directly affects all Pennsylvania public school districts by establishing clear requirements for flag placement.
Maddy summarySB 1088 would amend Pennsylvania's laws to establish "First Defenders Day" as an official legal holiday, observed annually on the first Monday of May. This change would directly affect state employees and businesses that typically close on designated legal holidays, requiring them to observe this new day off. The bill's key mechanism is adding the holiday to Title 38 of Pennsylvania's Consolidated Statutes, creating a formal, recurring observance without altering other holiday schedules. The bill is currently in the referral stage and has not yet advanced to a vote.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution honors the life of Officer Kristen M. Yeager and offers condolences to her family following her death in the line of duty on May 29, 2026. The measure formally recognizes her service to the Berks County police departments, her educational background, and her personal life as a mother and wife. By adopting this resolution, the Pennsylvania Senate acknowledges her professional contributions and expresses official sympathy to her loved ones without altering any laws or policies.
Maddy summarySB 1277 amends Pennsylvania's Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance Act to update how local governments can offer property tax exemptions for deteriorated buildings and new construction in economically depressed areas. The bill clarifies definitions to include various types of distressed properties, such as those ordered vacated or demolished, and expands the scope to cover mixed-use and converted residential structures. It also establishes a public registry for these exemptions and requires local authorities to hold at least one public hearing before designating specific areas as deteriorated. Ultimately, the legislation provides a standardized framework for municipalities to implement tax relief aimed at revitalizing struggling neighborhoods.
Maddy summarySB 576 amends Pennsylvania's tax code for mutual thrift institutions, such as credit unions, by adjusting their annual tax rates on taxable net income. Starting in 2025, the tax rate will gradually decrease from 7.95% to 4.99% over seven years, with specific rates set for each year through 2031. The bill also revises the net loss carryover rule, allowing institutions to deduct losses from the previous ten years (instead of three) when calculating current tax, but the deduction cannot exceed the current year's net income. Mutual thrift institutions must report and pay taxes annually by April 15 under these updated rules.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's ABLE Act to help disabled veterans keep their real estate tax exemptions. It allows money deposited into an ABLE savings account to be ignored when calculating whether a veteran meets the financial need requirements for this tax break. The change ensures that contributions made to these special savings accounts do not count as annual income for eligibility purposes. This policy will apply to tax determinations made on or after January 1, 2027.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws to create new funding accounts and taxes specifically for aviation activities. It establishes an Aviation Restricted Account and an Aviation Trust Fund, directing millions of dollars annually to the Department of Transportation for airport programs and aviation development. The legislation also introduces new taxes on aviation fuels, including jet fuel and alternative fuels like hydrogen and electricity, while defining terms such as "alternative aviation fuel" and "aircraft operating area." Additionally, the bill grants the Department of Transportation authority to adopt airport zoning regulations, address abandoned aircraft, and impose penalties for obstructing aircraft operations.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution supports a federal bill that would create a three-year grant program to fund research and development of new treatments for veterans with chronic mild traumatic brain injury. The proposed grants would support academic institutions, healthcare providers, and community organizations in testing non-drug interventions, conducting clinical trials, training clinicians, and building partnerships to scale effective care strategies. The measure specifically aims to address mental health needs and suicide prevention among veterans, with Pennsylvania institutions encouraged to participate in the program. The resolution urges Congress to pass the federal legislation and calls for ongoing collaboration between state and federal officials to monitor and improve outcomes for veterans.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates the week of June 7 through 13, 2026, as "Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania. The measure encourages residents to hold events and educational programs to highlight the bay's importance as a source of drinking water, recreation, and economic activity. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to recognize the watershed's ecological and historical significance.