Sen. Doug Mastriano

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Pennsylvania state agencies to review every program from scratch every five years, starting in 2026. Agencies must justify each program's existence, detail costs for minimum vs. current service levels, and assess impacts if discontinued, except for classroom teaching, curriculum, and direct student services in public schools. The Secretary of the Budget will oversee this process, mandating detailed plans from agencies to ensure transparency and accountability in spending. It aims to replace incremental budgeting with a system that evaluates all programs based on current needs rather than historical spending.

Maddy summarySB 1021 amends Pennsylvania sentencing guidelines to increase penalties for violent acts targeting immigration enforcement. It creates a sentencing enhancement for two specific scenarios: (1) crimes of violence committed to interfere with immigration enforcement activities, and (2) violent acts causing bodily injury to immigration enforcement personnel. The bill applies to existing offenses under Pennsylvania law that meet these criteria, adding an extra penalty layer within the state's sentencing guidelines. This change directly affects individuals convicted of such violent acts against immigration enforcement officers or personnel.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates June 8, 2025, as "Lieutenant Colonel George Hardy Day" in Pennsylvania. It honors Lieutenant Colonel George Hardy for his military service, recognizes him as a decorated veteran and community leader, and acknowledges him as a symbol of courage. The resolution is a formal commemorative measure with no binding legal effect, solely intended to publicly recognize his contributions. It directly affects Pennsylvanians by establishing a state-recognized day of remembrance for this individual.

Maddy summarySB 1005 amends the Cash Consumer Protection Act to prohibit businesses from refusing cash payments for goods or services, directly affecting retailers, service providers, and other businesses that accept payments. Key provisions require businesses to accept cash without discrimination, allow state enforcement through court orders to stop violations and impose fines, and permit consumers to file private lawsuits if denied cash. These changes clarify and strengthen the 1984 law to protect consumers' right to pay with cash. The bill aims to ensure cash remains a valid payment method without penalty.

Maddy summarySB 1007 (An Act providing for insurance coverage for transition intervention reversal services) requires health insurance plans to cover medical services that reverse prior gender transition interventions, such as procedures to undo hormone therapy or surgical changes. This directly affects transgender individuals who have undergone medical transition and seek to reverse those treatments. The key provision mandates that insurers include coverage for these reversal services without additional cost-sharing, treating them similarly to other covered medical procedures. The bill is currently pending referral to the Banking & Insurance committee for further consideration. (Note: The bill title uses "transition intervention reversal services," which refers to medical services reversing prior gender transition treatments, not to be confused with broader policy debates.)

Maddy summarySB 1013 requires the Department of State to prepare a report on election-related complaints received by the state. The report would detail complaint types, locations, and resolution status, providing transparency on election administration issues. This affects how election data is documented and shared by state officials. The bill mandates this reporting as part of the Department of State's existing duties.

Maddy summarySB 1012 exempts the sale and distribution of nonmotorized trailers (like utility or horse trailers) from franchise requirements under Pennsylvania's Board of Vehicles Act. It directly affects trailer sellers and distributors who would no longer need to meet franchise agreements for these specific vehicles. The bill preserves all other requirements, including dealer and salesperson licensing, vehicle registration, titling, sales tax collection, and consumer protection rules. This change streamlines one aspect of selling nonmotorized trailers without altering broader regulatory obligations.

Maddy summarySB 994 would amend Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code of 1971 to adjust how hotel occupancy tax revenue is allocated, directing a portion to the Tourism Promotion Fund. This change would directly affect hotels and lodging businesses that collect the tax, as well as the state tourism agency managing promotional activities. The bill specifies that funds must be used for tourism marketing, advertising, and events to promote Pennsylvania as a travel destination. The measure is currently referred to the Finance committee for further review.

Maddy summarySB 381 amends Pennsylvania law to prohibit certain types of animal experimentation, testing, and sale of products developed through such testing. Specifically, it bans animal testing for cosmetics, certain medical products, and household items, and prohibits the sale of these products within Pennsylvania. The bill imposes penalties for violations, including fines for businesses that conduct or sell prohibited products. This directly affects businesses that conduct or market cosmetics, personal care products, or specific medical items tested on animals. The law aims to restrict animal testing in these product categories without banning all scientific research.

Maddy summarySB 241 requires Pennsylvania's Liquor Control Board to automatically expunge citations issued to retail liquor licensees (such as restaurants, hotels, and clubs) for failing to follow pandemic-related health orders during the Governor's emergency period (March 2020 to end of emergency). It applies specifically to violations of executive actions, Health Secretary orders, or Department guidance related to COVID-19 protocols. The Board must remove these citations within 30 days at no cost to the business, providing written notice of the expungement. This policy change directly affects businesses that received such citations during the pandemic emergency.