Maddy summarySB 969 establishes Pennsylvania's "Educational Freedom for Families Program," providing state-funded education savings accounts for eligible students in the state's lowest-performing schools. The bill directly affects families with children in public schools ranked in the bottom 15% academically, allowing them to use funds for private school tuition, tutoring, homeschooling materials, or online programs. Key mechanisms include annual state appropriations matching per-pupil funding, portable accounts that follow students regardless of school choice, and strict oversight to prevent misuse. Additionally, the bill creates a "Teacher Excellence Incentive Fund" using reclaimed funds to award performance-based bonuses to educators based on measurable improvements in student test scores and graduation rates.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 968 establishes a legal framework for gestational carrier agreements in Pennsylvania, directly affecting intended parents, gestational carriers, and children born through such arrangements. It requires mandatory background checks (criminal, child abuse, sex offender registries) for all parties involved and their household members before a court can issue a parentage order. The bill mandates court review of these checks, allows temporary safe placement of children if checks are incomplete, and sets standards for verifying out-of-state or international background clearances. These provisions standardize parental rights recognition while prioritizing child safety through vetting processes.
Maddy summarySB 964 clarifies Pennsylvania courts and agencies cannot apply international law if it violates constitutional rights under the U.S. or Pennsylvania constitutions. It prohibits courts from enforcing international law that infringes on guaranteed rights like due process or free speech, while excluding treaties and federal laws from this restriction. The bill creates whistleblower protections for those reporting violations and requires annual reports to the legislature on complaints. These changes aim to ensure state judicial decisions align with constitutional protections without altering existing enforcement of foreign judgments or treaties.
Maddy summarySB 957, the Blood Transparency and Patient Rights Act, gives patients the right to choose their own stored blood (autologous donation) or blood from designated donors (directed donation) for transfusions. It requires hospitals and blood providers to disclose the vaccination status of blood donors to patients upon request and include this information in informed consent forms before transfusions. The law applies to all patients receiving blood transfusions in Pennsylvania medical facilities, with exceptions only in life-threatening emergencies where consent cannot be obtained. The Department of Health must create regulations for standardized consent forms and public education about these options, effective 180 days after enactment.
Maddy summarySR 135 is a Senate resolution honoring Pennsylvania veterans on Veterans Day, November 11, 2025. It formally recognizes all Pennsylvania veterans who served during wartime and peacetime, acknowledging their contributions to national security. The resolution encourages communities across Pennsylvania to hold ceremonies on that date to honor approximately 700,000 current Pennsylvania residents who have served in the armed forces. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic gesture of appreciation.
Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill amends the state's riot law by defining when group actions become a third-degree felony. It targets participants who act with intent to commit crimes, block government actions, or use weapons (including firearms), and organizers who coordinate, control, or fund riots involving two or more people. Organizers causing death face first-degree felony charges instead of third-degree. The law directly affects individuals involved in organized group disturbances meeting these criteria. It takes effect 60 days after enactment.
Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 119) is a non-binding request from the Pennsylvania Senate urging Congress to support the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025 and amend federal law. It specifically seeks to change current requirements under the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, which currently restricts school milk options to fat-free or low-fat varieties. The resolution asks Congress to allow whole milk and 2% reduced-fat milk (flavored or unflavored) in Pennsylvania's elementary and secondary schools, and directs federal agencies to update dietary guidelines accordingly. This would permit schools to offer these milk types without risking federal funding, but the resolution itself does not alter any existing law or standards.
Maddy summarySB 937 requires Pennsylvania's Department of Community and Economic Development to publicly post a monthly log of hospitality provided using funds from the Sports, Marketing and Tourism Account. The log must include the recipient's name, address, employer, event details, description, and estimated value of the hospitality. This applies to Commonwealth officials, employees, and their guests who receive hospitality for tourism-related purposes. The bill directly affects how state tourism funds are spent, mandating transparency about hospitality expenses to the public.
Maddy summarySB 947 amends Pennsylvania's 1987 law designating a specific area at the Harrisburg State Capitol as "Soldiers' Grove" to honor veterans. It prohibits all festivals, celebrations, or gatherings in this area except for events specifically for veterans, their families, first responders, or their families. Government entities cannot issue permits for such events, and violations carry a penalty of up to $2,500 or one year in jail. The bill focuses on protecting the memorial site's solemn character, not creating new programs or funding.
Maddy summarySB 946 adds tianeptine - a medication sometimes used for depression but with abuse risks - to Pennsylvania's Schedule II of controlled substances, placing it in a high-risk category due to its potential for abuse and dependence. The bill requires the Pennsylvania Department of Health to monitor tianeptine-related health issues (like overdoses, seizures, or withdrawal symptoms) by collecting data from hospitals, poison control centers, and law enforcement. It also empowers the department to issue public safety advisories and establish reporting rules for healthcare providers. This directly affects tianeptine users, healthcare facilities, and public health officials, focusing on tracking health impacts rather than restricting access immediately. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.