Sen. Doug Mastriano

Maddy summarySB 671 amends the Job Enhancement Act to establish financial assistance programs for businesses materially impacted by the air ambulance crash in Philadelphia on January 31, 2025. It creates both a grant program and a loan program to provide funding and support to these specific businesses. The bill also requires a report on the program's implementation and a study on best practices for assisting small businesses during emergencies. Financial assistance under this act can only be awarded for five years following its effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania law concerning vehicle offenses and judicial sentencing. It allows courts to impose a fixed sentence for certain minor vehicle offenses with a maximum confinement of 90 days or less. The bill also sets specific imprisonment terms for individuals convicted of driving with a suspended license due to DUI-related issues. Additionally, it streamlines the application process for an ignition interlock limited license and requires interlock vendors to report violations, which could extend the period a user is required to use the device.

Maddy summarySB 695 amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to change how businesses file sales and use tax returns. Starting January 1, 2026, it modifies filing frequencies for businesses based on their previous year's tax liability. Businesses with $1,200 or less in fourth-quarter tax liability will file annually, while those with liability between $1,200 and $25,000 will file quarterly. Existing monthly and advance payment schedules for businesses with higher tax liabilities will continue to apply.

Maddy summarySR 97 is a resolution that formally recognizes the week of May 11 through 17, 2025, as "National Police Week" and designates May 5, 2025, as "Police Officers' Memorial Day" in Pennsylvania. This resolution honors the memory of police officers who have died in the line of duty within the Commonwealth.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 670 amends the Housing Authorities Law to establish new procedures for public housing applicants with criminal records and expands requirements for landlords in the Housing Choice Voucher Program. It creates Public Housing Safety Committees, comprising the Authority's Executive Director, District Attorney, and President Judge, to review applicants with certain criminal offenses on a case-by-case basis, evaluating potential threats to resident safety. The bill also broadens requirements for all Housing Authorities (previously limited to first-class cities) to ensure compliance with federal criminal activity rules for tenants and to deny Housing Choice Voucher Program approval to landlords with delinquent property taxes. Additionally, it requires law enforcement agencies to provide background checks to landlords in the Housing Choice Voucher Program upon request.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 90 encourages initiatives that support individuals based on their character and merit in public service and governance. It affirms a commitment to opportunity based on individual contributions and encourages the reevaluation of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs perceived to promote division.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 93 designates May 2025 as "Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. This resolution aims to promote awareness among all road users about safely sharing the road with motorcyclists and to encourage motorcycle safety practices.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 601 proposes an amendment to the Pharmacy Act in Pennsylvania. The bill would permit ivermectin, when intended for human use, to be sold and purchased as an over-the-counter medication. This change would allow individuals to obtain ivermectin without a prescription or consultation with a healthcare professional.

Maddy summarySB 652 proposes to amend Pennsylvania's Crimes and Offenses law by changing the definition of "dwelling" within the general principles of justification. The bill expands the current definition, which includes a building, structure, or attached porch/deck/patio, to also encompass "the parcel of land to the property lines and any building or structure erected thereon." This change would broaden the legal scope of what constitutes a "dwelling" for individuals in self-defense or similar justification cases.

Maddy summarySB 645 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to mandate cursive handwriting instruction in elementary schools. The bill defines "cursive handwriting" and requires it to be taught in all elementary public and private schools. Specifically, students must receive instruction to ensure they can read and write cursive by the end of fifth grade. These new requirements also apply to charter schools and cyber charter schools.