Sen. Doug Mastriano

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a Pennsylvania program that reimburses residents who earn state-recognized emergency medical services (EMS) certifications (such as EMT or paramedic) after paying for training at a Pennsylvania school. Applicants must submit proof of certification and payment, maintain Pennsylvania residency for two years after certification, and apply within 30 days of completing training. The state will cover full certification costs up to a $3 million total appropriation, with payments issued within two months of a complete application. The program ends when the $3 million is fully spent, with no fixed expiration date beyond that.

Maddy summarySB 524 amends Pennsylvania’s environmental and oil/gas statutes to increase state control over energy regulation. It exempts coal-powered plants from federal EPA rules, requires legislative approval for new regulations affecting coal and natural gas, and establishes a public database tracking permit applications for these industries. The bill also sets a 45-day deadline for permit decisions (with automatic approval if missed) and formally withdraws Pennsylvania from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. These changes directly affect coal and natural gas operators, the Department of Environmental Protection, and permit applicants by shifting regulatory authority and streamlining permitting processes.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $500 annual tax credit for Pennsylvania residents who serve as active volunteer certified emergency medical technicians (EMTs) or volunteer firefighters. To qualify, individuals must have at least two full years of service by December 31 of the tax year and respond to at least 20% of their agency's emergency calls during that period. The credit applies to tax liability starting with taxable years beginning after December 31, 2026, and cannot be carried over, refunded, or sold. The Department of Revenue will administer the credit, require self-certification, and submit annual reports to the General Assembly on its usage.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 29, 2025, as "Vietnam War Veterans Day" in Pennsylvania, aligning with the state's existing law (Act 124 of 2024) that requires annual recognition of this date. It directs the Governor to issue a proclamation encouraging public schools and educational institutions to observe the day by honoring Vietnam War veterans' service and sacrifices. The resolution does not create new rights or funding but formally recognizes the contributions of veterans who served between 1955 and 1975, including nearly 3,150 Pennsylvanians who died or were missing in action. This follows federal recognition established by the 2017 Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act.

Maddy summarySB 497, the Radon Remediation Act, requires schools, landlords, and home sellers in Pennsylvania to test for radon gas (a radioactive gas linked to lung cancer) in specific buildings and take action if dangerous levels exceed 4 picocuries per liter. Schools must test all buildings by June 2027 (or within 19 months of remodeling/occupancy), notify parents of results, and prevent student access if unsafe levels are found until remediation is complete. Landlords must test rental units before leasing and home sellers must test before selling residential properties, providing written results to tenants or buyers. The law mandates follow-up testing every five years and requires entities to certify compliance with state regulations.

Maddy summarySB 508, the Clean Air Preservation Act, prohibits cloud seeding, solar radiation modification (like reflecting sunlight), and any polluting atmospheric interventions within Pennsylvania. It directly affects any entity - individuals, companies, or government agencies - conducting these activities in the state. The bill requires Pennsylvania State Police or sheriffs to issue immediate cease-and-desist orders for suspected violations, treating them as court orders. Violators face felony charges with fines of at least $500,000 per day or up to two years in prison, plus penalties under Pennsylvania’s existing Air Pollution Control Act.

Maddy summarySB 462 establishes Pennsylvania's Office of Government Efficiency within the existing Regulatory Review Commission. This office will review state regulations and statutes to identify those that are unreasonable, unduly burdensome, redundant, or wasteful, and recommend modifications, revisions, or repeals to the General Assembly or relevant agencies. It requires the office to create a public website for receiving suggestions and reports on inefficient practices, and to submit annual reports to the legislature and governor. The office will operate for five years before being abolished, with its director appointed without political consideration.

Maddy summarySB 173 extends Pennsylvania's veteran benefits and recognition to eligible veterans of the Republic of Korea Armed Forces who served during the Vietnam War (January 9, 1962 - May 7, 1975) and are recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under 38 U.S.C. § 109. It defines "eligible veteran of the Korean Armed Forces" as meeting these criteria and requires proof of service (like discharge papers or VA documentation) for benefits. The bill ensures these veterans receive the same rights, benefits, and privileges as Pennsylvania veterans of U.S. military forces. This policy change directly affects Korean veterans meeting the specific service period and VA recognition requirements.

Maddy summarySB 463, the "Whole Milk in Pennsylvania Schools Act," allows Pennsylvania schools to use state or local funds to provide or sell whole Pennsylvania milk (3% fat) or reduced-fat Pennsylvania milk (2% fat) processed within the state. It directly affects all Pennsylvania schools, including public districts, charter schools, and career technical schools. The bill requires school boards to choose PA milk options, mandates a report on milk consumption and availability within two years, and authorizes the Attorney General to pursue federal legal action if schools face funding loss for complying. "Pennsylvania milk" is defined as raw milk from PA cows processed into fluid milk within Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 49) symbolically recognizes March 21, 2025, as "World Down Syndrome Day" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or policies but formally acknowledges the contributions of individuals with Down syndrome and their families within the Commonwealth. The resolution highlights the global significance of Down syndrome awareness and the achievements of people living with the condition, as outlined in the resolution's preamble. It has no direct impact on legislation, funding, or services for affected individuals.