Sen. Doug Mastriano

Maddy summarySB 230 would require Pennsylvania public and private schools to obtain parental permission before providing students with instructional materials containing sexually explicit content. Schools must develop policies identifying such materials (defined as including visual depictions of specific sexual acts) and implement an opt-in form for parents to approve access. If parents do not approve or submit the form, students must receive alternative non-explicit materials. The bill applies to all Pennsylvania school entities (including charter and cyber schools) and mandates school boards to adopt these policies by August 2025 after public input. The bill is pending in the Education committee.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 3, 2025, as "Four Chaplains Day" in Pennsylvania to commemorate the sacrifice of four Army chaplains (George Fox, Alexander Goode, John Washington, and Clark Poling) during WWII. It honors their selfless actions when the ship Dorchester was torpedoed in 1943, as they gave up life jackets to save others. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely ceremonial recognition of historical events. It does not affect any laws, rights, or government programs.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates January 26-February 1, 2025, as "Catholic Schools Week" in Pennsylvania. It expresses the state Senate's formal congratulations and appreciation to Catholic elementary and secondary schools across the Commonwealth. The resolution acknowledges these schools educate over 100,000 students and highlights their low dropout rate and high college enrollment. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or affect funding or regulations.

Maddy summarySB 221 prohibits lobbyists from holding certain government positions in Pennsylvania, directly affecting individuals working as lobbyists who might seek new roles as public officials, agency employees, or board members of state universities. The bill amends lobbying disclosure law (Title 65, §13A07(f)(1.1)) to explicitly ban lobbyists from being appointed or employed in roles defined under 2 Pa.C.S. §101, including Commonwealth agency employees or members of state university governing boards. This restriction applies only to new appointments or employment beginning after the bill's effective date (60 days after enactment), not to current positions. The measure aims to prevent conflicts of interest by separating lobbying activities from direct government service.

Maddy summarySB 222 amends Pennsylvania's Fiscal Code to establish new oversight rules for state grant programs. It requires grantees (nonprofits, schools, municipalities, and other outside entities) to disclose all funding sources, use Commonwealth grant money only after exhausting other funding, and submit semiannual reports on spending and progress. The bill prohibits using grant funds for bonuses (triggering automatic repayment if violated) and mandates returning unspent funds within 30 days of project completion or if other funding covers costs. These provisions apply to all Commonwealth agencies administering grants, except for municipalities, school districts, and certain educational institutions. The law aims to ensure grant funds are used as intended and prevent misuse.

Maddy summarySB 224 extends the cooling-off period for former Pennsylvania public officials and employees from one year to two years before they can represent clients on matters previously handled by their former government body. This change directly affects individuals who leave state government positions, restricting their ability to lobby or advocate for clients on specific issues within two years of departure. The bill amends Section 1103(g) of Pennsylvania’s ethics law to require this longer waiting period for any compensated representation. The policy aims to prevent potential conflicts of interest by limiting immediate post-employment lobbying on prior matters. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summarySB 218 amends Pennsylvania's Housing Authorities Law to clarify tenant selection rules and expand veteran preferences for low-income housing. It requires housing authorities to rent only to low-income tenants (with income ≤ six times annual rent, including utility costs) and prohibits renting to non-citizens or those violating immigration laws. The bill also adds a provision ensuring veteran preferences apply to all qualifying housing programs, not just specific ones. These changes directly affect Pennsylvania housing authorities and applicants seeking subsidized housing.

Maddy summarySB 193 prohibits the Pennsylvania National Guard and Air National Guard from requiring members or employees to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and bars disciplinary actions based solely on vaccine refusal. It mandates the reinstatement of any Guard member or employee dismissed over vaccine refusal, including restoration of lost pay and benefits. The bill aligns with a federal law (Section 525 of the 2023 NDAA) and defines "COVID-19 vaccine" as one with FDA emergency use authorization or approval. This policy directly affects current and former Pennsylvania National Guard personnel regarding vaccine requirements and employment consequences.

Maddy summarySB 197 amends Pennsylvania's Physical Therapy Practice Act to create a "certificate of authorization" allowing licensed physical therapists to practice without a doctor's referral. To qualify, therapists must pass an exam on evaluative procedures, have two years of continuous practice, and maintain $1 million in professional liability insurance. This applies only to therapists meeting these specific requirements, not all physical therapists. The bill also updates continuing education rules, requiring 30 hours every two years (excluding office management courses) for license renewal.

Maddy summarySB 144 provides financial compensation to Pennsylvania veterans who served in the Global War on Terrorism (September 11, 2001-December 31, 2022) or their beneficiaries. Eligible veterans receive $1,000 for direct support (e.g., specific campaign medals) or $500 for general service, with $5,000 for deceased veterans or prisoners of war. To qualify, veterans must have been Pennsylvania legal residents during service or at death, and the program is funded through state bonds requiring voter approval. The bill also prohibits charging fees to assist veterans with applications and establishes funds to manage compensation payments.