Sen. Doug Mastriano

Maddy summarySenate Bill 481 amends Pennsylvania vehicle law to allow certain milk haulers to operate on highways during inclement weather and declared emergencies. This bill permits combination vehicles and farm vehicles transporting milk products to travel 24 hours a day, seven days a week, even when other vehicles might be restricted due to weather or emergency declarations. It requires these licensed milk haulers to display a specific decal issued by the Pennsylvania Milk Board, for which a fee will be charged to cover administrative costs. The bill also clarifies existing provisions related to permits for milk hauling during the manufacturing process.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 1381 establishes new standards for the paint used on road markings for Pennsylvania state highways and interstate routes. The legislation requires the Department of Transportation to use a specific type of durable, low-temperature paint that is at least 18 mils thick and results in lines no less than four inches wide on roadways wider than 16 feet. Under these rules, the state must repaint these center and edge lines at least every 24 months to maintain visibility and safety. The bill also allows the department to issue temporary regulations to quickly implement these changes and includes a provision for the law to expire if federal standards are updated to be even more strict.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates September 25, 2026, as "Disabled American Veterans Day" in Pennsylvania to honor veterans with disabilities and the Disabled American Veterans organization. The measure recognizes the DAV's long history of providing services such as helping with benefits claims, offering transportation to medical appointments, and supporting local communities. By establishing this specific date, the resolution aims to raise public awareness about the sacrifices made by disabled veterans and the ongoing support provided by the DAV.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates September 11, 2026, as "25th Anniversary of the Terrorist Attacks of September 11, 2001, Day" throughout Pennsylvania. The measure aims to honor the memory of civilians, military members, and first responders who died in the attacks and to acknowledge the bravery of those who responded to the crisis. By passing this resolution, the Senate formally recognizes the historical significance of the event and reaffirms its commitment to remembering the victims and the lessons learned from that day.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors the life of former State Senator Jack McGregor and expresses condolences following his death on January 6, 2026. The document outlines his extensive career, including his service in the Marine Corps, his tenure in the Pennsylvania Senate, and his role as a founder of the Pittsburgh Penguins. It also notes his various appointments to federal boards and his establishment of a scholarship at the University of Pittsburgh. The resolution serves as a formal acknowledgment of his public service and personal achievements rather than proposing new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates June 10, 2026, as "National Guard and Veterans Day" to honor the Pennsylvania National Guard and its veterans. The measure highlights the unit's historical roots dating back to 1747 and outlines its extensive roles in military service, disaster relief, and community support. By formally recognizing this date, the resolution acknowledges the contributions of the approximately 20,000 members who serve in both full-time and part-time capacities across the state.

Maddy summarySB 866 amends Pennsylvania's Controlled Substance Act to add medetomidine (a veterinary sedative) to Schedule III, while clarifying specific exemptions for its legal use in animal medicine. It directly affects veterinarians, animal drug manufacturers, and pharmacists who handle medetomidine for approved veterinary purposes, such as FDA-approved animal drugs or compounding. Key provisions include exempting medetomidine from Schedule III control when used for nonhuman species under federal approval (21 U.S.C. § 360b), for animal drug manufacturing, or by licensed professionals. The bill also requires veterinarians to store medetomidine and xylazine securely, following existing pharmacy storage rules under the Pharmacy Act.

Maddy summarySB 835 requires Pennsylvania public school districts to display the U.S. flag on or near school buildings during school hours in normal weather, and to purchase flags if they do not already have them. School boards must also display the POW/MIA flag alongside the U.S. flag where practical. The bill amends the Public School Code of 1949 to mandate these specific flag display practices in all public schools. It directly affects all Pennsylvania public school districts by establishing clear requirements for flag placement.

Maddy summarySB 1088 would amend Pennsylvania's laws to establish "First Defenders Day" as an official legal holiday, observed annually on the first Monday of May. This change would directly affect state employees and businesses that typically close on designated legal holidays, requiring them to observe this new day off. The bill's key mechanism is adding the holiday to Title 38 of Pennsylvania's Consolidated Statutes, creating a formal, recurring observance without altering other holiday schedules. The bill is currently in the referral stage and has not yet advanced to a vote.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates June 15, 2026, as "World Elder Abuse Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania to highlight the issue of elder abuse. The measure does not change any laws or create new programs but serves as a formal recognition to draw attention to the rising number of abuse reports and the vulnerability of older adults. By acknowledging this specific date, the resolution aims to encourage the public and officials to focus on safeguarding the well-being of the state's aging population.