Sen. Doug Mastriano

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Fiscal Code to clarify how individuals can claim abandoned or unclaimed property held by the state. It allows any person with an interest in such property to file a formal claim using a specific form provided by the State Treasurer. Additionally, the law permits the State Treasurer to automatically distribute property or its sale proceeds to a person if that person is identified as the sole owner and the item's value is under $500, even without a filed claim. The changes apply to the state government and affect anyone holding unclaimed assets or seeking to recover them.

Maddy summaryThis law updates Pennsylvania's Public School Code to clarify how schools must support students who are children of National Guard or Reserve members. It ensures that these students receive the same educational protections as those covered under the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, regardless of whether their parent is stationed in another state or within the Commonwealth. The bill defines key terms like "Compact student" and limits the new rules to actions taken by public schools located in Pennsylvania. By aligning state regulations with the national compact, the legislation provides a consistent framework for supporting military-connected children in public education.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the PA VETConnect Program within the Pennsylvania Department of Military Affairs to support veterans and their families. It brings together a network of diverse groups, including federal and state agencies, schools, healthcare providers, and nonprofits, to share information and coordinate services. The department is tasked with administering the program, developing a mission statement, and helping recently separated service members access resources and benefits. By centralizing these efforts, the program aims to improve communication and provide proactive solutions to address the needs of the veteran community.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the funding rules for Pennsylvania's state universities by requiring a council to select no more than six performance metrics to distribute specific portions of state appropriations. If the council fails to meet its reporting deadline, a pre-defined set of default metrics will automatically take effect to allocate funds based on graduation rates, tuition costs, retention, and degrees in high-priority fields. The law also establishes a five-year review cycle to reassess these performance measures and outlines a process for funding the administrative costs of implementing the new system.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the definition of eligible institutions for Pennsylvania's Grow Pennsylvania scholarship programs to include schools approved under the Higher Education Scholarship Law and those established under Article XIX-G. It updates the list of covered academic areas to include special education, STEM, and allied health fields while clarifying that students may take occasional online courses. The legislation also modifies repayment rules by allowing agencies to charge interest on unearned scholarships and permitting students to switch between different approved courses of study without losing eligibility. Additionally, the bill requires the state to actively market these programs online at least every three years and ensures that scholarship funds do not disqualify schools from receiving other state grants.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Housing Authorities Law to clarify how public housing units are rented and how tenants are selected. It requires housing authorities to rent only to low-income individuals at affordable rates, ensuring that total household income does not exceed six times the annual rent including utilities. The legislation also restricts rentals to U.S. citizens or those with valid immigration status and mandates that authorities file their rental schedules with the State Planning Board. Additionally, the bill establishes a preference for eligible veterans in all housing programs offered by these authorities.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to ensure that medical assistance covers payments for custom orthotics and prosthetics. It requires the state department to set reimbursement rates for these items at a level no lower than the current federal Medicare fee schedule. Additionally, the law mandates that all specific codes for these custom devices be included in the state's medical assistance program. The changes are designed to align state coverage with federal standards for durable medical equipment.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows individuals who have received the Vice Presidential Service Badge to apply for special license plates in Pennsylvania. To qualify, applicants must pay a $26 fee in addition to standard registration costs and provide documentation proving their status as badge recipients. The special plates are restricted to passenger cars or trucks with a gross weight of 14,000 pounds or less and will become effective 120 days after the law is passed.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors the life and achievements of Seymour Holtzman, a businessman, humanitarian, and leader who passed away in May 2024. It recognizes his extensive career, which included founding multiple businesses, leading significant investments in Eastern Europe, and serving in various government advisory roles under President Reagan. The document formally expresses the Senate's condolences to his family and acknowledges his contributions as a philanthropist and advocate for free trade.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Public School Code of 1949 to update teacher certification requirements, specifically creating new pathways for career and technical education instructors. Under the new rules, individuals can qualify for teaching certificates by demonstrating extensive work experience, such as four years in a trade, or by combining two years of experience with a bachelor's degree. The legislation also establishes specific criteria for instructors with backgrounds as volunteer firefighters or emergency medical technicians, allowing them to teach related occupational skills if they have four years of service. Additionally, the bill modifies funding formulas for student-weighted basic education and adjusts provisions related to school safety, higher education, and library aid.