Sen. Doug Mastriano

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill updates state laws to clarify which inmates are ineligible for early release programs, specifically short sentence parole and certain parole eligibility rules. It directly affects prisoners convicted of specific serious offenses, such as incest, open lewdness, and crimes involving child sexual abuse material, by ensuring they cannot access these accelerated release options. The legislation also standardizes the term "child sexual abuse material" throughout the statutes to replace older references to "child pornography." Additionally, the bill makes minor editorial changes to correct references within the legal code.

Maddy summaryThis law allows police officers in Pennsylvania to choose whether to buy back pension credit for their previous time working with a police department, rather than requiring them to do so. It specifically changes state statutes to give officers the option to apply for this service credit under the municipal pension system. The change applies to those seeking to purchase credit for prior service as part of their retirement benefits calculation.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires students to keep their cell phones in lockable bags during school hours to enhance safety and security. It clarifies that this rule does not prevent school employees from using their own phones for work-related tasks. Additionally, the legislation mandates that the school safety committee include a report on this pilot program in the annual school safety report.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's military statutes to update the legal description of Fort Indiantown Gap and creates a new fund to support service members, veterans, and their families. The primary mechanism involves revising a specific section of the Department of Military Affairs code to reflect current information about the base. Additionally, the legislation establishes a dedicated financial resource intended to provide assistance to military personnel and their dependents. The bill focuses on administrative updates and the creation of a support fund without detailing specific funding amounts or eligibility criteria in the provided text.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires parental consent before schools can offer specific types of virtual mental health services to students. It defines these services as online peer support groups, counseling from non-licensed individuals, and behavioral health support provided by artificial intelligence. The law also clarifies that it does not protect unlicensed individuals from legal penalties if they provide services outside of their professional scope. While the bill establishes these consent rules, it does not change the list of licensed professionals who can currently provide mental health care.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific bridge on Pennsylvania Route 72 in Swatara Township as the Senator David J. Arnold, Jr., Memorial Bridge to honor his service. The legislation officially names the structure after the late state senator, who previously served as Lebanon County's district attorney and later as a state senator. To implement this change, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is required to install and maintain signs displaying the new name for drivers traveling in both directions. The act will become effective 60 days after being signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Medical Practice Act to formally define and regulate the practice of midwifery by nurse-midwives and certified midwives. It establishes specific conditions under which nurse-midwives can prescribe medications, allowing those with advanced pharmacology training to dispense certain controlled substances for acute pain, opioid use disorder, and gynecologic health issues. The legislation also clarifies the scope of practice for nurse-midwives working in hospitals and birth centers versus those in other settings, requiring collaborative agreements with physicians in the latter case. Additionally, the bill grants nurse-midwives authority to order medical devices, immunizing agents, and laboratory tests while maintaining their responsibility for patient care decisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Pennsylvania's Public Utility Commission to create stakeholder groups for electricity, natural gas, telecommunications, and water services to review existing laws and regulations. These groups will include representatives from utility companies, consumer advocates, and industry associations to evaluate how current rules impact customer rates and utility efficiency. The commission must produce a report within one year that offers specific recommendations for changing policies to reduce costs for ratepayers while allowing utilities to operate more effectively. Additionally, the bill mandates that these stakeholder groups meet again every ten years to continue this ongoing review process.

Maddy summarySB 1267 updates the fees charged to constables and deputy constables in Pennsylvania for various legal services. The bill directly affects these law enforcement officers, the courts that employ them, and the individuals or entities required to pay for their services. It increases the cost for specific actions, such as serving legal documents, transporting defendants, and providing courtroom security, while also adjusting compensation for holding defendants and fingerprinting. Additionally, the legislation clarifies how surcharges are applied in criminal and civil cases and establishes rules for reimbursing travel expenses based on IRS rates.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Clean Air Preservation Act, prohibits any form of weather modification, cloud seeding, or atmospheric pollution within Pennsylvania. It defines these activities broadly to include actions taken by humans, machines, or artificial intelligence that release harmful substances or agents into the air. The Pennsylvania State Police and county sheriffs are tasked with enforcing the law by issuing immediate cease-and-desist orders that carry the same legal weight as a court order. Violators face severe penalties, including fines of at least $500,000, imprisonment for a minimum of two years, and potential charges under existing air pollution laws. The legislation also requires authorities to notify federal agencies if any government or foreign-approved projects attempt to conduct such activities within the state.