Sen. Doug Mastriano

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania state law to ensure that veterans' benefit payments are not counted as income when determining eligibility for various state-run programs. It defines "veterans' benefit payments" as compensation related to service-connected disabilities or benefits provided by state agencies, and it explicitly excludes these funds from income calculations for programs that require income verification. The legislation also extends this protection to unmarried surviving spouses of veterans for any compensation they receive based on the veteran's service. Additionally, the law prevents these payments from being considered as financial resources when assessing eligibility for specific human services programs.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution directs the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing to study how post-traumatic stress disorder, military sexual trauma, and traumatic brain injury affect service members, veterans, and their families within the criminal justice system. The study specifically examines individuals involved in Veterans Treatment Courts and expands the scope to include those enrolled in these programs for up to 15 years. By mandating this comprehensive review, the bill aims to gather data on the unique challenges faced by this population rather than changing laws or sentencing guidelines.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the expiration date for Pennsylvania's fire and emergency medical services grant programs from 2034 to 2029. It repeals specific provisions related to temporary COVID-19 recovery grants and establishes new rules for how these funds are awarded and reported annually. The legislation directly affects fire companies and emergency medical services organizations by defining the timeline for their financial support and requiring them to submit yearly reports on the use of funds.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws to establish a specific logo design for veteran-owned small businesses. It creates a new section within the military affairs statutes to define and regulate this official business logotype. The legislation also sets up a nonprofit membership association to manage the program and imposes penalties for non-compliance with the new requirements. These changes directly affect businesses owned by veterans and the organizations that support them.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's eminent domain laws to require government agencies to provide property owners with at least 30 days of written notice before filing a condemnation declaration. The notice must include specific details about the proposed project, contact information for agency representatives, and an explanation of the legal process, including how just compensation is determined and how owners can challenge the taking. Additionally, the bill mandates that agencies post this notice on their websites and at their main offices within 24 hours of issuing it to the property owner. These changes directly affect property owners, mortgage holders, and lienholders by ensuring they receive advance information and guidance before their property is taken for public use.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the existing Pharmacy Audit Integrity and Transparency Act to impose stricter rules on pharmacy benefit managers and the pharmacies that work with them. The legislation prohibits PBMs from forcing pharmacies to accept lower reimbursement rates to join their networks, banning retroactive money take-backs, and outlawing hidden fees or practices that steer patients toward specific pharmacies solely for cost savings. Additionally, it requires PBMs to respond to pharmacy network requests within 30 days, mandates quarterly reporting on drug rebates, and tasks a state department with regulating PBMs and ensuring pharmacies are reimbursed at least the cost of the drugs they dispense.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill designates March 13 as K9 Veterans Day to honor military working dogs and their handlers. It establishes this date based on the historical creation of the official K9 Corps in 1942 and recognizes the service and risks taken by these animals in combat zones. The law requires the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging residents to observe the day, while also noting that field medics are trained to treat injured military dogs. The change becomes effective 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's health and safety laws to update requirements for volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel who serve on hazardous materials teams. To qualify for a tax credit, these volunteers must now hold a specific HAZMAT Operations or Technician certificate and complete at least four training drills or exercises annually. The legislation also clarifies definitions and procedures for volunteer service credits, service records, and certifications under the state's emergency response programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Grow Pennsylvania Merit Scholarship Program to provide financial aid to students pursuing degrees in high-demand fields such as STEM, nursing, and allied health. It defines eligible majors and allows recipients to take occasional online courses while maintaining their scholarship status. The program requires scholars to work in approved in-demand occupations after graduation, with provisions for partial reimbursement if they fail to meet these service obligations. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that switching between approved courses of study does not affect eligibility and limits the ability of institutions to use private collection agencies for debt recovery.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill creates a new tuition and fee waiver program for foster and adopted youth attending state colleges and universities. To qualify, students must have been eligible for federal Chafee grants, have experienced foster care at age sixteen or older, and apply for available financial aid. The waiver covers the cost of tuition and mandatory fees after subtracting other scholarships and grants, and it is available for up to five years or until the student turns twenty-six, whichever comes first. Institutions must also report annually on how many students receive this benefit to state officials and legislative committees.