Sen. Doug Mastriano

Maddy summarySB 990 prohibits Pennsylvania state agencies and local governments from restricting the use, purchase, or sale of motor vehicles based on their power source (e.g., electric, hybrid, or gasoline). This directly affects vehicle owners, dealers, and local governments that might have considered implementing such restrictions. The bill adds a new section to vehicle law stating that no political subdivision may impose these restrictions, though it does not affect rules for government-owned fleets. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summarySB 802 creates a voluntary "communication impairment designation" for Pennsylvania drivers with conditions affecting communication (e.g., autism, aphasia). Drivers submit a medical professional's sworn statement, confirm voluntary disclosure, and provide emergency contact info to add a visible "i" symbol to their license. Law enforcement can access the designation and emergency contacts during traffic stops via secure networks, but specific medical details remain private and are not public records. The designation can be added, updated, or removed without fees (except standard license renewal costs), with penalties for fraudulent applications or misuse to avoid lawful orders.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution honors the life and sacrifice of United States Army Specialist Krystofer Lee Lopez, a Pennsylvania resident who died during a training incident at Letterkenny Army Depot in March 2026. The resolution formally expresses condolences and gratitude to Lopez's family, particularly his twin sister Kiki, and acknowledges his service as a military police officer who was posthumously promoted to Specialist. The document recognizes Lopez's dedication to his country and community while offering official support and remembrance to his loved ones.

Maddy summaryThis bill abolishes Pennsylvania's State Board of Higher Education and replaces it with a new Performance-based Funding Council to oversee public colleges and universities. The council will consist of representatives from state universities, community colleges, independent institutions, labor unions, businesses, and students, along with state officials from education and labor departments. Key provisions include shifting certain oversight duties to the State Board of Education and Council of Higher Education, while establishing new reporting requirements for public institutions of higher education. The legislation aims to restructure how Pennsylvania manages and funds its public higher education system through a new governance framework.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates March 2026 as Irish-American Heritage Month in Pennsylvania to honor the historical and cultural contributions of people of Irish descent. The measure formally recognizes the significant role Irish Americans have played in Pennsylvania, where nearly two million residents trace their ancestry to Ireland. It also expresses support for the Good Friday Agreement and promotes peace on the island of Ireland. The resolution does not change laws or policies but serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of heritage and ongoing international relations.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (SR 230), not a law. It officially designates March 25, 2026, as "Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania. The resolution raises public awareness about autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), a rare blood disorder where the immune system destroys red blood cells, causing symptoms like fatigue and shortness of breath. It does not create new laws, allocate funding, or directly affect specific individuals or groups - it serves solely as a symbolic recognition to promote understanding of this condition.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 233) symbolically recognizes March 21, 2026, as "World Down Syndrome Day" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or affect any individuals or policies, as it is a ceremonial gesture acknowledging the day. The resolution cites statistics about Down syndrome and highlights contributions of people with Down syndrome to society, but contains no binding provisions or requirements. It serves solely to honor the occasion through official state recognition.

Maddy summarySB 1158 prohibits the use of paraquat and its salts (including methyl viologen and paraquat bismethylsulfate) as pesticides in Pennsylvania. It amends the state's pesticide law to make it unlawful to use these chemicals, defined by their chemical identifier (CAS number 4685-14-7). This directly affects farmers, agricultural businesses, and pest control professionals who currently use paraquat for crop management or other purposes. The prohibition takes effect one year after enactment, replacing any conflicting regulations.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 227) designates May 7, 2026, as "The Day of Prayer and Fasting" in Pennsylvania. It is a ceremonial resolution calling for voluntary prayer, fasting, and reflection on that date, without creating new laws or obligations. The resolution references Pennsylvania's historical emphasis on religious liberty and draws parallels to other states observing similar days, but it has no legal effect on citizens or government operations.

Maddy summarySB 1159 would make it a minor criminal offense to organize, operate, or permit events where live pigeons are used as targets for shooting contests, such as events where pigeons are launched or presented to shooters from a fixed location. The law specifically targets these contests for amusement or skill in marksmanship, but excludes activities authorized under Pennsylvania's game laws (like hunting) or dog training programs. It also does not apply to events with special permits under existing regulations. The bill would take effect 60 days after enactment.