Sen. Greg Rothman

Maddy summarySB 386 expands Pennsylvania's restrictions on foreign entities acquiring agricultural land, prohibiting entities from "countries of concern" (including China, Russia, Iran, and others) and foreign political parties from purchasing more than 100 acres of farmland, except through inheritance or as security for debt. It requires title companies to verify compliance, imposes $1,000 penalties for willful failures, and authorizes the Attorney General to investigate violations and seize illegally acquired land. Forfeited land must be sold at auction, with proceeds first covering sale costs and investigation expenses, then paying lienholders, and finally funding the state General Fund. The law defines "agricultural land" as land used for farming crops, livestock, or related products, excluding mineral rights or non-agricultural zoning.

Maddy summarySB 380, the China Divestiture Act, requires Pennsylvania's major retirement systems (State Employees', Public School Employees', and Municipal Retirement Systems) and the State Treasurer to sell all investments tied to China. It mandates phasing out direct holdings of Chinese government securities and scrutinized Chinese companies (including sanctioned entities) within 10 years (50% sold by year 3, 75% by year 5, 100% by year 10). The bill also prohibits new investments in such entities and requires annual reports on divestment progress to state officials. This policy directly affects Pennsylvania's $100+ billion public pension funds by restructuring their investment portfolios.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 17-23, 2025, as "THON Week" in Pennsylvania to honor Penn State student volunteers involved in the IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon. It recognizes their work supporting pediatric cancer research and patient care through the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital. The resolution does not create new laws or alter funding; it is a ceremonial acknowledgment of the event's mission and impact. THON, a student-run philanthropy, has raised over $236 million since 1977 for childhood cancer support.

Maddy summarySB 352 updates Pennsylvania's Dam Safety and Encroachments Act by adding a definition for "flood-related hazard" (e.g., debris or obstructions that increase flood risks to life or property). It clarifies which dams must comply with safety regulations, specifying that dams exceeding 15 feet in depth or 50 acre-feet in water storage capacity - whether on watercourses or used for non-water fluids - are covered. The bill explicitly excludes routine flood mitigation on farms under the Right-to-Farm Law. This amendment ensures the law applies consistently to significant dams and hazards while maintaining existing agricultural exemptions.

Maddy summarySB 314 requires Pennsylvania's Department of Health to report the death of any registered voter aged 18 or older to local election commissions within seven days of learning of the death. Election commissions must then cancel that voter's registration and update their records. The law aims to improve the accuracy of voter rolls by ensuring deceased individuals are removed promptly. It takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summarySB 304 creates a new "Military Education Scholarship Account" program under Pennsylvania's Public School Code, designed to provide financial support for education expenses for children of active-duty military members (including National Guard and reserve members on active duty) or children of service members killed in action. Parents of eligible school-age children can apply for a state-controlled account holding funds that may be used for approved education costs at private schools, colleges, or approved tutoring programs. The program prohibits use of these funds alongside other state scholarship programs like the Educational Improvement Tax Credit. If a child moves out of state or the agreement ends, remaining funds revert to the child's local school district.

Maddy summarySB 267 amends Pennsylvania's Construction Code Act to add specific exemptions from standard building requirements. It directly affects homeowners, event organizers, and small contractors by exempting certain temporary structures (like fair booths under 1,600 sq ft for under 30 days), small decks attached to homes, accessory structures under 200 sq ft, and patio covers meeting 2009 IBC standards. The bill clarifies that these structures are not subject to the full construction code enforcement. The changes take effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 2025 as "Career and Technical Education Month" in Pennsylvania. It formally recognizes the importance of career and technical education programs for students and the workforce, without creating new laws or altering existing policies. The resolution aims to raise public awareness about these programs, which serve over 68,000 students statewide and connect them to in-demand careers.

Maddy summarySB 238 repeals the realty transfer tax provisions from Pennsylvania's 1971 Tax Reform Code, removing a specific tax applied to property transfers. It eliminates Article XI-C, which previously defined terms like "family farm business," "living trust," and "real estate" for tax purposes. This change means property transfers in Pennsylvania will no longer be subject to the realty transfer tax framework that existed under the 1971 Code. The bill does not create new tax rules but removes the existing structure governing this tax.

Maddy summarySB 243 amends Pennsylvania's 1929 Administrative Code to update rules for disposing of Commonwealth-owned surplus land. It clarifies that "surplus property" excludes state parks, forests, and lands held by specific agencies like the Fish and Boat Commission. The bill requires annual surveys to identify surplus land and mandates a formal disposal plan considering factors like agricultural use, cost savings, local government needs, and fair market value. All sales must follow public notice, competitive bidding, and require the sale price to reflect fair market value or equivalent long-term benefits to the Commonwealth.