Sen. Greg Rothman

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 amends the Osteopathic Medical Practice Act to clarify the definition of activities that do not constitute the unauthorized practice of medicine. It specifically lists sports, athletic competitions, performing arts, recreational activities, and military exercises as examples of permissible non-medical engagements. By updating these definitions and removing outdated regulations, the law provides clearer guidance on what osteopathic physicians can do outside of clinical care without facing legal penalties. The changes directly affect osteopathic medical professionals and the regulatory bodies that oversee their practice.

Maddy summarySB 559 amends the Medical Practice Act of 1985 to update the legal definition of what constitutes "engaging in an activity associated" with medical practice. The bill specifically removes the phrase "engages in an activity associated" and replaces it with a list of five distinct categories, including individual or team sports, athletic competitions, performing arts, recreational activities, and military exercises. By clarifying these terms, the legislation aims to provide clearer boundaries for medical practitioners regarding their participation in non-medical events. This change also directs the state to revoke existing regulations that may conflict with these new definitions. Ultimately, the bill seeks to modernize the statute's language to better reflect current understandings of various extracurricular pursuits.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania law establishes a new annual fee of $290 for owners of noncommercial electric vehicles, replacing the traditional liquid fuels tax that previously exempted these cars. The bill defines specific types of electric and hybrid vehicles to determine eligibility and requires owners to pay this charge concurrently with their vehicle registration fees. Owners can pay the fee as a single annual amount or through a monthly payment plan, and failure to pay within 30 days will result in penalties and a ban on renewing the vehicle's registration. Additionally, the legislation clarifies legal definitions for electric vehicles and hybrids while providing a specific exemption from alternative fuels tax for electricity generated at the owner's home.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Liquor Code to regulate the sale and distribution of ready-to-drink cocktails, which are defined as premixed alcoholic beverages containing between 0.5% and 12.5% alcohol by volume. It establishes a new permit system allowing restaurants, hotels, and distributors to sell these drinks while restricting sales for off-premises consumption after 11 p.m. The legislation also clarifies rules for Pennsylvania Liquor Stores regarding wholesale sales to licensees and special order restrictions, while expanding import licenses to include ready-to-drink cocktails. Additionally, the bill introduces specific provisions for limited distilleries and updates definitions to ensure clarity across the state's alcohol regulatory framework.

Maddy summarySB 1236 amends the Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 to clarify legal definitions regarding who qualifies as a tenant versus an owner. The bill expands the definition of a lease to include oral agreements and situations where an owner accepts rent, while explicitly stating that someone who is not or has never been a tenant does not fall under these protections. By making these textual changes, the legislation updates the rules used to determine recovery of possession and notice requirements for landlords and tenants.

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 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 Senate resolution commemorates July 2, 2024, as the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The bill does not change any laws or affect public policy; instead, it formally acknowledges the historical significance of the legislation that ended legal segregation and prohibited discrimination in employment, public accommodations, and voting. By passing this resolution, the Senate recognizes the Act's role as a landmark achievement in American history without altering its existing provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the state Tax Reform Code to modify various tax rules, including sales tax exclusions, personal income tax definitions, and corporate tax deductions. Key changes include allowing a deduction for student loan interest up to $2,500, exempting certain government and railway compensation related to the East Palestine train derailment from income tax, and creating new tax credits for employer contributions to 529 savings accounts and child care expenses. The legislation also establishes a $50 million annual transfer from personal income tax proceeds to the Clean Streams Fund and expands deductions for medical cannabis businesses. Additionally, it updates definitions and procedures for several existing tax incentive programs related to historic preservation, manufacturing, and city revitalization.