Sen. Wayne Langerholc

Maddy summarySB 875 creates a "clean slate" provision for individuals who successfully complete Pennsylvania's motivational boot camp program. It allows their criminal history records to become "limited access" for 3 years (misdemeanors) or 5 years (felonies) after program completion, provided they have no new convictions, paid all restitution, and completed the program. This means most background checks would not reveal these records during the limited access period. The bill specifically applies to participants who meet eligibility criteria under the motivational boot camp program, excluding those with certain serious offenses or enhancements. The Department of Corrections must certify successful completion to courts to trigger this record access change.

Maddy summarySB 933 establishes a permitting system for government agencies to install automated license plate reader (ALPR) systems on Pennsylvania's state highways. It requires safety-tested poles (MASH-rated or behind barriers), specifies minimum distances from travel lanes and curbs, and mandates a 30-day review process by the Department of Transportation for permit applications. The bill directly affects state/local law enforcement, transportation authorities, and other government agencies seeking to deploy ALPRs for traffic enforcement or safety purposes. It does not cover toll systems or private devices, focusing solely on government use of these systems on public roads. The law takes effect 30 days after enactment.

Maddy summarySB 930 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to strengthen school safety and security systems. It establishes a School Safety and Security Committee, requires schools to appoint coordinators for safety planning, and mandates annual training for staff on topics like cyber safety, active shooter drills, and mental health awareness. The bill creates a grant program funding mental health services and cyber security measures (e.g., preventing data breaches), with funds restricted to these purposes. Schools must report safety meeting attendance and security personnel details annually, starting in 2026, to their boards of directors. These changes directly affect public school districts, charter schools, and their administrators.

Maddy summarySB 739 creates new criminal offenses for manufacturing, distributing, selling, transferring, using, or possessing "illicit devices" for motor vehicles. These devices include physical keys adaptable to multiple vehicles or electronic tools that can unlock, start, or emulate vehicle key fobs. The law specifically targets devices that work across multiple vehicles, with penalties ranging from misdemeanors for first offenses to felonies for repeat violations. Legitimate businesses like dealers, locksmiths, rental agencies, manufacturers, and law enforcement are exempt from these restrictions when operating in their normal course of business.

Maddy summarySB 898 amends Pennsylvania's Waterfront Development Tax Credit program under the Tax Reform Code. It establishes 60-day timelines for the Department of Revenue to approve or renew waterfront development organizations' applications and projects. The bill increases the maximum tax credit from 75% to 90% of a business's annual contribution and raises the annual cap on total tax credits from $5 million to $10 million. These changes directly affect waterfront development organizations and businesses making qualifying contributions to eligible projects.

Maddy summarySB 255 classifies "sexual assault by sports official, volunteer or employee of nonprofit association" (18 Pa.C.S. § 3124.3) as a Tier II sexual offense under Pennsylvania sentencing law. This change directly affects individuals convicted of this specific type of sexual assault who work in sports organizations or nonprofit settings. Tier II classification requires longer mandatory registration periods and stricter supervision for offenders. The bill amends Title 42 of Pennsylvania law to add this offense to the existing Tier II list, effective immediately upon the Governor's approval on June 30, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes Pennsylvania's fishing license fees for specific veterans and military members. Disabled veterans with a 100% service-connected disability (certified by the VA) receive free resident fishing licenses, while those with 60-99% disability pay $1. Deployed Pennsylvania National Guard members (with proof of 60+ days overseas deployment in the last 24 months) also get a $1 annual license. It repeals a prior section that provided similar $1 licenses to reserve component military members. The law took effect 60 days after the governor signed it on June 30, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 665 creates a state-funded program allowing Pennsylvania municipalities to establish "Safe Exchange Zones" for two specific purposes: exchanging online purchases and conducting child custody exchanges. Municipalities apply for one-time grants to set up zones within 100 feet of police stations, sheriff's offices, or public areas with active presence, requiring clear signage, video surveillance, and emergency contact displays. The program mandates that participating police departments or sheriff's offices monitor zones for safety without interfering unless a clear danger exists, and it protects municipalities, law enforcement, and the state from liability for participant conduct. This bill, pending in committee, aims to provide designated safe locations through local grant funding.

Maddy summarySB 635 amends Pennsylvania sentencing law to impose stricter penalties for certain drug-related offenses committed within 1,000 feet of a drug and alcohol recovery house. Specifically, it requires the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing to create enhanced penalties for offenses under the Controlled Substance Act (sections 13(a)(12), (14), or (30)) when committed near these facilities. The bill defines "drug and alcohol recovery house" using existing law (Section 2311-A of the Administrative Code). This policy change directly affects individuals convicted of targeted drug offenses near recovery centers, increasing potential sentencing severity. The bill passed final passage on June 25, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 129) honors the late Pennsylvania State Representative Matthew R. Gergely and expresses condolences to his family following his death. It formally recognizes his life, career in McKeesport (including roles as City Administrator and Chief Revenue Officer), and service as a state representative for the 35th district. The resolution, adopted on June 23, 2025, directs the Senate to convey these condolences to his wife, children, and other surviving family members. It does not create any new policy or affect any laws.