Sen. Wayne Langerholc

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Insurance Company Law to establish a direct billing system for nonnetwork emergency medical services (EMS) agencies. It requires insurers to directly reimburse these agencies for dispatched 911 services at a rate of 350% of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services published rate, rather than billing patients directly. The legislation mandates that insurers pay these agencies within 45 days and prohibits them from forcing EMS agencies to sign contracts to receive this reimbursement. Additionally, the bill creates a public registry to track which EMS agencies are eligible for direct payment and restricts how these agencies can solicit donations related to billing practices.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates May 2026 as Lyme Disease and Tick-Borne Illness Awareness Month in Pennsylvania to highlight the prevalence and risks of these conditions. The measure aims to increase public awareness about tick-borne illnesses, which are transmitted by infected ticks and can cause a range of symptoms from rashes to severe organ issues. By officially recognizing this month, the resolution encourages residents to take precautions against tick bites and seek early diagnosis and treatment to prevent long-term health complications.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a pilot program called the Community-Engaged School for Success to support struggling schools in Pennsylvania by connecting them with local community resources. It designates schools as "community-engaged" if they are among the lowest 15% in academic performance or located in districts with at least 30% acute poverty, requiring them to hire coordinators and program managers to oversee new support services. These services include academic help, mental and dental health care, family engagement, and college preparation, provided by school staff or outside partners without replacing existing union-negotiated duties. The Department of Education is tasked with approving applications and designating at least 20 schools by September 2026 to begin this initiative.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 323 formally congratulates The Pennsylvania State University wrestling team on winning its 14th NCAA Division I Championship and honors Pennsylvania athletes who placed in both the men's and inaugural women's wrestling championships. The resolution highlights the team's historic dominance by citing specific records, such as setting a new tournament scoring record and producing multiple All-American wrestlers under head coach Cael Sanderson. It also recognizes individual achievements, including awards won by wrestlers like Mitchell Mesenbrink and the strong performance of Pennsylvania-native athletes across the tournament.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates June 2026 as "Dairy Month" in Pennsylvania to recognize the state's dairy industry. The measure highlights the economic significance of dairy farming, noting that it supports over 47,000 jobs and generates billions in annual activity. While the resolution does not change laws or regulations, it encourages the public to purchase and consume locally produced dairy products.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution congratulates Indiana University of Pennsylvania on its 150th anniversary, marking 150 years since the institution began as Indiana State Normal School in 1875. The document outlines the school's historical evolution from a teacher training program to a university and notes its current status as the only state-owned institution authorized to confer doctor of philosophy degrees. It also highlights the university's ongoing academic growth, including plans to establish a College of Osteopathic Medicine. The resolution expresses the Senate's best wishes for the university's continued success and directs a copy of the document to the university's Council of Trustees.

Maddy summaryPennsylvania Senate Bill 1320 creates a new tax credit to help residents offset costs for youth sports programs. The bill defines eligible expenses as fees, equipment, and travel for non-professional sports activities attended by students from kindergarten through age 21. Parents, guardians, or grandparents can claim a credit against their state income tax if their household income is at or below 300% of the federal poverty level. The maximum credit is $1,500 for individual filers and $3,000 for joint filers, and the credit cannot be refunded or carried over to other tax years.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill creates a new tax credit for residents who spend money on physical health improvements, such as gym memberships and in-person exercise classes. To qualify, taxpayers must have a household income at or below 300% of the federal poverty limit, with a maximum credit of $500 for individuals or $1,000 for married couples filing jointly. The credit is non-refundable, meaning it can only reduce tax owed to zero and cannot result in a refund, and it specifically excludes costs for books, virtual training, or personal trainers.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's vehicle inspection rules by exempting the newest model year vehicles from emission testing for five years and removing the gas cap test requirement for cars manufactured without one. While these newer cars are waived from emission checks, they must still undergo visual inspections to ensure emissions control parts have not been tampered with. Additionally, the legislation directs the state to stop spending money on the enhanced emission inspection program in several specific counties and to submit a revised plan to the federal government proving those areas can still meet air quality standards without it.

Maddy summaryPennsylvania's SB 822 strengthens state preemption over local firearm regulations. It declares that state law exclusively governs all aspects of firearms, ammunition, and related items - including purchase, sale, possession, and transportation - nullifying any conflicting local ordinances, resolutions, or rules. The bill also creates a legal pathway for individuals or organizations adversely affected by local gun rules to seek court relief, including recovery of attorney fees and other costs if they successfully challenge such rules. This directly affects municipalities (cities, towns, counties) and residents or businesses operating under local firearm regulations that conflict with state law. The bill does not change existing firearm laws but explicitly prevents local governments from enacting stricter rules.