Sen. Devlin Robinson

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 226) formally recognizes February 15, 2026, as "International Childhood Cancer Day" in Pennsylvania. It expresses the Senate's support for raising awareness about pediatric cancer, honoring children affected by the disease, and acknowledging efforts to improve treatments and research. The resolution has no binding effect or policy changes - it is a symbolic gesture to encourage public awareness and support for families and advocates. It does not directly affect any individuals or allocate funding.

Maddy summarySB 327 amends Pennsylvania law to establish specific certification requirements for police officers employed at Fort Indiantown Gap. It directly affects installation police officers at Fort Indiantown Gap who must meet three key conditions: complete basic training, fulfill required in-service training hours, and either hold active certification or have lapsed certification within the last two years with continuous service at the installation. The bill creates a clear pathway for these officers to maintain their certification under the state commission's standards. The law takes effect 60 days after passage, as specified in Section 2 of the bill.

Maddy summarySB 116 allows high school juniors and seniors (age 16+) attending public or nonpublic schools in Pennsylvania to earn elective graduation credits for work at qualifying care facilities. Students may receive one elective credit for every 250 hours worked (up to a maximum of two credits) at a congregate care facility, such as a nursing home, personal care home, or assisted living residence. Schools must establish an application process requiring details like facility contact information, job description, and verified hours, and must approve applications before awarding credit. The bill directly affects students seeking to fulfill graduation requirements through work experience in healthcare or care settings.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 223 designates January 27, 2026, as "International Holocaust Remembrance Day" in Pennsylvania, aligning with the United Nations' designation of the same date. The resolution honors Holocaust victims and promotes educational efforts to prevent future genocides, as stated in its preamble. This symbolic recognition does not create new legal requirements or affect specific groups, but serves to affirm Pennsylvania's commitment to remembering the Holocaust and rejecting denial of this historical event.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 215) symbolically recognizes February 6, 2026, as "National Wear Red Day" in Pennsylvania. It aims to raise awareness about heart disease in women, referencing the American Heart Association's "Go Red for Women" campaign, which encourages monitoring key health metrics like cholesterol and blood pressure. The resolution urges all Pennsylvania residents to wear red on that date to support heart health awareness. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or allocate funds, but serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight cardiovascular health for women.

Maddy summarySR 217 is a commemorative resolution designating February 3, 2026, as "Four Chaplains Day" in Pennsylvania. It honors the sacrifice of four Army chaplains - George Fox, Alexander Goode, John Washington, and Clark Poling - who gave their lives to save others during a WWII ship sinking in 1943. The resolution recognizes their selflessness without creating new legal requirements or affecting specific groups. It serves as a symbolic observance to commemorate their legacy, as noted in Pennsylvania's legislative record.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates January 25-31, 2026, as "Catholic Schools Week" in Pennsylvania. It formally expresses the Senate's appreciation for Catholic elementary and secondary schools across the state, which educate over 100,000 students. The resolution has no binding effect or policy changes - it is a symbolic gesture recognizing these schools' role in education and community values. It directly honors Catholic schools and their contributions to Pennsylvania communities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Pennsylvania to align its scheduling of synthetic psilocybin with federal changes. Specifically, it mandates that after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves a federal scheduling change for synthetic psilocybin, the Pennsylvania Secretary of Health must schedule it within five business days and the change takes effect 30 days after publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. The law directly affects state health authorities and regulatory processes, ensuring Pennsylvania’s rules mirror federal actions without creating new medical uses or penalties. It does not alter current state restrictions but establishes a procedural mechanism for future alignment.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania law to strengthen background checks for individuals working with children in childcare settings. It prohibits hiring or approving applicants with certain criminal histories, including convictions for strangulation, arson, interstate domestic violence, or being listed on sex offender or child abuse perpetrator registries. The rule applies specifically to employers, administrators, and volunteers at child day-care centers, group day-care homes, and family child-care homes. The changes take effect 60 days after enactment.