Sen. Lindsey Williams

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Election Code to update procedures for absentee and mail-in voting and to provide funding for election integrity. It clarifies the definition of "pre-canvass" to include preparing ballots for scanning while explicitly excluding the examination of unopened envelopes or the recording of votes. The legislation sets specific timeframes and notice requirements for county boards of elections when pre-canvassing ballots before an election and canvassing them afterward, while allowing candidate and party representatives to observe these meetings. Additionally, it establishes that challenges to the approval of absentee ballot applications can only be based on voter qualifications, not on whether the applicant chose an absentee or mail-in ballot form.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania election laws to restrict police and federal law enforcement officers from standing within one hundred feet of polling places during primaries and elections, aiming to prevent intimidation. While officers are generally barred from this area, the law allows exceptions for those voting, serving warrants, or maintaining order if specifically requested by election officials or voters. The legislation also prohibits soldiers from being present at election sites and mandates that polling locations inside police stations must be in separate rooms. Any officer found in violation of these distance restrictions without a valid exception faces criminal penalties, including fines or imprisonment.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution officially designates June 2026 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month in Pennsylvania to honor the community's contributions and commemorate the 57th anniversary of the Stonewall Inn demonstrations. The measure serves as a symbolic recognition of historical events, such as early civil rights protests in Philadelphia, and acknowledges the state's long-standing support for LGBTQ+ equality. By passing this resolution, the Pennsylvania Senate aims to foster a welcoming atmosphere and celebrate diversity without altering any laws or government policies.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates June 2026 as "Aphasia Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania to highlight the challenges faced by individuals with aphasia, a communication disorder often caused by stroke or brain injury. The measure aims to increase public understanding of the condition, which affects approximately 75,000 residents in the state, and encourages community support and advocacy. As a symbolic gesture, the bill does not create new laws or funding but serves to draw attention to the need for resources and awareness regarding this language impairment.

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 summaryPennsylvania Senate Bill 1332 requires political advertisements that use artificial intelligence or generative AI to clearly disclose this fact to the public. The law mandates that text-based ads display a visible statement with details about the content's origin, while audio or video ads must include an audible tagline at the beginning. Violations of this disclosure requirement can result in civil fines of up to $3,000, along with the payment of legal fees and court costs. The bill applies to all political ads produced after its effective date of 30 days.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires electric utilities and their contractors to provide automated external defibrillators at all worksites where lineworkers perform electrical tasks. It mandates that these devices be available and functional at both permanent and temporary locations, while also requiring basic CPR and AED training for workers and crew leaders. The legislation assigns the Department of Labor and Industry the duty to establish maintenance and inspection standards for the equipment. Additionally, the bill extends Good Samaritan protections to individuals who use these devices in good faith, shielding them from liability.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates new legal protections against the deprivation of constitutional rights by prohibiting any individual or entity from infringing upon substantive due process or equal protection rights guaranteed by state and federal laws. It establishes that victims of such violations can file civil lawsuits to seek damages, injunctive relief, and civil penalties of up to $25,000 per violation, while also allowing the Attorney General or district attorneys to bring actions on behalf of the injured party. The legislation applies broadly to all persons, regardless of whether they are acting under official authority, and includes provisions for awarding attorney fees and costs to prevailing parties in these cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires new large-scale warehouses and distribution centers in Pennsylvania to be built as "solar-ready," meaning their roofs must be designed to easily accommodate solar panels with at least 40% of the area free from obstructions. To enforce this, the Department of Environmental Protection must ensure new projects include specific structural and electrical features, such as reinforced roofs and pre-installed wiring pathways, while denying waivers based on general costs or market factors. The only way to avoid these requirements is to prove that unique site conditions, like severe shading or poor soil, make compliance technically impossible or excessively expensive, a claim that must be supported by detailed engineering reports and independent cost estimates. Additionally, the legislation provides for tax exemptions on eligible solar retrofit costs and establishes penalties for non-compliance.