Sen. Lindsey Williams

Maddy summarySB 1134 amends Pennsylvania law to require a 60-day public process before filling judicial vacancies (for Supreme Court, appellate, common pleas, or magisterial district judges). It mandates that after a vacancy occurs, the Governor must: (1) solicit applications for 30 days, (2) publish applicant materials (with personal details redacted) online for 30 days to allow public comment, and (3) submit a nominee to the Senate for confirmation. Senate confirmation requires two-thirds approval for higher courts and a simple majority for magisterial district judges. The bill does not change the appointment term length or the Governor’s final selection authority.

Maddy summarySB 1135 allows Pennsylvania feed manufacturers to use industrial hemp (with less than 0.3% THC) in commercial animal feed for pets, horses, and nonproduction animals. It requires the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to establish rules for labeling, testing, and recordkeeping of hemp in feed, while coordinating with federal hemp regulations if applicable. The bill directly affects feed producers and the state's agricultural regulatory system by creating new oversight requirements. This law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summarySB 1113 requires health care facilities, insurers, and Medicaid Advantage/CHIP managed care plans in Pennsylvania to disclose when artificial intelligence (AI) is used for clinical decision making or patient communications. Facilities must provide clear disclosures in writing, on their public website, and include disclaimers for AI-generated communications with instructions to contact a human provider. The bill exempts routine administrative tasks (like scheduling or billing) and communications reviewed by a human from these disclosure rules. It imposes duties on the Departments of Health, Insurance, and Human Services to enforce compliance and sets penalties for violations.

Maddy summarySB 1087 creates a mileage-based road user charge for electric vehicles (EVs) in Pennsylvania, replacing the current gas tax for EVs. It specifically exempts military personnel on active duty stationed outside Pennsylvania from this charge during their overseas assignment. The bill also establishes a refund process for EV owners who qualify for the military exemption, allowing them to apply for reimbursement of charges paid during their eligible overseas duty period. This policy directly affects EV owners who are military members stationed out of state, adjusting their tax obligations based on residency during service.

Maddy summarySB 1126 requires most health insurance plans in Pennsylvania to cover at least two epinephrine delivery systems (such as EpiPens for severe allergic reactions) per year at a maximum annual cost of $35, regardless of the insured's deductible or other cost-sharing. This applies to individual and group health insurance policies, as well as certain nonprofit health plans. The Attorney General must investigate epinephrine drug pricing and submit a public report to the legislature within one year. The bill also allows plans to reduce cost-sharing below $35 and applies to high deductible and catastrophic health plans where permitted by federal law.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires manufacturers of disposable menstrual products (such as pads, tampons, and liners) sold in Pennsylvania to clearly list all ingredients on product packaging in order of predominance, using 10-point font visible on the box. It specifically mandates disclosure of certain fragrance allergens (like limonene or linalool) and requires online posting of ingredient information. Manufacturers face fines up to $1,000 per violation for noncompliance. The law directly affects product manufacturers, not consumers, by increasing transparency about product contents under Pennsylvania's cosmetic and drug regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 1118) requires Pennsylvania's Department of Health to develop and distribute educational materials about perimenopause and menopause. It mandates partnerships with healthcare providers (like OB/GYNs and community health centers) to create accessible resources covering symptoms, treatments, biological processes, and communication strategies for women approaching or experiencing these stages. The materials must be distributed to women identified by their healthcare providers as entering perimenopause or menopause, available both digitally and physically. The policy directly affects women in Pennsylvania seeking information about these natural life stages and updates the 1929 Administrative Code to include this health education duty.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a bill with policy changes) introduced by Pennsylvania Senators in 2025. It formally recognizes the 250th anniversary of the United States Postal Service, highlighting its founding in 1775 and role in connecting communities, supporting jobs, and providing essential services. The resolution expresses support for maintaining USPS as a public institution and honors postal workers' contributions. It has no binding effect or policy impact, serving solely as a symbolic gesture of appreciation.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 1122) requires most health insurance policies sold in Pennsylvania to cover menopause treatment. Specifically, it mandates coverage for FDA-approved drugs, behavioral therapy, and post-hysterectomy menopause treatments under Section 635.11 of the Insurance Company Law. The requirement applies to standard health insurance policies (excluding dental, vision, workers' compensation, and similar limited-benefit plans) and takes effect 60 days after enactment, with most policies needing to comply within 180 days of the effective date. It does not alter existing cost-sharing rules like deductibles or copays.

Maddy summarySB 1125 requires Pennsylvania school entities (including districts, charter schools, and career schools) to guarantee all students, parents, guardians, and school staff access to school property regardless of immigration status, starting with the 2025-2026 school year. Schools must adopt written policies promoting inclusivity within 90 days, designating a school official to handle related matters, and publish these policies in all languages spoken by students at home at least 30 days before a public meeting. Policies must be approved by a public resolution with 45 days notice and reviewed at least quarterly, with updates made through the same public process. This law directly affects school operations, ensuring consistent access and procedural transparency for all school community members.