Sen. Art Haywood

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates May 2026 as "Save Your Tooth Month" in Pennsylvania to promote oral health awareness. The measure highlights the importance of preserving natural teeth and acknowledges the specialized role of endodontists in treating dental issues. It encourages residents to maintain good hygiene practices and seek care from dental professionals to protect their teeth.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates the week of May 17 through 23, 2026, as "Emergency Medical Services Week" in Pennsylvania. The bill directly affects the state legislature and aims to recognize the work of emergency medical services providers, including first responders, paramedics, and volunteers. It does not create new laws or change policies but serves as a commemorative measure to highlight the importance of emergency care.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Emergency Medical Services providers in Pennsylvania to complete specific training on caring for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. The legislation mandates an initial three-hour course covering communication strategies, behavioral management, and recognizing signs of elder abuse, along with an annual one-hour continuing education requirement. The Department of Health will develop this curriculum in partnership with the Department of Aging, and providers who fail to meet these training standards may face certification sanctions. Additionally, the law includes a provision allowing providers who completed similar training within 18 months of the bill's effective date to waive the initial course requirement.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Hospital Security Grant Fund to provide financial assistance to nonprofit hospitals for improving safety and security measures. The fund will be administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency and is initially funded with a $10 million transfer from the General Treasury, with potential for additional appropriations in future years. Eligible projects include purchasing security equipment like surveillance systems and metal detectors, conducting vulnerability assessments, providing staff training, and upgrading physical structures to protect patients, employees, and visitors. Grants will be awarded on a rolling basis after applications are reviewed by the commission in consultation with state homeland security and police officials.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 299 designates May 14, 2026, as IgAN Awareness Day in Pennsylvania to highlight the importance of early detection and treatment for immunoglobulin A nephropathy, a rare form of kidney disease. The resolution aims to increase awareness among patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers about the challenges of diagnosing this condition and the need for better access to screening and care. By drawing attention to this specific health issue, the bill seeks to encourage efforts that improve policies for kidney disease management and support patients and their families.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution officially designates the week of May 6 through 12, 2026, as Nurses Week in Pennsylvania. The measure aims to recognize the contributions of the state's large nursing workforce, which includes over 240,000 registered nurses and other licensed practitioners. By aligning with National Nurses Week, the resolution highlights the critical role nurses play in the Commonwealth's healthcare delivery system.

Maddy summaryThis bill prevents Pennsylvania local governments from setting rules that limit how many family members can live in a single home. It achieves this by amending state statutes to explicitly ban occupancy restrictions based on familial relationships, which include connections through blood, marriage, adoption, or foster care. While the law removes these specific family-based limits, it allows municipalities to still enforce occupancy rules if they are necessary for health, safety, fire codes, or wastewater standards. The changes become effective 60 days after the bill is passed.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution honors the life and legacy of Reverend Jesse Jackson, a prominent civil rights leader and activist who passed away in February 2026. The document outlines his significant contributions to social justice, including his work with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Operation Breadbasket, and Operation PUSH, as well as his role in organizing the Black Political Convention and his two presidential campaigns. The resolution serves as a formal acknowledgment of his impact on movements for racial equality, economic justice, and peace both domestically and internationally.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates the week of April 26 through May 2, 2026, as "Jewish Day Schools Week" in Pennsylvania to recognize the state's 34 Jewish day schools. The measure expresses appreciation for these institutions, which educate over 440,000 Jewish Pennsylvanians and provide cultural and religious instruction. The resolution highlights the schools' role in fostering community, offering bilingual education, and connecting students to global Jewish networks. It also notes that these schools have produced notable alumni such as Seth Rogen and Natalie Portman. This is a ceremonial designation with no changes to laws or funding.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates April 29, 2026, as "World Wish Day" throughout Pennsylvania to honor the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The measure serves as a symbolic recognition of the organization's work granting wishes to children with critical illnesses and does not create any new laws or require funding. By acknowledging the anniversary of the first wish granted in 1980, the resolution highlights the foundation's impact on children's well-being and community spirit.