Sen. Art Haywood

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits smoking in any vehicle transporting a child under 12 years old in Pennsylvania. It defines smoking as using any lighted device, such as a cigarette or pipe, and establishes a $100 fine for a first violation, increasing to $250 for repeat offenses. The law requires that a person be convicted of another traffic violation occurring at the same time to be penalized for smoking around a child. These rules will take effect 90 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 277 designates April 2026 as Sikh Awareness and Appreciation Month in Pennsylvania to highlight the Sikh faith and community contributions. The resolution aims to increase public understanding of Sikhism and address discrimination against Sikhs, particularly in schools. By aligning the designation with the month of Vaisakhi, a major Sikh holiday, the bill seeks to foster greater cultural awareness and tolerance within the state.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates the week of April 26 through May 2, 2026, as "Conservation District Week" throughout Pennsylvania to raise awareness about local conservation efforts. The measure directly affects Pennsylvania's conservation districts, which are volunteer-led local government units responsible for managing natural resources like soil and water on private and public lands. By officially naming this specific week, the bill aims to highlight the work these districts perform in partnering with landowners, businesses, and other agencies to protect the environment. This action is a commemorative gesture that does not alter existing laws or create new funding, but rather serves to recognize the role of conservation districts in the state.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania Senate Resolution officially designates the week of April 19 through 25, 2026, as National Infertility Awareness Week within the state. The measure serves as a symbolic recognition to highlight infertility issues and encourage empathy and understanding among the public. It does not create new laws or require specific actions from government agencies or individuals.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act to increase the maximum civil penalties that can be imposed on individuals or entities found guilty of discrimination. Specifically, it raises the fine limits for first-time offenders to $26,262, for those with one prior violation to $65,653, and for those with multiple prior violations to $131,308. The legislation also updates the statute of limitations for filing discrimination complaints, extending the deadline from 180 days to 365 days. Additionally, it requires the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission to annually adjust these penalty amounts based on changes in the Consumer Price Index to account for inflation.

Maddy summarySB 1268 amends Pennsylvania's Labor Relations Act to clarify definitions of employees and independent contractors while introducing new rules for union elections and employer conduct. The bill requires employers to post notices about employee rights both physically and electronically and mandates the provision of detailed voter lists to labor organizations following union elections. Additionally, it designates specific actions as unfair labor practices, such as forcing employees to participate in employer-led campaigns unrelated to their job duties. These changes aim to standardize how labor disputes are managed and ensure clearer communication between employers and workers regarding their collective bargaining rights.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally recognizes May 2026 as "National Mammography Month" in Pennsylvania. The bill does not change laws or allocate funding; it serves as a symbolic gesture to raise awareness about breast cancer screening. The text highlights statistics on mammogram access and the importance of early detection, then encourages Pennsylvania residents, especially those in high-risk groups, to schedule appointments for screening.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates the week of April 12 through 18, 2026, as "National Public Safety Telecommunications Week" in Pennsylvania. The measure directly affects the state's emergency dispatchers and telecommunicators by formally acknowledging their critical role in handling 911 calls and supporting first responders. It does not create new laws or funding but serves to honor the dedication of these workers who provide round-the-clock emergency services. The text highlights the challenging nature of their jobs while expressing gratitude for their life-saving contributions.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates April 2026 as "Faith Month" in Pennsylvania to highlight the role of religion in the nation's history and values. The measure encourages residents to openly share their faiths and participate in public celebrations, such as prayer and expressions of thanksgiving, during that month. It does not create any new laws or alter government operations but serves as a symbolic gesture to recognize religious freedom.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 270 formally designates April 2026 as Alcohol Awareness Month within the state of Pennsylvania. This symbolic measure aims to highlight the risks of alcohol misuse among adults and teenagers while encouraging the public to seek help for alcohol use disorder. The resolution does not create new laws or regulations but serves to inform Pennsylvanians about the dangers of excessive drinking and the importance of addiction treatment providers.