Sen. Art Haywood

Maddy summarySB 899 amends the state's Controlled Substance Act to update the schedules of controlled substances, classifying specific drugs into categories based on their medical use and potential for abuse. It directly affects pharmacies, healthcare providers, law enforcement, and patients who handle or prescribe these substances by changing their legal classifications. The bill's key mechanism involves modifying the existing schedule lists to reflect current medical knowledge and drug usage patterns, without adding new penalties or creating new regulatory requirements. This update ensures the scheduling framework aligns with current scientific understanding and medical practice.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates March 20, 2026, as Eid al-Fitr Day in Pennsylvania to recognize the end of the Islamic month of Ramadan. The measure is sponsored by multiple state senators and serves as a formal acknowledgment of the religious observance rather than establishing a state holiday or altering government operations. The resolution includes background information on Eid al-Fitr, explaining its significance to the Muslim community and the traditions associated with the celebration.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution formally recognizes March 2026 as "National Nutrition Month" throughout Pennsylvania. The bill does not create new laws or change government programs but serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of an existing national health awareness campaign led by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. It encourages all Pennsylvanians to participate in nutrition education efforts and focus on healthy eating habits during the month. The resolution is non-binding and does not allocate funding or mandate specific actions by state agencies.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates March 11, 2026, as "Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day" in Pennsylvania to honor the work of licensed nutrition professionals. The bill recognizes registered dietitian nutritionists as food and nutrition experts who require accredited degrees, internships, and national examinations to practice. It also praises the Pennsylvania Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and its approximately 3,127 members for promoting healthy eating and well-being across the state. This resolution is symbolic and does not create new laws or funding, serving instead to acknowledge the contributions of these healthcare professionals.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates the week of February 23 through March 1, 2026, as "Eating Disorders Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania. The measure aims to increase public awareness about eating disorders by encouraging education, resource sharing, and early intervention efforts across the state. It does not change laws or allocate funding but serves as a symbolic designation to highlight the seriousness of these conditions and promote community engagement. The resolution applies broadly to residents, healthcare providers, educators, and organizations throughout Pennsylvania during the designated week.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates March 12, 2026, as "Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, Registered Day" throughout Pennsylvania to honor the contributions of these healthcare professionals. The bill recognizes the specialized training and education of registered nutrition and dietetics technicians, who work in settings like hospitals, schools, and community health programs. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to raise awareness about the role these technicians play in promoting nutrition and health. The resolution encourages Pennsylvanians to acknowledge and appreciate the work of these professionals in their communities.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates October 13, 2026, as Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day in Pennsylvania to raise visibility for a specific stage of breast cancer. The measure does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to honor patients and families affected by the disease. It highlights the need for increased research and equitable care access while aligning with national awareness efforts that use teal, green, and pink ribbon colors. The resolution is non-binding and focuses on public recognition rather than implementing policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates March 18, 2026, as "Gideon's Day" in Pennsylvania to honor public defenders and the 1963 Supreme Court ruling that guarantees legal counsel to those who cannot afford it. The measure is symbolic and does not create new laws or funding; it simply recognizes the importance of public defenders in protecting constitutional rights during criminal proceedings. The resolution highlights the role public defenders play in representing indigent clients and acknowledges the challenges they face, though it stops short of mandating specific policy changes or resource allocations.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's tax code to establish a new Innovate in PA tax credit program that allows qualified taxpayers to purchase tax credits to offset their insurance premiums tax liability. The program authorizes the sale of up to $350 million in tax credits, with a specific $200 million allocation for credits available starting in 2030, and requires that sales generate at least $200 million in revenue to proceed. Funds collected from these tax credit sales will be distributed to support life science research facilities, recruitment of researchers, and workforce development partnerships between companies and educational institutions. The legislation also defines key terms, sets rules for carrying over unused tax credits to future years, and establishes reporting requirements for the program's administration.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Landlord and Tenant Act to regulate residential rental application fees and background check policies. It limits application fees to the lesser of the actual cost of a background check or $50, allowing landlords to charge only for criminal history and credit checks. The legislation also requires landlords to make individualized assessments when considering criminal history, evaluating factors like the nature of the offense and time elapsed since conviction. These rules apply only to residential properties and cannot be waived by applicants through contracts.