Sen. Art Haywood

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania Senate resolution (SR 206) designates the week of January 18-25, 2026, as "Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Holiday Week" in the state. It is a commemorative resolution with no binding requirements, urging Pennsylvanians to reflect on Dr. King's legacy and commitment to equality during that week. The resolution does not create new laws or affect specific groups, as it solely serves to honor Dr. King's historical contributions.

Maddy summarySB 1117, the "Protecting Pennsylvania Police Act," prohibits the federal government from taking control of local law enforcement agencies' assets, personnel, or operations without formal authorization. It directly affects Pennsylvania's local police departments and sheriffs' offices by blocking federal executive orders, presidential actions, or congressional acts from commandeering their resources. The bill defines "commandeering" as seizing control without express authority and empowers the Attorney General or county district attorneys to enforce this prohibition through legal action. It takes effect immediately upon passage.

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 resolution urges all Pennsylvania state agencies to update their systems to allow diacritical marks (like accents) in names on official documents by July 1, 2027. It directly affects residents whose names include such marks, who currently face issues with mismatched names on documents like driver's licenses. The key provision sets a specific deadline for agencies to modernize outdated technology, particularly noting PennDOT's legacy systems as a current barrier. It does not create new law but formally requests agencies prioritize this change to ensure names are spelled correctly on all Commonwealth-issued documents.

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.

Maddy summarySB 734 designates a specific location for a commemorative bell monument at the Pennsylvania State Capitol to mark the 250th anniversary of the U.S. founding, highlighting Pennsylvania's historical role. The bill requires the Department of General Services to prepare the site and take ownership of the monument after the America250PA Commission disbands, ensuring its long-term maintenance. This procedural bill does not create new policies or affect residents directly, but formally authorizes the monument's placement on Capitol grounds.