Sen. Art Haywood

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week of November 16-22, 2025, as "Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania. It formally recognizes this period through a state legislative resolution, urging public awareness of hunger and homelessness issues. The bill does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight these concerns within the state. It affects all Pennsylvanians by promoting community focus on these social issues during the designated week.

Maddy summarySB 88 amends Pennsylvania's Insurance Company Law to require health insurance plans sold in the state to cover specific breast imaging services without cost-sharing for policyholders. It mandates annual mammograms for women 40+ and physician-recommended mammograms for women under 40, plus MRI and other breast imaging for those at average or higher risk of breast cancer due to factors like family history, genetic mutations, or dense breast tissue. The law specifies coverage for screening, supplemental, and diagnostic exams but does not require coverage for mastectomies or override standard deductibles/copays beyond the minimum required services. This replaces prior requirements that allowed cost-sharing and excluded MRI coverage.

Maddy summarySB 1050 modifies Pennsylvania's child protective services laws by clarifying who must report suspected child abuse and expanding exemptions from the definition of child abuse. It directly affects child welfare professionals, healthcare providers, and educators who currently have mandatory reporting duties. The bill adds specific categories of actions or circumstances that are excluded from being classified as child abuse, reducing the scope of mandatory reporting requirements. This change aims to streamline reporting obligations while maintaining protections for children.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 1089) allows individuals experiencing homelessness to use public spaces for basic needs like sleeping, eating, and storing belongings, provided they aren’t blocking walkways or streets. It requires municipalities to first offer "adequate alternative indoor space" (free, accessible, disability-friendly, and pet-friendly) before restricting such use in public areas. The bill defines "public space" broadly to include parks, sidewalks, plazas, and transit areas, while specifying that alternative housing in another municipality is only accessible if free transportation is provided. It directly affects homeless individuals and local governments responsible for enforcing public space rules. The law creates a legal defense for individuals using public space when adequate alternatives haven’t been offered.

Maddy summarySB 715 extends the expiration date of Pennsylvania's Rare Disease Advisory Council from June 30, 2025, to June 30, 2028. This procedural bill directly affects the council, which advises state departments on rare disease issues, and the departments it collaborates with (Health, Insurance, Human Services, Education). The key provision simply changes the expiration date in the 2017 law without altering the council's structure or duties. This extension provides continued operation of the council for an additional three years.

Maddy summarySB 731 amends the existing Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly (PACE) program to add a new "Needs Enhancement Tier" for determining eligibility. This tier would allow more elderly residents to qualify for prescription drug assistance based on specific financial or health needs. The bill changes how eligibility is assessed under the program, making it easier for seniors with higher needs to access medication support. The bill recently passed final passage on November 12, 2025, and is now referred to Rules & Executive Nominations.

Maddy summarySB 1079 would establish a regulatory framework for "skill video gaming" (competitive games where skill determines outcomes, distinct from gambling). It requires businesses offering such games to obtain licenses from the Department of Revenue, pay associated fees, and comply with zoning rules restricting where they can operate. The bill also imposes civil penalties for violations and criminal penalties for willful non-compliance. This directly affects gaming businesses seeking to operate legally within the state.

Maddy summaryThe context provided does not include specific details about SB 1080's provisions, amendments, or intended effects. While the bill title references amendments to the Fiscal Code regarding the "Budget Stabilization Reserve Fund," no concrete policy changes, affected parties, or mechanisms are described in the given information. Without additional details on what the amendment alters or how it would operate, a substantive summary cannot be created. This appears to be a procedural fiscal code amendment, but the necessary specifics for a factual summary are missing from the context.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates November 2025 as "Good Samaritan Law Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It aims to raise public awareness about Good Samaritan laws, which protect individuals who assist others in emergency situations. The resolution does not create new legal requirements or directly affect specific groups - it is a symbolic designation to promote understanding of existing protections. The bill was referred to the Rules & Executive Nominations committee on November 5, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1082 designates January 11 as "Human Trafficking Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania each year. The bill requires the state government to annually recognize this day to promote public awareness about human trafficking. It does not create new programs, funding, or legal obligations; it solely establishes an official observance date. This designation directly affects Pennsylvania state agencies and public awareness efforts.