Sen. Art Haywood

Maddy summarySB 513 requires Pennsylvania's Commission on Sentencing to create racial impact statements when legislators request them for bills affecting criminal justice laws. These statements must analyze how proposed legislation might change racial and ethnic demographics in the criminal offender population, juvenile court system, and among crime victims, using clear methodology. The bill mandates that such statements be attached before certain legislative actions (like second consideration or amendments) can proceed, with a 10-day deadline for the Commission. If the Commission misses the deadline, the legislation moves forward as if the statement existed. This applies specifically to bills creating new criminal offenses, changing existing ones, or modifying sentencing laws under 18 Pa.C.S. or 42 Pa.C.S. Chapter 97.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 56) passed by the Pennsylvania Senate to honor the late Jerry Allen Stern, a former state representative who served the 80th District from 1992 to 2015. The resolution extends condolences to his wife, children, grandchildren, and family following his death on December 11, 2024. It recognizes his service as a legislator, his work on committees, and his community involvement in Blair County. As a memorial resolution, it has no policy impact or binding effect.

Maddy summarySB 496 requires nonpublic schools participating in Pennsylvania's educational tax credit program to adopt a written policy prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation. This change directly affects private and parochial schools that receive tax credits through the state's program. The bill amends the Public School Code by adding this specific nondiscrimination requirement as a condition for school participation. It does not alter tax credit amounts or other program eligibility criteria.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 489) prohibits Pennsylvania counties, cities, townships, and other local governments from regulating the lawful ownership, possession, transfer, or transportation of firearms, ammunition, or components - except when on property they own or operate (like buildings, parks, or vehicles). It repeals a prior law that barred municipalities from enacting firearm regulations. The key change is a statewide limit on local firearm rules, overriding existing municipal ordinances. This directly affects all Pennsylvania local governments and their ability to create firearm-related regulations. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (SR 51) designating January 6, 2025, as "1/6 Day" in Pennsylvania. It honors law enforcement officers who defended the U.S. Capitol during the January 6, 2021, insurrection and members of Congress who resumed voting despite threats to their safety. The resolution specifically recognizes the 140 injured officers and five officers who died during the attack. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or directly affect any individuals or policies.

Maddy summarySB 487, the Wage Theft Notification and Protection Act, requires employers in Pennsylvania to provide employees with a plain-language summary of wage theft examples, reporting procedures, and anti-retaliation protections. Employers must post this summary visibly at workplaces or make it electronically accessible within 90 days of hiring or the law's effective date. The bill prohibits retaliation against employees who report wage theft and imposes $500 civil penalties for failing to provide the required notice or comply with posting rules. Funds from these penalties will support enforcement through a newly created Wage Theft Notification and Protection Restricted Account. The law directly affects employers across all sectors and strengthens protections for workers reporting unpaid wages under existing state labor laws.

Maddy summarySB 479 requires Pennsylvania public schools to observe a moment of silence during instructional hours on January 6 each year to honor those injured or killed in the 2021 Capitol insurrection. It directs the state Department of Education to develop a model curriculum about the January 6 events (including historical context, the attack, government response, and post-January 6 challenges) within 12 months, and to make this resource available online. School districts, charter schools, and other "school entities" are not required to adopt or use this curriculum. The bill applies to all public schools in Pennsylvania and takes effect immediately.

Maddy summarySB 484 amends Pennsylvania's 1971 Tax Reform Code to exclude qualifying solar energy systems from state sales and use tax. It exempts the retail sale or use of solar systems (including components) that meet national and industry standards for equipment, installation, and performance. The Department of Revenue will create regulations defining these standards, covering systems used for water heating, space heating, cooling, or other solar applications. This policy directly affects consumers and businesses purchasing compliant solar installations by reducing their upfront costs.

Maddy summarySB 485 creates a Pennsylvania tax credit for homeowners who install residential electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. It allows eligible taxpayers to claim a credit covering 100% of the installation cost, up to $2,000, against their state income tax liability for the year the station is placed in service. To qualify, a taxpayer must reside in Pennsylvania for over half the previous year, own their primary residence, and install the charger there. The credit is refundable, meaning any unused portion is paid back as a cash refund if it exceeds the taxpayer's state income tax bill.

Maddy summarySB 492 requires Pennsylvania colleges and universities to include suicide prevention resources on student identification cards. Specifically, physical student IDs must display "988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline" prominently, while digital IDs must include this information alongside other crisis resources like the National Sexual Assault Hotline or campus health contacts. Institutions must annually update all contact information on IDs to ensure accuracy and replace outdated numbers within 30 days. Schools without physical or digital IDs must distribute this information through other means. The bill directly affects all Pennsylvania higher education institutions and their students by embedding critical crisis resources into routine student identification.