Sen. Art Haywood

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 42) symbolically recognizes March 2025 as "National Nutrition Month®" in Pennsylvania, aligning with a national campaign led by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. It does not create new laws or funding; instead, it encourages all Pennsylvanians to participate in the campaign focused on healthy eating habits and the theme "Food Connects Us." The resolution serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of the importance of nutrition education, referencing the Academy's role and the health benefits of informed food choices. It has no direct legal effect on individuals or policies.

Maddy summarySB 426 establishes the Legislative Youth Advisory Council within Pennsylvania's Administrative Code, creating a 50-member advisory body composed of youth aged 14-18 (one from each senatorial district) to address youth-focused issues like education, health, employment, and policy. The council will advise the General Assembly on legislation and budget matters related to youth, hold at least three meetings annually, and submit annual reports starting in 2026. Members serve two-year terms and may apply for reappointment, with the Lieutenant Governor overseeing appointments and providing administrative support. The bill does not change substantive laws but creates a formal structure for youth input into state government processes.

Maddy summarySB 448 creates a new administrative process for adults in Pennsylvania to change their legal name through the Department of Health, alongside the existing court-based process. It requires applicants to submit forms online, at driver's license centers, or at health department locations, and to provide background checks (via county search certificates) and proof of identity. Minors seeking name changes must have parental consent or demonstrate they made reasonable efforts to obtain it, with the Department of Health holding a conference before approving the change. The bill also preserves the option for adults to use a name consistently without legal change, as long as it's nonfraudulent. This applies directly to individuals seeking name changes, with the Department of Health handling approvals instead of courts for most adult cases.

Maddy summarySB 459 establishes Pennsylvania's Statewide Imagination Library Program, providing free monthly age-appropriate books to children under five years old in the state. The program is funded through a dedicated state account (using state funds, gifts, and federal dollars) and requires local partners to match funding dollar-for-dollar, with waivers possible for financial hardship. The Department of Education administers the program, coordinating with a nonprofit partner to manage book distribution, local program development, and public awareness. This directly affects eligible children and local community organizations participating in the initiative.

Maddy summarySR 45 is a symbolic resolution recognizing February 15, 2025, as "International Childhood Cancer Day" in Pennsylvania. The resolution highlights global childhood cancer statistics - including that cancer is a leading cause of disease-related death among children in the U.S. - and aims to raise awareness, honor children affected by cancer, and encourage support for research and care. It does not create new laws or directly affect specific groups, but calls on Pennsylvanians to join efforts to advance pediatric cancer research and improve access to treatment. The resolution is purely commemorative, with no policy changes or funding mechanisms attached.

Maddy summarySB 434 repeals a specific section (§ 1704) of Pennsylvania's domestic relations law that previously declared marriage between same-sex couples void in the state and stated marriage must be between one man and one woman. The bill removes this legal provision but does not change current marriage laws or rights for same-sex couples in Pennsylvania. It directly affects the state's statutory code by eliminating an outdated policy statement about marriage. The bill is currently referred to the Judiciary committee for further consideration.

Maddy summarySB 445 requires Pennsylvania's Department of State to automatically notify individuals who applied for a driver's license before turning 18 about their voter registration eligibility when they reach age 18. It amends election law to mandate that the department maintain records of those ineligible to register due to age and send voting materials upon turning 18. This directly affects Pennsylvania residents who submit driver's license applications while underage. The bill creates a streamlined process to ensure eligible voters receive registration information at the appropriate age, without changing voter registration requirements.

Maddy summarySB 443 requires Pennsylvania employers to grant eligible employees up to two hours of paid time off on election days to vote. It applies to all employers in the state and directly affects registered voters who need to cast ballots during work hours. The bill mandates that employers must permit this leave without penalty, though they may specify the exact hours during which the time off can be taken. The policy aims to reduce barriers to voting by ensuring workers can access polling places without losing work time. The bill is currently pending in the State Government committee.

Maddy summarySB 442 allows eligible Pennsylvania voters to register on election day at their polling place by providing proof of residence (such as a driver's license, approved document, or a sworn statement from another registered voter). It requires election judges to process registrations separately from voting, maintain records of attempted registrations, and forward completed forms to county election offices. County boards must verify 25% of new election-day registrations by mail within 10 days and report ineligible registrations to prosecutors. The bill prohibits fraudulent registrations (e.g., registering someone ineligible or in multiple districts) as a misdemeanor offense. This law applies to all future primary, municipal, and general elections after its effective date.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates April 2025 as "Community College Month" in Pennsylvania. It is a symbolic gesture recognizing community colleges' role in providing affordable higher education, workforce training, and access to students from diverse backgrounds. The resolution does not create new policies, funding, or direct impacts on individuals or institutions. It serves only to highlight community colleges' contributions through a designated month of recognition.