Sen. Rosemary Brown

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's oil and gas fee structure to redirect 40% of remaining revenue from unconventional gas well fees (after 2011) into the Marcellus Legacy Fund. Specifically, 25% of this portion will fund county bridge repairs through the Highway Bridge Improvement Restricted Account. Counties and municipalities can use these funds to repair deteriorated bridges, regardless of federal aid eligibility, by submitting approved repair plans. The funds are distributed proportionally based on county population, and first- or second-class counties may also use them for public transportation authority bridges. This changes how oil and gas fee revenue is allocated to support local infrastructure.

Maddy summarySB 1110 (Pennsylvania Senate Bill 1110) creates special vehicle license plates for individuals with autism spectrum disorder or frequent occupants of vehicles driven by them. The bill requires the Department of Transportation to design plates featuring "Autistic/Neurodivergent" at the bottom within 60 days, with applications needing a $14 fee (plus registration) and a physician's sworn statement confirming the diagnosis. These plates are limited to passenger vehicles or trucks under 14,000 pounds gross weight and carry the same legal validity as standard plates. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summarySB 1112, the "Contraceptive Access for All Act," requires most health insurance plans in Pennsylvania - including Medicaid managed care plans and private health insurance - to cover all FDA-approved contraceptives without cost-sharing (like deductibles or copays). It specifically mandates coverage for prescription contraceptives, emergency contraception (like levonorgestrel), and over-the-counter oral contraceptives, and prohibits insurers from requiring prior authorization or step therapy for these items. The law applies to standard health insurance policies but excludes limited policies like dental, vision, or workers' compensation plans. It directly affects health insurers and managed care plans by requiring them to provide this coverage at no additional cost to enrollees.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 196) formally honors the life and service of Richard Roman, a public servant in the Commonwealth, and extends condolences to his family. It is a ceremonial gesture with no binding policy changes or direct impact on laws or regulations. The resolution was referred to the Rules & Executive Nominations committee on November 24, 2025, as part of standard legislative procedure for commemorative measures.

Maddy summarySB 520 amends Pennsylvania law to clarify who can legally record communications during enforcement duties, directly affecting waterways conservation officers, game enforcement officers, and parole agents. It expands definitions to allow these officers to use body cameras or recording devices after approved training, while removing public access requirements under the Right-to-Know Law for such recordings. Key provisions include defining "law enforcement officer" to include specific conservation and game officers, requiring training for device use, and repealing prior rules about public access to recordings. The bill also updates enforcement officer powers related to fish and game regulations. This enacted law (Act No. 53 of 2025) focuses on operational clarity for law enforcement recording practices.

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 1020 modifies Pennsylvania's hunting and trapping license fee structure to expand resident license exemptions. It directly affects Pennsylvania residents who hunt or trap, particularly those who may qualify for reduced or waived fees under updated criteria. The bill changes specific provisions in Title 34 of the state statutes to clarify eligibility for these exemptions, making it easier for qualifying residents to obtain licenses without paying standard fees. The bill passed final passage on November 18, 2025, and was referred to the Game & Fisheries committee for further consideration.

Maddy summarySB 995 amends Pennsylvania's Local Option Small Games of Chance Act to update prize limits for small gambling games, directly affecting local operators of games like bingo or raffles. The bill increases the maximum prize value allowed per game, changing the current cap set by the 1988 law. This adjustment aims to modernize regulations for small-scale gaming activities while maintaining local control over such events. The bill is currently under review in the Community, Economic & Recreational Development committee.

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 updates Pennsylvania's rules for municipalities changing boundaries or dissolving. It requires communities to hold voter referendums on such changes and allows courts to review transition plans to ensure fairness. It directly affects towns and cities considering mergers, boundary shifts, or dissolution. The key mechanism adds mandatory public input and judicial oversight during municipal restructuring.