Sen. Rosemary Brown

Maddy summarySB 533 creates a fee exemption for veterans and active military members participating in approved hunting events. It allows the Pennsylvania Game Commission to issue "Military Event License Exemption Permits" for events on private land (with landowner approval) that provide rehabilitation or enjoyment for eligible individuals. Eligible participants include veterans with 30%+ service-connected disabilities, Purple Heart recipients, and one designated assistant per participant. Events are limited to 10 people for no more than seven consecutive days, require 14-day advance applications, and still require adherence to all hunting regulations like seasons and bag limits. The bill takes effect 60 days after passage.

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 315 amends Pennsylvania's 1949 education code to update school funding, safety, and instructional requirements. It establishes new school safety grants, updates teacher certification standards, and strengthens truancy prevention measures for all public and charter schools. The bill adds funding for career and technical education equipment, expands mental health support through school safety programs, and modifies higher education scholarship rules. As Act No. 47 of 2025, it became law on November 12, 2025, affecting students, teachers, school districts, and higher education institutions statewide.

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.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 182) commemorates the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps and honors the service and sacrifice of Marines throughout history, specifically acknowledging their contributions to both the Commonwealth and the nation. It is a formal, non-binding resolution adopted by the legislature to recognize this milestone, directly affecting the Commonwealth's official acknowledgment of Marine Corps history. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial tribute to Marines' legacy.

Maddy summarySB 65 amends Pennsylvania's vehicle code to strengthen school bus safety rules. It increases penalties for drivers who fail to stop for school buses with flashing red lights (5 points and a 60-day license suspension) and adds a $250-$500 fine with a $35 surcharge for violations. The bill requires the Department of Transportation to include school bus safety education in driver license renewal notices and share materials with school districts. All surcharges from violations fund the School Bus Safety Grant Program to improve school bus safety measures.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week of October 25-31, 2025, as "Epidermolysis Bullosa Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania. It aims to increase public awareness about epidermolysis bullosa, a rare genetic condition causing fragile skin and severe blistering. As a symbolic measure, the resolution does not create new laws, allocate funds, or impose legal obligations. The resolution has been referred to the Rules & Executive Nominations committee for further review.

Maddy summarySB 6 creates a statewide system to streamline permit processing for state agencies. It requires a digital tracking system for permit applications, establishes a third-party review process for delayed permit decisions, and mandates annual reports on permit timelines. The bill also creates two new state entities: the Pennsylvania Office of Transformation and Opportunity (to coordinate permit reforms) and the Economic Development Strategy Group (to develop growth plans). These provisions directly affect state agencies managing permits, businesses and individuals applying for permits, and the new offices tasked with implementing the changes. The bill passed final passage in October 2025 and now awaits further committee review.

Maddy summarySB 1068 removes existing regulations governing the state's CO2 Budget Trading Program, which is a system where businesses buy and sell allowances for carbon emissions. This change directly affects companies participating in the program by eliminating specific compliance rules they previously had to follow. The key provision is the outright abrogation (removal) of these regulations, streamlining the program's operational requirements without creating new rules. The bill passed final passage on October 22, 2025, and was referred to the Environmental & Natural Resource Protection committee for further consideration.