Sen. Rosemary Brown

Maddy summarySB 808 updates Pennsylvania's lobbying disclosure rules by adding new definitions (like "affiliate" for related entities or family members) and requiring lobbyists, lobbying firms, and political consultants to register electronically within 10 days of starting work. It mandates disclosure of all affiliates in registration filings and adjusts exemptions, such as allowing individuals to be exempt if they earn under $2,500 annually from lobbying or political consulting. The bill also clarifies that political consultants must report the specific candidates they assist, excluding legal work related to elections. These changes aim to increase transparency around who is influencing state policy.

Maddy summarySB 810 amends Pennsylvania's Regulatory Review Act to strengthen oversight of state regulations, particularly those with significant economic impact. It defines "economically significant regulations" as those costing over $1 million annually to the state, local governments, or private sector, requiring agencies to submit detailed cost estimates (via the Independent Fiscal Office) and hold public hearings for such rules. The bill adds specific timelines for legislative committee review (up to 14 days for "final-form" regulations) and mandates that committees must formally disapprove or approve regulations within this window before agencies can implement them. This directly affects state agencies drafting regulations, legislative committees, and the Independent Regulatory Review Commission, creating clearer procedures for reviewing high-cost rules.

Maddy summarySB 813 establishes Pennsylvania's HUB Zone Business Procurement Program to increase state contracting with businesses in designated underutilized areas. It requires state agencies to set contract-specific goals ensuring 20% HUB zone business participation on contracts between $100,000-$750,000 and 25% on larger contracts, with waivers available if agencies demonstrate "good faith efforts" to find qualified businesses. The program mandates agencies to compile verified business lists, monitor compliance monthly, and review utilization schedules. This directly affects Pennsylvania state purchasing agencies and for-profit businesses headquartered in designated HUB zones meeting federal certification criteria.

Maddy summarySB 809 amends Pennsylvania's law to clarify that disabled veterans must have been honorably discharged "for service in any war or armed conflict" to qualify for the real estate tax exemption on their principal residence. This change directly affects veterans seeking the existing tax exemption for their primary home, including the land it sits on. The key provision updates the eligibility requirement in Section 8902(a)(1) of Title 51 to specify the discharge reason tied to military service in conflict. The bill does not create new benefits but refines the existing exemption's criteria. It takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 29, 2025, as "College and Career Savings Day" in Pennsylvania to raise public awareness about the state's existing 529 College and Career Savings Program. It directly affects Pennsylvania residents who use the program, which currently serves over 314,000 families by offering tax-advantaged savings for education expenses. The resolution does not create new policy or change program rules - it simply recognizes the program's purpose of helping families save for college, vocational training, or other qualified educational costs through tax benefits and fee reductions.

Maddy summarySB 667 designates Hershey's Kisses as Pennsylvania's official state candy. The bill formally names the confection as a symbolic recognition of the Hershey Company's economic and cultural ties to the state, including its manufacturing presence and tourism impact. This is a ceremonial designation with no legal or regulatory effects on residents, businesses, or state operations. It takes effect immediately upon passage and remains in force as long as Hershey's corporate headquarters stays in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summarySB 757 requires public employers in Pennsylvania to publicly post proposed collective bargaining agreements, including cost estimates, on their websites for at least two weeks before signing. It mandates that these agreements become public records accessible online within 48 hours of receipt. The law applies to most public employees (excluding elected officials, management staff, and police/fire unions under separate law) and makes agreements unenforceable if proper notice isn't provided. This aims to increase transparency around public sector pay, benefits, and working conditions.

Maddy summarySB 758, the "Mechanical Insulation Act," prevents Pennsylvania's Public Utility Commission from rejecting energy efficiency plans submitted by electric distribution companies solely because they include mechanical insulation. The bill requires that such insulation be proven cost-effective using a specific "total resource cost test" approved by the Commission. This directly affects electric companies developing energy conservation plans and the Commission's review process. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summarySB 767 defines "discount points" as fees paid by consumers that directly reduce their mortgage interest rate or time-price differential. It permits mortgage lenders to charge these points alongside interest, origination fees, and delinquency charges. The bill repeals outdated definitions of "discount points" and related provisions from Pennsylvania’s 1974 Loan Interest and Protection Law to align with the new clarity. This directly affects mortgage lenders (by clarifying permissible fees) and consumers (by standardizing fee disclosures).

Maddy summarySB 761 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to adjust fiscal year start dates for school districts and update collective bargaining timelines. It allows first-class school districts to choose between a January 1 or August 1 fiscal year start (previously only January 1), and permits second-, third-, and fourth-class districts to switch from an August 1 to a January 1 start. The bill also revises deadlines for mediation and fact-finding panels in labor disputes, aligning them with school districts' fiscal year ends (July 31 or December 31 instead of June 30). These changes directly affect all Pennsylvania public school districts and their collective bargaining processes.