Sen. Rosemary Brown

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Crimes and Offenses code to establish new criminal offenses related to critical infrastructure facilities. It creates penalties for individuals who trespass without permission on these properties, with more severe consequences for those who intend to damage or disrupt operations. The legislation also makes willful damage or tampering with equipment at these facilities a felony. Additionally, it allows owners of critical infrastructure facilities to pursue civil lawsuits against individuals arrested or convicted of these offenses for damages incurred. "Critical infrastructure facilities" are broadly defined to include essential services such as power plants, water treatment facilities, and natural gas pipelines, provided they are secured or clearly marked.

Maddy summarySB 687 amends Pennsylvania's procurement laws to update how public construction projects are managed by government agencies and State-related institutions. The bill establishes a new framework, Chapter 32, which defines and mandates the use of specific "project delivery methods," such as design-build or construction management at-risk, for public building projects costing over $4,000. It repeals and replaces the older "Separations Act" of 1913, consolidating the rules for public construction procurement. This aims to standardize and modernize the options available for project delivery in the Commonwealth.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 91 designates May 2025 as "Lyme Disease and Tick-Borne Illness Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. This resolution aims to increase public awareness among Pennsylvania residents about the prevention, causes, effects, and treatment options for Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.

Maddy summarySB 658 amends the Pennsylvania Election Code to update requirements for individuals running for public office. It modifies the affidavits (sworn statements) that candidates must file, adding new declarations that they are not seeking multiple offices or holding an office whose term does not expire in the same election year. The bill also explicitly prohibits candidates from seeking nomination or appearing on the ballot for more than one public office in a single election. These changes affect candidates seeking election through political parties or political bodies at various levels, from local to federal offices within Pennsylvania.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 88 recognizes the week of April 20 through 26, 2025, as "National Infertility Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania. This resolution aims to raise awareness about infertility, which affects many couples, and support efforts to remove barriers to care and reduce stigma.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 93 designates May 2025 as "Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. This resolution aims to promote awareness among all road users about safely sharing the road with motorcyclists and to encourage motorcycle safety practices.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 661 establishes the Animal Cruelty Investigation Fund within the State Treasury. This fund is continuously appropriated to the Attorney General to support efforts against animal cruelty. The money will be used for training and equipping humane society police officers, developing investigation materials, and covering salaries and benefits for attorneys prosecuting animal cruelty cases. It also provides grants to animal shelters for investigations or other permissible expenses. The fund will be financed by a new $25 assessment imposed on individuals who violate animal cruelty laws.

Maddy summarySB 645 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to mandate cursive handwriting instruction in elementary schools. The bill defines "cursive handwriting" and requires it to be taught in all elementary public and private schools. Specifically, students must receive instruction to ensure they can read and write cursive by the end of fifth grade. These new requirements also apply to charter schools and cyber charter schools.

Maddy summarySB 653 amends the state's Tax Reform Code concerning personal income tax. The bill allows employees to deduct certain education-related expenses from their taxable income. Specifically, expenses for higher education or career and technical education that are reimbursed by an employer can be deducted, but only if that reimbursement was reported as Federal taxable income. This change would apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 87 commemorates September 2, 2025, as "V-J Day" in Pennsylvania, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. It encourages local governments and communities throughout the Commonwealth to conduct appropriate observances.