Sen. Rosemary Brown

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 32) symbolically recognizes March 2025 as "National Athletic Training Month" in Pennsylvania. It honors athletic trainers' roles in health care, including injury prevention, emergency care, and rehabilitation, as highlighted by the Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers' Society and the National Athletic Trainers' Association. The resolution specifically acknowledges Pennsylvania's leadership in athletic training education and the profession's 3,000+ practitioners in the state. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no policy impact - no new requirements, funding, or legal changes are created.

Maddy summarySB 401 creates a $1,000 tax credit for Pennsylvania employers who hire, have an employee enlist, or have an employee reenlist in the Pennsylvania National Guard. The credit applies against taxes under Articles III or IV of the Tax Reform Code and can be carried over for up to three years if not fully used in the first year. The total annual credit amount is capped at $5 million, with unused credits allocated proportionally if the cap is exceeded. This credit applies to tax years beginning after December 31, 2025, and requires employers to claim it in their first eligible tax year.

Maddy summarySB 332 amends Pennsylvania's Election Code to change the date of the general primary election in presidential election years. Currently, the primary is held on the third Tuesday of March in such years, but this bill would move it to the fourth Tuesday of April. This change applies to general primaries starting in 2028 and affects how voters select candidates for statewide offices and the presidency. The bill directly impacts election scheduling for voters, candidates, and officials by altering the timing of primary elections.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 17-23, 2025, as "THON Week" in Pennsylvania to honor Penn State student volunteers involved in the IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon. It recognizes their work supporting pediatric cancer research and patient care through the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital. The resolution does not create new laws or alter funding; it is a ceremonial acknowledgment of the event's mission and impact. THON, a student-run philanthropy, has raised over $236 million since 1977 for childhood cancer support.

Maddy summarySB 326 updates Pennsylvania's Controlled Substance Act to automatically align the state's scheduling of substances with federal changes. It requires the state health secretary to add federally controlled substances to Pennsylvania's schedule within 30 days of federal action, unless objections are filed within that period. If objections are raised, the secretary must hold a hearing and issue a final order before scheduling takes effect. This affects the Pennsylvania Department of Health and regulated entities like pharmacies, healthcare providers, and businesses handling controlled substances.

Maddy summarySB 330 amends Pennsylvania's Sports Raffle Charities Act to change how funds from athletic event drawings are distributed. It requires 50% of ticket sales to go directly to designated charities within seven days, while 5% must fund fire department and emergency medical services grants through the Office of State Fire Commissioner. Nonprofit organizations running these raffles must annually report total ticket sales, charity donations, and grant funds to the State Treasurer by September 30. These reports are shared with state legislative committees overseeing appropriations and emergency services. The bill directly affects nonprofits conducting athletic raffles and the fire/emergency grant programs funded by the 5% allocation.

Maddy summarySB 354 changes how Pennsylvania charter schools receive state funding for special education students, effective the 2025-2026 school year. It replaces a previous formula with a new system that provides additional funding based on three cost categories: Category 1 (1.51x base funding), Category 2 (3.77x), and Category 3 (7.46x), determined by the actual cost of services documented by the charter school. Charter schools must submit cost documentation to the state and school districts, and must return overpayments if costs are lower than received. This directly affects charter schools serving special education students and the school districts that fund them. The bill also clarifies which state education laws apply to charter schools.

Maddy summarySB 314 requires Pennsylvania's Department of Health to report the death of any registered voter aged 18 or older to local election commissions within seven days of learning of the death. Election commissions must then cancel that voter's registration and update their records. The law aims to improve the accuracy of voter rolls by ensuring deceased individuals are removed promptly. It takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summarySB 353 designates March 13 as K9 Veterans Day in Pennsylvania, recognizing military working dogs' service. The bill requires the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging Pennsylvanians to observe this day, commemorating the date the U.S. military began actively recruiting canine forces in 1942. It directly affects Pennsylvania residents through the Governor's official observance. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment, with no additional funding or program requirements.

Maddy summarySB 358 creates Pennsylvania's Green Alert System, a new program to help locate missing veterans at risk due to service-connected health issues. The system requires the Pennsylvania State Police, in consultation with the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, to activate alerts when law enforcement confirms a missing veteran has physical or mental health conditions (like PTSD, TBI, or substance use disorders) related to military service. It expands existing immunity protections to cover people assisting during Green Alert notifications, similar to current Amber Alert and MEPAS rules. This directly affects veterans with military-related health risks, law enforcement agencies requesting alerts, and the public receiving notifications.