Sen. Rosemary Brown

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates May 2026 as "Celiac Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania to highlight celiac disease, an autoimmune condition affecting approximately 130,000 residents. The measure aims to increase public understanding of the disease, which requires a strict gluten-free diet to prevent intestinal damage and other health complications. By officially recognizing this month, the Senate intends to encourage early diagnosis, reduce stigma, and promote discussion about the need for better research funding and food labeling.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 312 designates the week of May 10 through 16, 2026, as National Hospital Week throughout Pennsylvania. This resolution directly affects hospitals, healthcare workers, and the general public by formally recognizing the contributions of medical facilities to the state's economy and community health. The bill includes provisions to thank frontline health workers and encourages residents to visit local hospitals to appreciate their services. It serves as a commemorative measure to highlight the role of hospitals in providing care, training professionals, and supporting local jobs.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the maximum prison sentences for people convicted of attempting, conspiring, or soliciting murder, including the murder of unborn children and law enforcement officers. It establishes a 40-year maximum for these crimes when serious bodily injury occurs, and up to life imprisonment when serious bodily injury results specifically from attempts against law enforcement officers. Additionally, the law mandates a minimum 20-year prison sentence for anyone convicted of attempting, conspiring, or soliciting the murder of a law enforcement officer where serious bodily injury is caused, or for assaulting a law enforcement officer.

Maddy summarySB 1014 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code of 1949 to require public schools to adopt a "bell-to-bell phone-free policy" during the entire school day. This policy directly affects all public K-12 schools and students by prohibiting the use of personal electronic devices during instructional time. The key provision mandates that schools establish and enforce this policy, though the bill does not specify exemptions or implementation details. The legislation focuses on reducing distractions in classrooms by limiting student phone access from the start to the end of the school day. It is currently pending in the Education committee.

Maddy summarySB 64 creates an official logotype for veteran-owned businesses in Pennsylvania (defined as businesses where veterans own at least 51% of the interest). Businesses can apply to use the logotype through a department process, with a $250 fee and optional contributions to the Military Family Relief Assistance Fund. The fund, established under existing law, will use these fees and contributions to support military families. The bill also imposes penalties for falsely claiming veteran status to use the logotype. It directly affects veteran-owned businesses and funds military family relief programs.

Maddy summarySB 507 amends Pennsylvania's medical licensing law to reestablish the State Board of Medical Education and Licensure as the State Board of Medicine and update its structure. It directly affects midwifery professionals by creating three new license categories: midwifery, nurse-midwife, and certified midwife. The bill establishes specific requirements and definitions for these licenses under the board's authority. This change clarifies licensing pathways for midwifery practitioners within the state's medical regulatory framework. The bill passed final passage on October 21, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution officially designates the week of May 10 through 16, 2026, as "National Police Week" and May 4, 2026, as "Police Officers' Memorial Day" within Pennsylvania. The measure serves to formally recognize and honor law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty, specifically mentioning five officers who passed away in 2025. By adopting this resolution, the Pennsylvania Senate acknowledges the sacrifices made by police officers and aligns with a national observance that has been held annually since 1962.

Maddy summarySB 256 requires child care facilities in Pennsylvania that use fossil fuel appliances (like heaters or fireplaces) to install and maintain operational, approved carbon monoxide alarms. Specifically, facilities must have alarms centrally located near these appliances and in every unit on the same floor within 18 months of the law's effective date. The bill ties compliance to licensing, stating the Department of Human Services cannot issue or renew a license for facilities failing to meet these standards unless a provisional license applies. It directly affects licensed child care facilities, including homes caring for 4-6 non-relative children, licensed schools, and facilities operating 24+ hours daily.

Maddy summarySB 698 amends the Public School Code of 1949, affecting how school districts acquire and dispose of school buildings and land. It clarifies that school boards can purchase, lease, or otherwise obtain property, and sell or abandon it, without Department of Education approval if no state reimbursement is sought. For real property purchases exceeding $10,000, school boards must determine the fair market value in consultation with two qualified professionals, such as a county assessor or licensed appraiser. All related fair market value documents will be publicly accessible under the Right-to-Know Law and open meetings requirements.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates May 8, 2026, as "Provider Appreciation Day" in Pennsylvania to honor child care providers for their contributions to families and communities. The measure does not change laws or create new programs; it simply sets aside a specific date to recognize the work of those who care for young children. By officially naming the day, the resolution aims to highlight the value of the child care workforce and the essential role these providers play in supporting working families and community growth.