Sen. Wayne Fontana

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 270 formally designates April 2026 as Alcohol Awareness Month within the state of Pennsylvania. This symbolic measure aims to highlight the risks of alcohol misuse among adults and teenagers while encouraging the public to seek help for alcohol use disorder. The resolution does not create new laws or regulations but serves to inform Pennsylvanians about the dangers of excessive drinking and the importance of addiction treatment providers.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 to require landlords to explicitly disclose parking availability and any associated fees in written leases. It prevents landlords from increasing parking fees during the lease term and allows tenants to file complaints in lower courts if these disclosure requirements are not met. If a court finds a landlord violated these rules, the landlord must pay the tenant's parking costs for the lease duration. The changes apply to all residential leases in the state and take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summarySB 1272 updates the Pennsylvania Election Code to clarify how special elections are held when a vacancy occurs in the state Senate or House of Representatives. The bill requires the presiding officer of the affected chamber to issue an election writ within ten days of the vacancy, scheduling the special election at the next primary, municipal, or general election that occurs at least 60 days later. It also allows the presiding officer to cancel the initial schedule and set an earlier date if the Governor calls an extraordinary session before the election, provided the new date still allows for a 60-day period after the writ is issued. Additionally, the law specifies that if a vacancy happens less than seven months before a term ends, a special election will only proceed if the presiding officer determines it serves the public interest.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows boroughs and cities in Pennsylvania to use public funds to cover the training costs for newly elected officers before their terms begin. By amending state statutes for both incorporated towns and cities, the legislation authorizes municipalities to pay for educational programs designed to prepare these officials for their new roles. The measure does not mandate that any specific training be offered or require all municipalities to participate, leaving the decision to pay for such programs entirely up to local governments. It also sets the law into effect 60 days after it is signed, giving communities time to adjust their budgeting processes accordingly.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates April 12 through 18, 2026, as Architecture Week in Pennsylvania to honor the contributions of architects and design professionals. The measure directly affects the American Institute of Architects Pennsylvania and its members, including architects, engineers, and allied design professionals. By officially recognizing this period, the Senate aims to increase public awareness of architecture's value and celebrate the industry's role in building communities.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates April 2026 as "Child Abuse Prevention Month" in Pennsylvania to raise awareness about child safety. The measure does not alter any laws or create new programs but serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight the importance of preventing abuse. It acknowledges the ongoing efforts of parents, educators, and community members to protect children while calling for continued progress in this area.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 266 officially designates April 2026 as Pennsylvania Donate Life Month to raise awareness about organ, tissue, and cornea donation. This resolution directly affects the public by encouraging them to register as donors and highlights the state's commitment to saving lives through transplantation. The measure relies on public education and recognition rather than creating new laws or funding, serving as a symbolic gesture to promote the importance of donation.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study reimbursement rates and workforce challenges for shift nursing services provided to individuals under Pennsylvania's Medical Assistance program. The study will examine current payment structures for both children and adults, compare rates with neighboring states, and analyze how costs differ between home care and hospital settings. Committee members will also gather input from healthcare providers, families, and advocacy groups to assess the impact of potential rate changes on nurse availability and missed shifts. The committee is required to submit a final report with its findings and recommendations to the Senate within 12 months of the resolution's adoption.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's capital development loan program to increase the maximum funding amount for small business projects from $400,000 to $2,000,000. The legislation directly affects small businesses seeking financial assistance for land, buildings, and machinery by allowing them to borrow up to 50% of their total project costs, whichever figure is lower. Under the new rules, the state authority must review applications within 30 days of receiving a complete submission and can approve loans if all requirements are satisfied. The changes apply retroactively to project costs incurred in the 12 months before an application is submitted, and the law will take effect 60 days after being signed.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 259 formally designates April 2026 as Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month in Pennsylvania. This resolution aims to increase public awareness about the challenges faced by the state's over 200,000 residents with limb loss or difference, including barriers to accessing prosthetic care and physical activity. The document highlights the importance of mobility resources for health and independence but does not create any new laws or funding. It serves as a symbolic gesture to encourage community support and recognition for individuals affected by these conditions.