Sen. Wayne Fontana

Maddy summarySB 1087 creates a mileage-based road user charge for electric vehicles (EVs) in Pennsylvania, replacing the current gas tax for EVs. It specifically exempts military personnel on active duty stationed outside Pennsylvania from this charge during their overseas assignment. The bill also establishes a refund process for EV owners who qualify for the military exemption, allowing them to apply for reimbursement of charges paid during their eligible overseas duty period. This policy directly affects EV owners who are military members stationed out of state, adjusting their tax obligations based on residency during service.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania Senate resolution (SR 206) designates the week of January 18-25, 2026, as "Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Holiday Week" in the state. It is a commemorative resolution with no binding requirements, urging Pennsylvanians to reflect on Dr. King's legacy and commitment to equality during that week. The resolution does not create new laws or affect specific groups, as it solely serves to honor Dr. King's historical contributions.

Maddy summarySB 1117, the "Protecting Pennsylvania Police Act," prohibits the federal government from taking control of local law enforcement agencies' assets, personnel, or operations without formal authorization. It directly affects Pennsylvania's local police departments and sheriffs' offices by blocking federal executive orders, presidential actions, or congressional acts from commandeering their resources. The bill defines "commandeering" as seizing control without express authority and empowers the Attorney General or county district attorneys to enforce this prohibition through legal action. It takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summarySB 1126 requires most health insurance plans in Pennsylvania to cover at least two epinephrine delivery systems (such as EpiPens for severe allergic reactions) per year at a maximum annual cost of $35, regardless of the insured's deductible or other cost-sharing. This applies to individual and group health insurance policies, as well as certain nonprofit health plans. The Attorney General must investigate epinephrine drug pricing and submit a public report to the legislature within one year. The bill also allows plans to reduce cost-sharing below $35 and applies to high deductible and catastrophic health plans where permitted by federal law.

Maddy summarySB 1108 changes how election officers are selected in Pennsylvania election districts. Instead of being elected by voters, district election boards (judge, majority inspector, and minority inspector) will now be appointed by county election boards. The bill repeals rules for resolving tie votes in elections and requires that the judge of election be from the majority party in the district, while the majority and minority inspectors must represent the two largest parties based on the previous November election. These changes directly affect county election boards and local election districts by shifting appointment authority and adding party representation requirements.

Maddy summarySB 1119 amends Pennsylvania's Funeral Director Law to require funeral homes to maintain a designated preparation room for embalming that meets sanitary standards. The bill prohibits serving food or beverages in areas used for body preparation and mandates that any food service must occur in a separate room meeting health codes. It also clarifies that a funeral director's license is valid only at a specific approved location and allows licensed directors to assist other licensed professionals in approved facilities. These changes apply to all funeral directors and funeral homes operating in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges all Pennsylvania state agencies to update their systems to allow diacritical marks (like accents) in names on official documents by July 1, 2027. It directly affects residents whose names include such marks, who currently face issues with mismatched names on documents like driver's licenses. The key provision sets a specific deadline for agencies to modernize outdated technology, particularly noting PennDOT's legacy systems as a current barrier. It does not create new law but formally requests agencies prioritize this change to ensure names are spelled correctly on all Commonwealth-issued documents.

Maddy summarySB 1125 requires Pennsylvania school entities (including districts, charter schools, and career schools) to guarantee all students, parents, guardians, and school staff access to school property regardless of immigration status, starting with the 2025-2026 school year. Schools must adopt written policies promoting inclusivity within 90 days, designating a school official to handle related matters, and publish these policies in all languages spoken by students at home at least 30 days before a public meeting. Policies must be approved by a public resolution with 45 days notice and reviewed at least quarterly, with updates made through the same public process. This law directly affects school operations, ensuring consistent access and procedural transparency for all school community members.

Maddy summarySB 734 designates a specific location for a commemorative bell monument at the Pennsylvania State Capitol to mark the 250th anniversary of the U.S. founding, highlighting Pennsylvania's historical role. The bill requires the Department of General Services to prepare the site and take ownership of the monument after the America250PA Commission disbands, ensuring its long-term maintenance. This procedural bill does not create new policies or affect residents directly, but formally authorizes the monument's placement on Capitol grounds.

Maddy summarySB 1085, the "Good Jobs for Quality Care Act," establishes a Direct Care Worker Wage Advisory Board within Pennsylvania's Department of Human Services to address recruitment and retention challenges for direct care workers. The bill sets a minimum wage for these workers - defined as individuals providing hands-on care in home, community, or nursing home settings to elderly or disabled individuals (including personal care aides, home health aides, and nursing assistants) - and creates a statewide registry to track their employment. The Advisory Board, composed of worker representatives, employers, and care recipients, will examine factors like compensation and work schedules to make recommendations. The bill also includes penalties for violations of its minimum wage and registry requirements.