Sen. Wayne Fontana

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 203) designates November 2025 as "Lung Cancer Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically recognizes ongoing improvements in lung cancer detection, treatment access, and survival rates within the state, as documented in the American Lung Association's 2025 report. The resolution encourages Pennsylvania residents to learn more about lung cancer detection and treatment options but does not create new laws or funding. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no binding effect on policy or resources.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's MCare Act to improve care for veterans by requiring medical professionals to address veteran-specific health conditions. It defines "veteran-related illness" to include conditions like PTSD, traumatic brain injury, military sexual trauma, and suicide linked to military service. Physicians must complete three hours of training on these illnesses for license renewal, and new license applicants must satisfy curricula covering veteran-related illnesses as part of initial licensure requirements. The changes apply directly to physicians seeking or maintaining medical licenses in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summarySB 299 creates the Pennsylvania Promise Program, providing tuition/fees and room/board scholarships to eligible Pennsylvania residents attending higher education. It directly affects two groups: (1) "eligible students" under age 24 (or active military) who graduated high school within five years, and (2) "eligible adult learners" aged 24+ with a high school diploma. The program, administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, covers tuition/fees up to the State System’s maximum in-state rate and room/board based on agency standards. Funding comes from the newly established Pennsylvania Promise Program Fund, requiring applicants to complete FAFSA and apply for other grants first.

Maddy summarySB 1102 creates a reimbursement program for Pennsylvania entities affected by a specific budget impasse period (July 1-November 12, 2025). It provides grants to eligible school districts, counties, human services providers, and other Commonwealth-funded organizations that received 2024-2025 fiscal year funding directly from the state. Eligible entities may receive reimbursement for documented financing costs or lost interest earnings directly tied to the budget delay. The Office of the Budget administers the program, with applications due within 90 days of the bill’s effective date, using funds from a newly established restricted account.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania Senate resolution (SR 202) formally recognizes December 13, 2025, as "Wreaths Across America Day" within the state. It honors the Wreaths Across America project, which coordinates nationwide wreath-laying ceremonies at veterans' gravesites to "Remember, Honor and Teach." The resolution encourages all Pennsylvania residents to participate in this volunteer effort and reflect on veterans' service and sacrifices. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic observance.

Maddy summarySB 1101 amends Pennsylvania's Second Class Township Code to remove a requirement that townships must use a "shadow vehicle" (a vehicle that follows mowing equipment) during road maintenance. The bill states townships are no longer obligated to employ such vehicles for mowing operations on township roads, whether conducted by township staff or contractors. However, townships may still choose to use shadow vehicles voluntarily if their board of supervisors deems it necessary. This change directly affects second-class townships across Pennsylvania and takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summarySB 88 amends Pennsylvania's Insurance Company Law to require health insurance plans sold in the state to cover specific breast imaging services without cost-sharing for policyholders. It mandates annual mammograms for women 40+ and physician-recommended mammograms for women under 40, plus MRI and other breast imaging for those at average or higher risk of breast cancer due to factors like family history, genetic mutations, or dense breast tissue. The law specifies coverage for screening, supplemental, and diagnostic exams but does not require coverage for mastectomies or override standard deductibles/copays beyond the minimum required services. This replaces prior requirements that allowed cost-sharing and excluded MRI coverage.

Maddy summarySB 1020 modifies Pennsylvania's hunting and trapping license fee structure to expand resident license exemptions. It directly affects Pennsylvania residents who hunt or trap, particularly those who may qualify for reduced or waived fees under updated criteria. The bill changes specific provisions in Title 34 of the state statutes to clarify eligibility for these exemptions, making it easier for qualifying residents to obtain licenses without paying standard fees. The bill passed final passage on November 18, 2025, and was referred to the Game & Fisheries committee for further consideration.

Maddy summarySB 533 creates a fee exemption for veterans and active military members participating in approved hunting events. It allows the Pennsylvania Game Commission to issue "Military Event License Exemption Permits" for events on private land (with landowner approval) that provide rehabilitation or enjoyment for eligible individuals. Eligible participants include veterans with 30%+ service-connected disabilities, Purple Heart recipients, and one designated assistant per participant. Events are limited to 10 people for no more than seven consecutive days, require 14-day advance applications, and still require adherence to all hunting regulations like seasons and bag limits. The bill takes effect 60 days after passage.

Maddy summarySB 1094 amends Pennsylvania's Workers' Compensation Act to update the schedule of compensation payments for specific injuries. It directly affects injured workers and employers by changing the predetermined payment amounts for certain work-related injuries under the existing compensation system. The bill modifies the payment structure for listed injuries without creating new benefits or altering liability rules, focusing solely on adjusting the compensation rates in the schedule.