Sen. Wayne Fontana

Maddy summarySB 130 requires funeral homes and cemeteries to notify county veterans offices within 96 hours when a deceased military service member (with county residency at death) is buried or cremated. It specifically applies if a cemetery interment occurs for cremated remains without prior funeral services provided by a funeral home. The law directs these businesses to share contact details for county veterans offices with the deceased's family. This aims to streamline access to burial benefits for veterans' families by ensuring timely notification to local veterans' programs.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors the life of former State Senator Shirley M. Kitchen and expresses condolences on her passing. It recognizes her career as a social worker, activist, and legislator who served Philadelphia for 20 years, focusing on health care and affordable housing. The document outlines her personal background and public service achievements, including her role as the leader of the 20th Ward Democratic Executive Committee. By formally acknowledging her contributions, the Senate pays tribute to her legacy of community advocacy.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Municipalities Planning Code to clarify definitions and streamline zoning rules for local governments. It mandates that municipalities allow accessory dwelling units, such as secondary living spaces on existing lots, in all areas where single-family homes are permitted. The legislation requires these units to be approved automatically within 14 days without a public hearing, provided they meet specific size and location criteria. Additionally, the bill ensures that no-impact home-based businesses are allowed by right in residential zones, subject to existing private land restrictions.

Maddy summarySB 146 establishes a Veterans' Trust Fund Board to manage and oversee the State Veterans' Trust Fund under Pennsylvania law. The bill directly affects veterans' programs by creating a dedicated board to administer funds supporting veteran services, such as housing, healthcare, and employment initiatives. Key provisions include defining the board's structure, responsibilities, and governance for the Trust Fund, updating existing statutes to reflect these changes. The bill does not create new benefits but organizes the management of existing funding streams for veterans' support. (Note: As of the latest action, the bill was "Reported as amended" in committee and has not yet become law.)

Maddy summarySB 604 authorizes Pennsylvania to join the Counseling Compact, a multi-state agreement allowing licensed professional counselors to practice across participating states without obtaining separate licenses. This directly affects licensed counselors - especially those serving military families who relocate frequently - and their clients in member states. Key provisions include mutual recognition of licenses, standardized disciplinary processes, and support for telehealth services to improve access to counseling. The compact eliminates the need for counselors to hold multiple state licenses while ensuring accountability under each state’s practice laws where the client is located.

Maddy summarySB 971 amends Pennsylvania's Second Class Township Code to update deadlines for township financial reporting. It requires townships' boards of auditors to complete audits by June 30 (instead of April 1) and file reports with township secretaries, county officials, and state agencies by June 30 (instead of 90 days after the fiscal year). Township secretaries must publish simplified financial summaries (showing assets, liabilities, revenue, and expenses) in a local newspaper by July 15 (instead of April 15). This affects second-class townships across Pennsylvania, specifically their auditors and secretaries responsible for financial transparency. The bill focuses on streamlining reporting timelines without altering the core financial disclosure requirements.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 738 amends the Older Adults Protective Services Act to create new requirements for financial institutions concerning the financial exploitation of older adults. It mandates that financial institution employees report suspected financial exploitation to a designated representative within two business days. If the representative finds reasonable cause, they must then report the suspected exploitation to the Department of Aging or an area agency on aging. This bill aims to establish a structured reporting system within financial institutions to protect older adults.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates August 2026 as "Emergency Management Awareness Month" throughout Pennsylvania. The measure aims to recognize and encourage appreciation for the work of local and state emergency managers who prepare for and respond to disasters. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal acknowledgment of the efforts made by these professionals to protect public safety.

Maddy summarySB 362 creates new criminal penalties for using counterfeit payment cards that mimic public assistance benefits (like food stamps or cash aid). It classifies offenses as second-degree felonies for $1,000+ in fraud (third-degree for less), requires offenders to pay full restitution, and permanently bans convicted individuals from receiving cash assistance. The bill directly affects people who commit fraud using fake cards tied to assistance programs and strengthens state enforcement against such fraud. Key provisions include clear penalty tiers based on the amount defrauded and a four-year statute of limitations for prosecution.

Maddy summarySB 1133 amends Pennsylvania's Pharmacy Act to adjust the composition of the State Board of Pharmacy. The bill increases the number of pharmacist members from five to six, requiring two to be appointed from acute care institutional pharmacies (previously one), and specifies that pharmacy technician members must have at least five years of experience. All board members serve six-year terms, with the technician limited to one term and other members to two consecutive terms. Appointments require the Governor's nomination and Senate approval.