Sen. Wayne Fontana

Maddy summarySB 828 creates a program that reimburses Pennsylvania local governments (like cities, counties, and school districts) for up to 20% of the cost of purchasing "union-made" vehicles. A vehicle is "union-made" if it was assembled in the U.S. at a facility operating under a collective bargaining agreement. The program, administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development, uses a state fund financed by state appropriations and other sources, with grants awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until funds run out. Local governments must apply for reimbursement and provide proof the vehicles meet the "union-made" definition.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally recognizes the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States Army (established June 14, 1775, as the Continental Army). It commemorates the Army as the nation's oldest fighting force and first national institution, highlighting historical milestones like the Battle of Bunker Hill and George Washington's appointment as Commander in Chief. The resolution serves solely as a ceremonial tribute with no policy changes or direct impact on individuals or programs. It does not create new laws, allocate funds, or affect veterans' benefits.

Maddy summaryThis resolution symbolically designates June 8-14, 2025, as "Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania. It aims to raise public awareness about the Chesapeake Bay's ecological significance, economic value, and role in Pennsylvania's watershed, aligning with the Chesapeake Bay Program's 50th anniversary. The resolution encourages educational events and community activities to highlight the Bay's importance to residents, recreation, and regional ecosystems. It does not create new laws or impose obligations on any entity.

Maddy summarySB 845 requires commercial marinas and boat docks in Pennsylvania to implement electrical safety measures to prevent shock hazards. It mandates annual inspections by licensed electricians starting January 2025, installation of ground-fault protection (limiting electrical leakage to 100 milliamperes), and posting permanent warning signs stating "ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARD RISK: NO SWIMMING WITHIN 100 YARDS" near water. These rules apply to facilities offering services for remuneration (e.g., rental, repairs), excluding privately owned docks used solely by owners or guests. The requirements take effect 60 days after enactment, with new electrical systems needing compliance after July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates June 9-13, 2025, as "Union Organizing Week" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically honors workers who advocate for collective bargaining rights and fair workplace conditions, without creating new laws or altering existing policies. The resolution acknowledges the role of unions in improving wages, safety, and equity while recognizing workers' right to choose unionization. It is purely ceremonial and does not affect employers, workers, or labor regulations.

Maddy summarySB 841 requires home health care agencies, home care registries, and their direct care workers (including those in Pennsylvania's Community Health Choices Program) to complete dementia-specific training. It mandates four hours of initial training and two hours of annual continued training covering Alzheimer's care, person-centered approaches, and dementia-related behaviors. Agencies must maintain documentation of this training in employee files and use department-approved curricula. The Department of Health will develop implementing regulations within one year, with the law taking effect 60 days after passage.

Maddy summarySB 839 requires Pennsylvania public schools to incorporate media literacy education into K-12 curricula. The bill mandates the Department of Education to develop an age-appropriate model curriculum within 12 months, covering critical thinking about media messages, bias, misinformation, marketing tactics, and perspective gaps. School districts must implement this curriculum starting the school year after the bill takes effect. The Department must also provide free online resources and teacher training on media literacy.

Maddy summarySB 833, the Right-to-Repair Act, requires manufacturers (OEMs) of digital electronic equipment sold in Pennsylvania after July 1, 2022, to provide owners and independent repair shops with repair documentation, parts, and tools on fair and reasonable terms. This includes free access to manuals, diagrams, and tools (with minor fees only for physical copies), and parts at costs equivalent to those offered to authorized repair providers. The law excludes medical devices, motor vehicles, security systems, and video game consoles from its requirements. It directly affects consumers who repair their own devices and independent repair businesses, aiming to reduce manufacturer control over repair processes.

Maddy summarySB 307 establishes Pennsylvania's Purple Alert System to notify the public about missing persons with intellectual disabilities who are at risk of harm. The Pennsylvania State Police will operate the system, activating it when law enforcement determines a missing person has an intellectual disability (defined as significantly subaverage intellectual functioning with limitations in daily living skills like communication or self-care), is at risk due to health conditions, and sufficient location details are available. The bill also extends existing immunity protections to people assisting those identified in Purple Alert notifications, similar to the Amber Alert System. This policy directly affects individuals with intellectual disabilities who go missing and law enforcement agencies that can trigger the alerts.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 27) directs Pennsylvania's Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study the feasibility of creating a no-fault catastrophic loss fund for birth-related neurological injury claims. The study would examine whether such a fund - paying claims without requiring proof of medical negligence - could help address high malpractice insurance costs for obstetric providers and reduce barriers to obstetric care in Pennsylvania, particularly in underserved areas. The committee must also analyze costs in other states with similar funds and consult with hospitals, providers, and patient advocates before reporting back within one year.