Sen. Wayne Fontana

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act to clarify who must register as a contractor and what work counts as home improvement. It expands the definition of a contractor to include independent workers hired by large retailers and raises the monetary threshold for required registration from $500 to $1,000. The legislation also adjusts the net worth threshold for exempt large retailers from $50 million to $50 million and adds specific exclusions for certain landscaping services and commercial conversions. Additionally, the bill introduces new requirements for out-of-state contractors to provide proof of good standing from their home jurisdictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Pennsylvania's existing Real Estate Appraisers Certification Act to also regulate home inspectors by creating a new State Board of Certified Real Estate Appraisers that will oversee both professions. The legislation establishes clear definitions for home inspections, specifying what services are included and excluded, and sets requirements for licensing home inspectors and home inspectors-in-training. Key provisions include creating a board with members from both appraisal and home inspection backgrounds, establishing rules for certification renewal, disciplinary measures, and consumer remedies for home inspection services. The bill also addresses reciprocity between states, reporting requirements for multiple certifications, and penalties for violations of the new regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill gives the Pennsylvania Insurance Department commissioner sole authority to approve or contract for insurance producer pre-examination courses. It exempts these approved courses from requirements under the Private Licensed Schools Act, which currently regulates other educational institutions. The change directly affects insurance producers and educational providers by centralizing oversight of exam preparation materials under the state insurance department. The legislation takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summarySB 730 amends Pennsylvania law regarding end-of-life medical decisions, affecting patients, their designated surrogates, and healthcare providers, including emergency medical services. The bill introduces and integrates "Pennsylvania orders for life-sustaining treatment" (POLST) into the existing framework, alongside advance health care directives and out-of-hospital do-not-resuscitate (OOH-DNR) orders. It updates definitions for various healthcare roles to align with current state law and modifies criminal penalties for actions like falsifying or interfering with these medical orders. Additionally, the bill clarifies the applicability of emergency medical services in situations without an OOH-DNR order and standardizes the issuance of OOH-DNR orders, bracelets, and necklaces by physicians.

Maddy summarySB 469 provides $1 annual fishing and hunting licenses for eligible law enforcement officers in Pennsylvania. It directly affects officers employed by defined law enforcement agencies (including campus police, airport authorities, railroad police, and county park forces) who qualify for resident licenses. The bill creates a $1 fee for both fishing licenses (under Title 30) and hunting licenses (under Title 34), replacing standard fees for these officers. Key provisions define "law enforcement agency" broadly and specify that officers must provide employment documentation to qualify. The policy change takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania vehicle laws to specifically address the operation of off-road vehicles, such as all-terrain vehicles and dirt bikes, within urban municipalities. It establishes new offenses for driving these vehicles in cities and counties that are not currently covered by existing regulations, as well as for fleeing police officers on such vehicles. The legislation sets specific fines and potential jail time for violations, including a misdemeanor charge if three or more people operate these vehicles recklessly in an urban area. Additionally, the bill clarifies that reckless driving on all-terrain vehicles and dirt bikes in these designated areas will be treated with the same penalties as reckless driving on standard road vehicles.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new paid family and medical leave program in Pennsylvania, creating a fund to support workers who need time off for family care or medical reasons. It requires employers to contribute to the program and sets rules for how long employees can take leave, how much money they receive, and what situations qualify for benefits, including care for family members with serious health conditions or recovery from domestic violence. The Department of Labor and Industry will administer the program, handle claims, and enforce rules, while employees have the right to take legal action if their rights are violated. The legislation also includes provisions for self-employed individuals to opt into the program and establishes an advisory board to guide program development.

Maddy summarySB 923 exempts records held by volunteer emergency services in Pennsylvania from public disclosure under the Right-to-Know Law. It directly affects volunteer EMS companies, fire companies, rescue companies, and firefighters' relief associations. The exemption applies unless these groups contract with a state or local government agency, in which case specific Right-to-Know Law provisions (section 506(d)) would still apply. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as Alice's Law, strengthens protections for older adults in Pennsylvania by creating a statewide registry to track individuals who have abused or neglected elderly people. It requires facilities to immediately remove employees from duty if they are accused of abuse and to terminate staff members who appear on the new registry. The legislation also clarifies rules for reporting suspected abuse, ensuring that reports are sent to both the department and the coroner while maintaining confidentiality for the identity of the person who made the report. Additionally, the bill expands immunity for agencies and workers acting in good faith and increases administrative fines for facility owners or administrators who fail to comply with these new reporting and safety requirements.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates the week of June 8 through 14, 2026, as "Union Organizing Week" throughout Pennsylvania. The measure directly affects workers and employers by formally recognizing the historical efforts of employees who have fought for the right to organize and bargain collectively. The resolution highlights the benefits of unionization, such as improved workplace safety and fair wages, while acknowledging the challenges workers face during the organizing process. It serves as a commemorative gesture rather than establishing new legal requirements or changing existing labor laws.