Sen. Wayne Fontana

Maddy summarySB 685 amends Pennsylvania's Air Pollution Control Act to update requirements for certain industrial facilities and increase civil penalties for violations. The bill mandates that "major facilities" develop municipal notification plans to alert their host and adjacent communities within 12 hours of an air pollution event caused by equipment breakdown or accident that poses a significant health risk. These plans must also outline risk mitigation measures for residents and be updated annually. Additionally, the bill raises the maximum daily civil penalty for violations of the act from $25,000 to $37,500 for infractions occurring after the fifth year of enforcement.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 660 amends Pennsylvania's Oil and Gas law, specifically updating requirements for well reporting and chemical disclosure related to hydraulic fracturing. The bill requires operators to include a declaration that chemical products used in hydraulic fracturing contain no intentionally added PFAS chemicals in their stimulation records. It also clarifies and expands the responsibilities of manufacturers, service providers, and operators regarding chemical disclosures, even when trade secrets are involved. Additionally, it updates the process for health professionals to access chemical information during medical emergencies.

Maddy summarySB 678 amends Pennsylvania's Wage Payment and Collection Law to establish specific liability for general contractors in the construction industry. It makes general contractors jointly responsible for violations of wage payment laws committed by subcontractors providing construction services. The bill also requires subcontractors to repay general contractors for these liabilities, including wages and fees, unless otherwise specified in their contract or if the general contractor caused the violation by not paying promptly. These changes apply to construction contracts entered into on or after the bill's effective date.

Maddy summarySB 684 amends Pennsylvania's Oil and Gas statutes to update provisions for notifying public and private drinking water systems about spills. The bill requires the Department to investigate spills upon receiving notification. After investigating, the Department must notify any public drinking water facility or private well owner that could be affected by the event. This notification must include a brief description of the spill and any expected impact on water quality.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 676 amends the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law to regulate automatic renewal and continuous service offers made by businesses to consumers. It requires businesses to provide clear acknowledgments of terms, cancellation policies, and post-trial pricing, allowing consumers to retain this information. The bill also mandates that if an offer is accepted online, consumers must be able to cancel it exclusively online. Additionally, businesses must provide notice of any material changes to the offer and are prohibited from misrepresenting its terms. Violations of these provisions would be considered unfair or deceptive acts under existing law.

Maddy summarySB 677 amends Pennsylvania's public utility law regarding the sale of municipal water and wastewater systems. It requires municipalities to hold a public hearing and conduct a 60-day binding referendum process before selling these systems. During this period, ratepayers receive ballots and public notice detailing the proposed sale, price, and potential impacts on rates and services. The sale of a municipal water or wastewater system cannot be completed unless a majority of the affected ratepayers approve the acquisition.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 92 recognizes April 2025 as "Sikh Awareness and Appreciation Month" in Pennsylvania. This resolution aims to promote public understanding of the Sikh faith, acknowledge the contributions of the Sikh community, and combat anti-Sikh bigotry throughout the Commonwealth.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 661 establishes the Animal Cruelty Investigation Fund within the State Treasury. This fund is continuously appropriated to the Attorney General to support efforts against animal cruelty. The money will be used for training and equipping humane society police officers, developing investigation materials, and covering salaries and benefits for attorneys prosecuting animal cruelty cases. It also provides grants to animal shelters for investigations or other permissible expenses. The fund will be financed by a new $25 assessment imposed on individuals who violate animal cruelty laws.

Maddy summarySB 656 proposes changes to Pennsylvania's corporate net income tax, primarily affecting corporations that are part of a "unitary business," meaning a group of related companies operating as a single economic unit. Beginning after December 31, 2025, these businesses would calculate their taxable income based on the combined income of their U.S. operations ("water's-edge basis"). The bill also modifies rules for deductions related to intercompany dividends and addresses the treatment of intangible and interest expenses incurred in transactions between affiliated entities. Income for these unitary businesses would be apportioned to the state using a sales factor.

Maddy summarySB 595 amends Pennsylvania law regarding professional wrestling contests. The bill expands the requirement for medical attendance, allowing either a physician or a certified registered nurse practitioner (CRNP) to be present at these events. Promoters and facility operators must employ one of these professionals, who will observe participants and have the authority to stop a contest to prevent severe injury. The promoter is responsible for paying the fee for the physician or CRNP.