Sen. Wayne Fontana

Maddy summarySB 642 creates a statewide database for child protective services in Pennsylvania, containing founded and indicated child abuse reports. It establishes three clearance levels for background checks required for employees and volunteers working with children, based on their job role: Level 1 (direct care, like teachers or camp counselors) requires reporting certain abuse reports indefinitely or for 3-10 years depending on severity; Level 2 (non-direct roles, like cafeteria staff) has shorter reporting periods (5-15 years) or excludes some reports; and special cases (like kinship caregivers) have different rules. The bill directly affects anyone seeking employment or volunteer positions in schools, day cares, health facilities, or child-focused programs, requiring them to undergo these background checks. The database will limit information shared to only founded/indicated reports relevant to the applicant’s specific role and clearance level.

Maddy summarySB 632 allows small municipalities (population 10,000 or less) in Pennsylvania's second-class counties to voluntarily dissolve their local government. Residents would vote to transfer all governance and public services (like roads, water, and emergency response) to the county, forming an "unincorporated district" managed by county officials. The process requires a local government resolution and a voter referendum before dissolution. This bill directly affects residents and officials of qualifying municipalities seeking to consolidate services under county administration.

Maddy summarySB 615 adds a new tax exemption for Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and American Legion chapters in Pennsylvania. The bill exempts their properties - including buildings, grounds, and social halls used for veterans' support activities - from county, municipal, and school property taxes, provided all income from these activities supports the organizations' charitable purposes. This change specifically applies to VFW and American Legion chapters founded and maintained through public or private charity. The exemption overrides other tax rules in the statute and takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summarySB 621 prohibits Pennsylvania businesses from deducting taxes for expenses related to opposing unionization efforts. It specifically blocks deductions for costs tied to National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) complaints, anti-union meetings with employees, or labor law violations. The law applies to corporations and business entities operating in Pennsylvania, including foreign companies. Exceptions allow deductions for legitimate communications with union representatives or shareholders. This changes tax treatment for anti-union activities without altering labor law.

Maddy summarySB 619 requires all coaches and school staff supervising athletic or school activities in Pennsylvania to complete annual sudden cardiac arrest training and maintain biennial CPR/AED certifications through approved organizations like the American Heart Association. It directly affects school coaches, athletic staff, and supervisors of school-sponsored activities (including practices, competitions, and noncompetitive cheerleading). Schools must document and publicly share each staff member’s certification status. The bill amends the Public School Code to standardize emergency response training for all school activities, without introducing medical testing requirements.

Maddy summarySB 608 creates new rules for "association health plans" in Pennsylvania, which are group health coverage offered by employer associations (like industry groups or local business networks) rather than individual employers. It requires these associations to have existed for at least two years, not deny coverage based on health status, and offer plans to all members regardless of health. The bill defines key terms like "small employer" (1-50 employees) and clarifies that association plans must meet specific policy requirements under state insurance law. This directly affects employer associations and their members (employees of small businesses or sole proprietors) seeking group health coverage through these structures.

Maddy summarySB 618 clarifies definitions in Pennsylvania's condominium laws and specifically protects solar energy installations on certain unit types. It defines "detached roof" (a roof solely owned by a unit owner) and "townhouse unit" (a single-family design with specific construction features), then prohibits homeowners' associations from banning solar panels on these units. The law directly affects condo owners seeking to install solar energy systems on detached roofs or townhouse units, ensuring associations cannot restrict such installations. This changes existing rules by explicitly limiting associations' authority over solar energy systems in defined unit categories.

Maddy summaryThis resolution recognizes April 9, 2025, as "Appomattox Day" in Pennsylvania to honor the April 9, 1865, Confederate surrender at Appomattox, Virginia, which ended the Civil War and led to emancipation. It cites historical accounts of enslaved people gaining freedom and references Frederick Douglass's writings on the conflict's significance. The resolution urges Pennsylvania to designate Appomattox Day as a legal holiday but does not create the holiday itself.

Maddy summarySB 620 requires all Pennsylvania public and charter schools to install at least one automated external defibrillator (AED) in each K-12 school building or facility by the 2025-2026 school year. Schools must place AEDs in accessible, centrally located spots with clear signage, register them with the National AED Registry and local emergency services, and conduct regular inspections to ensure functionality. The bill mandates that at least 10% of school staff be certified in CPR and AED use (renewing every two years) and requires schools to develop cardiac emergency response plans and publicly report AED maintenance records. This applies to all schools hosting students or school activities, with specific accessibility standards to comply with disability laws.

Maddy summarySB 630 amends Pennsylvania's domestic relations law to provide relief for indigent individuals by changing when adult children must provide financial support. It specifically exempts adult children (18 or older) from liability for supporting their indigent parents if the parents had no contact with them for 10 consecutive years before needing support. The bill also updates the reference to the state welfare department from "Public Welfare" to "Human Services" for clarity. These changes take effect 60 days after enactment.