Sen. Wayne Fontana

Maddy summaryThis resolution directs the Joint State Government Commission to study Pennsylvania's outdated electric bicycle laws and provide recommendations for updates. The study will focus on rider and pedestrian safety, infrastructure improvements, and permitting rules that account for modern e-bike capabilities like higher power and cargo capacity. The commission must submit its findings and suggestions to the Senate by one year after the resolution is adopted. This measure does not change current laws but initiates a review process to address the growing popularity and technological advancements of electric bicycles.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a regulatory framework for large commercial data centers in Pennsylvania, specifically targeting facilities with a peak power demand of 25 megawatts or more. It requires these data centers to procure a specific amount of clean, reliable energy from new sources like wind, solar with storage, and nuclear power, while also mandating backup generation capabilities and strict disclosure rules. To support the program, the legislation creates two new funding accounts: one to enhance assistance for low-income households facing high energy costs and another to promote state energy independence. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission will oversee contract reviews and enforcement, with penalties in place for non-compliance.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows individuals who have recently received protection from abuse relief or experienced verified abuse in the last four months to get free copies of important state documents. Specifically, it removes fees for corrected or duplicate driver's licenses, birth certificates, and other identification documents for qualifying victims and their dependents. The law requires that abuse be verified through statements from professionals like doctors, lawyers, or victim service providers, and it mandates that state agencies create clear application processes and standardized forms for these requests.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution congratulates Indiana University of Pennsylvania on its 150th anniversary, marking 150 years since the institution began as Indiana State Normal School in 1875. The document outlines the school's historical evolution from a teacher training program to a university and notes its current status as the only state-owned institution authorized to confer doctor of philosophy degrees. It also highlights the university's ongoing academic growth, including plans to establish a College of Osteopathic Medicine. The resolution expresses the Senate's best wishes for the university's continued success and directs a copy of the document to the university's Council of Trustees.

Maddy summarySB 375 repeals a requirement that schools provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training for staff every three years. Instead, it mandates that Pennsylvania schools obtain and maintain automated external defibrillators (AEDs) - heart rhythm shock devices - by requiring 2.5% of annual school safety funding to be used for purchasing AEDs and related training. The bill establishes an AED program requiring school staff to complete AED and CPR training through approved organizations like the American Heart Association, and it defines AEDs as portable devices that restore heart rhythm during cardiac arrest. This law directly affects all public and nonpublic schools in Pennsylvania, shifting focus from mandatory staff CPR training to AED availability and use.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates the week of May 10 through 19, 2026, as "Go Public Gardens Days" throughout Pennsylvania to encourage residents to visit public gardens. The measure directly affects botanical gardens, zoos, historical homes, parks, and other horticultural organizations across the state by formally recognizing their importance. By declaring this specific timeframe, the resolution aims to highlight the economic, educational, and recreational value of these community spaces without imposing new laws or regulations. It serves as a commemorative gesture to promote awareness of public gardens rather than creating concrete policy changes.

Maddy summarySB 1014 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code of 1949 to require public schools to adopt a "bell-to-bell phone-free policy" during the entire school day. This policy directly affects all public K-12 schools and students by prohibiting the use of personal electronic devices during instructional time. The key provision mandates that schools establish and enforce this policy, though the bill does not specify exemptions or implementation details. The legislation focuses on reducing distractions in classrooms by limiting student phone access from the start to the end of the school day. It is currently pending in the Education committee.

Maddy summarySB 507 amends Pennsylvania's medical licensing law to reestablish the State Board of Medical Education and Licensure as the State Board of Medicine and update its structure. It directly affects midwifery professionals by creating three new license categories: midwifery, nurse-midwife, and certified midwife. The bill establishes specific requirements and definitions for these licenses under the board's authority. This change clarifies licensing pathways for midwifery practitioners within the state's medical regulatory framework. The bill passed final passage on October 21, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 848 amends Pennsylvania's 1929 Administrative Code to update the composition of the State Planning Board. It adds two members appointed by the Senate President pro tempore (from different political parties) and two by the House Speaker (also from different parties), while expanding ex-officio membership to include eight cabinet secretaries and agency directors. The bill specifies four-year terms for Governor-appointed members and increases the board's required quorum from 13 to 14 members. These changes directly affect how the board is structured and who serves on it, without altering the board's policy responsibilities. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution officially designates the week of May 10 through 16, 2026, as "National Police Week" and May 4, 2026, as "Police Officers' Memorial Day" within Pennsylvania. The measure serves to formally recognize and honor law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty, specifically mentioning five officers who passed away in 2025. By adopting this resolution, the Pennsylvania Senate acknowledges the sacrifices made by police officers and aligns with a national observance that has been held annually since 1962.