Sen. Jay Costa

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution urges the United States Congress to pass the American High-Speed Rail Act. The bill aims to establish a framework for high-speed rail development in the U.S. by defining project parameters and encouraging public-private investment. Pennsylvania is highlighted as a key location that could benefit from these federal efforts due to its existing rail infrastructure and strategic position. Copies of the resolution are sent to federal lawmakers to advocate for the legislation.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates June 23, 2026, as Dravet Syndrome Awareness Day in Pennsylvania to honor the condition and promote public understanding. The bill directly affects residents of the Commonwealth by encouraging them to learn about this rare and severe form of epilepsy that impacts approximately 1 in 15,700 people worldwide. It does not alter laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight the challenges faced by individuals with the disorder, their families, and caregivers. The resolution calls for increased awareness and support for those working to improve diagnosis, treatment, and research for this lifelong condition.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes school-based health centers in Pennsylvania public, private, and parochial schools to provide accessible medical care to students. These centers must remain open during school hours and cannot deny care based on a student's ability to pay, insurance status, or existing primary care provider. While the specific services offered are determined by the school district or private governing body, the centers are required to coordinate with outside providers and maintain strict confidentiality for medical records. Additionally, the legislation creates a statewide advisory council to oversee these centers and mandates that the state education department develop regulations in consultation with stakeholders.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to require the Department of Education and the Pennsylvania Game Commission to create a model program for hunting and trapping education for students in grades six through twelve. The program must include age-appropriate firearm safety instruction covering topics like safe handling, maintenance, and wildlife conservation, taught only by certified instructors without bringing actual firearms onto school property. Schools can offer this as an optional extracurricular class or integrate it into existing courses, and parents may request to excuse their children from the instruction without penalty. Additionally, the bill allows schools to receive reimbursement for program costs and counts related training hours toward staff professional development.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates August 2026 as "Emergency Management Awareness Month" throughout Pennsylvania. The measure aims to recognize and encourage appreciation for the work of local and state emergency managers who prepare for and respond to disasters. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal acknowledgment of the efforts made by these professionals to protect public safety.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services to replace existing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program cards with new chip-enabled versions by January 1, 2028. The new cards will be provided free of charge to eligible recipients and will include security features like tap-to-pay technology to help prevent benefit theft. The department is required to issue regular reports to state legislators on the progress of this transition and must conduct outreach to both vendors and recipients to explain the changes. Additionally, the law establishes procedures for distributing cards during emergencies and requires the department to seek additional federal funding by October 2026.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates August 31, 2026, as "Overdose Awareness Day" throughout Pennsylvania to raise awareness about drug overdoses and reduce the stigma associated with them. The bill does not create new laws or change regulations but instead asks the Governor to issue a proclamation and order flags to be flown at half-staff on that date. Its primary effect is symbolic, aiming to honor those affected by overdose and encourage community support for individuals struggling with addiction.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law to explicitly ban "surveillance pricing," which is defined as setting customized prices for goods or services based on personal data gathered through technology like cameras, sensors, or third-party purchases. The legislation prohibits businesses from using such data to charge different prices to specific consumers unless they can prove the price difference is due to varying costs, public discounts available to broad groups like seniors or students, loyalty program rewards, or credit decisions based on standard credit reports. In addition to banning this practice, the bill increases civil penalties for violations to up to $3,000 per incident and allows individual consumers who suffer financial loss from these pricing tactics to file private lawsuits for damages.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates the week of July 20 through 24, 2026, as "Construction Opioid Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania to highlight the high rate of opioid-related deaths in the construction industry. The bill encourages construction companies and organizations to use this time to educate workers about the dangers of opioid abuse and to facilitate discussions and events like drug take-back programs. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal designation to promote awareness among contractors, unions, and safety organizations within the state.

Maddy summarySB 1334 amends Pennsylvania's Medical Practice Act to formally establish licensing requirements and definitions for various medical imaging and allied health professionals. The bill directly affects respiratory therapists, perfusionists, genetic counselors, prosthetists, orthotists, pedorthists, and new categories including medical imaging professionals, radiation therapists, and radiologist assistants. Key provisions introduce specific definitions for imaging modalities like computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging while repealing outdated rules regarding radiologic procedures. Additionally, the legislation sets forth general qualification standards and outlines the framework for issuing licenses and certificates to these newly recognized roles.