Sen. Jay Costa

Maddy summarySB 1086 would amend Pennsylvania’s prison and parole laws to establish the Identification Upon Reentry Program. The bill requires the Department of Corrections to work with state agencies to provide identification documents, such as a state ID or driver's license, to individuals released from state prisons. This program would directly affect people leaving prison, who often face barriers to housing, employment, and services without proper identification. The key mechanism creates a formal process to streamline obtaining identification at the time of release, reducing a common reentry obstacle.

Maddy summarySB 748 updates fee schedules for pilot services used by vessels navigating the Delaware River and Port of Philadelphia. It sets annual increases in pilotage fees per unit from $14.91 (2022) to $18.86 (2028), with minimum charges of 200 units and maximum charges ranging from 1,550 to 1,600 units. The bill also establishes new charges for vessel communication ($275-$300), canal transit ($1,000-$1,750), and additional services like anchoring beyond three hours. These changes directly affect commercial shipping companies operating in the Philadelphia port area.

Maddy summarySB 1081 updates Pennsylvania's ethics rules for public officials by revising definitions, restricting certain activities, and strengthening gift rules. It directly affects state legislators, agency employees, and other public officers who must file financial disclosures. Key provisions include a general ban on gifts from lobbyists or contractors (with limited exceptions), clearer rules on restricted activities, and updated requirements for filing statements of financial interests. The bill aims to clarify and tighten transparency standards for public officials' financial dealings.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates November 2025 as "Epilepsy Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It serves as a ceremonial recognition to highlight epilepsy awareness efforts within the state, without creating new laws or altering policies. The resolution was referred to the Rules & Executive Nominations committee on October 29, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 182) commemorates the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps and honors the service and sacrifice of Marines throughout history, specifically acknowledging their contributions to both the Commonwealth and the nation. It is a formal, non-binding resolution adopted by the legislature to recognize this milestone, directly affecting the Commonwealth's official acknowledgment of Marine Corps history. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial tribute to Marines' legacy.

Maddy summarySB 65 amends Pennsylvania's vehicle code to strengthen school bus safety rules. It increases penalties for drivers who fail to stop for school buses with flashing red lights (5 points and a 60-day license suspension) and adds a $250-$500 fine with a $35 surcharge for violations. The bill requires the Department of Transportation to include school bus safety education in driver license renewal notices and share materials with school districts. All surcharges from violations fund the School Bus Safety Grant Program to improve school bus safety measures.

Maddy summarySB 1060 amends Pennsylvania's Health Care Facilities Act to require licensed health care facilities to screen new patients for veteran status during admission. This applies directly to hospitals, clinics, and other facilities that admit new patients under the Act. The bill updates licensing requirements to mandate this screening as a standard part of patient intake, without altering existing benefits or eligibility processes. The provision aims to identify veterans for potential service-connected care options through the facility's existing systems.

Maddy summarySB 669 amends Pennsylvania's firearm laws to clarify definitions, restrict firearm possession, and regulate sales and transfers. It introduces new requirements for purchasing ammunition through "ammunition purchase authorization permits" and establishes the "Ammunition Safety and Enforcement Fund" to support enforcement. The bill directly affects gun owners, licensed dealers, and the Pennsylvania State Police by changing how firearms and ammunition are handled and regulated. Key provisions include updating rules for firearm sales surcharges, firearm records checks, and dealer licensing procedures across multiple statutes. These changes aim to modify existing firearm regulations without specifying new criminal penalties or restrictions beyond the defined mechanisms.

Maddy summarySR 179 designates the week of October 20-24, 2025, as "School Bus Safety Week" in Pennsylvania. This resolution is a symbolic gesture to promote public awareness of school bus safety, without creating new laws or requirements. It does not directly affect any specific group or mandate actions but encourages community focus on this issue during the designated week.

Maddy summaryThis bill renames Pennsylvania's Harrisburg judicial building as the "Chief Justice Robert N. C. Nix, Jr. Judicial Center." It directly affects the building itself and requires the Department of General Services to install plaques or markers with the new name. The key provision is the mandatory installation of signage, with no substantive policy changes or new legal requirements beyond the naming designation. The bill has no impact on laws, services, or citizens' rights - it is purely a ceremonial renaming.