Sen. Jay Costa

Maddy summarySB 1056 would create regional gun violence task forces within Pennsylvania, requiring local law enforcement agencies to collaborate with community organizations to address firearm-related crimes. The bill amends Title 18 of Pennsylvania's laws to establish these task forces, focusing on preventing and investigating gun violence in high-risk areas. It directly affects law enforcement agencies, community groups, and residents in communities experiencing elevated firearm crime. The key mechanism involves mandating task force formation and coordination to develop localized prevention strategies and improve data sharing. The bill is currently referred to the Judiciary Committee for further consideration.

Maddy summarySB 1054 amends the Public School Code of 1949 to require Pennsylvania public schools to maintain opioid antagonists (medicines like naloxone) for emergency use and to train designated staff on their administration. It directly affects schools, students, and school personnel by mandating access to these life-saving medications during opioid overdose emergencies. The key provision establishes that schools must have opioid antagonists available, store them securely, and ensure staff are trained to use them promptly. This policy change updates school health protocols to address the opioid crisis, focusing on immediate response capabilities within school settings.

Maddy summarySB 1069 establishes the Keystone Saves Program, a savings initiative designed to help Pennsylvania residents build financial security, particularly low-to-moderate income earners. It creates two dedicated funds (the Program Fund for participant savings and the Administrative Fund for operations), an Advisory Board for guidance, and assigns specific responsibilities to the Treasury Department (managing funds) and the Department of Labor and Industry (overseeing program implementation). The bill outlines how the program will operate, including investment rules and oversight mechanisms to ensure funds are managed responsibly for participant benefit.

Maddy summarySB 1067 updates Pennsylvania law to allow schools, childcare centers, and other authorized public entities to keep epinephrine auto-injectors (like EpiPens) on hand for severe allergic reactions. It clarifies definitions of "authorized entities" and establishes procedures for these locations to stock, access, and use the devices without requiring individual prescriptions for each potential user. The bill directly affects facilities where people with allergies may be present, improving immediate response during emergencies. This change focuses on practical access to life-saving treatment in public settings.

Maddy summarySB 1045 amends the Equal Pay Law to require employers to disclose salary ranges for all open positions in job postings. This directly affects employers who hire new employees, mandating transparency about potential compensation before interviews. The key provision requires listing the full salary range (not just a minimum) when advertising job openings. The bill aims to reduce wage discrimination by giving job seekers clear information about pay before applying.

Maddy summarySB 1055 updates Pennsylvania's Pharmacy Act to modernize requirements for pharmacy technicians and trainees, including registration, qualifications, and supervision standards. It specifically adds provisions allowing pharmacy technicians to administer injectable medications, biologicals, and vaccines under pharmacist supervision, and requires pharmacies to report vaccine administration data. This directly affects pharmacy technicians, pharmacists, and patients receiving vaccines or medications in pharmacy settings. The bill aims to clarify roles and reporting for pharmacy-based vaccine services while maintaining pharmacist oversight.

Maddy summarySB 1059 would require employers to provide paid leave for employees experiencing a pregnancy loss, such as miscarriage or stillbirth, or related medical reasons. This bill would directly affect workers in the state who have a pregnancy loss by allowing them to take time off work with pay for this specific health event. The key provision establishes a new paid leave entitlement separate from existing family or medical leave policies. The bill was referred to the Labor & Industry committee on October 16, 2025, for further review.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates October 2025 as "Italian-American Heritage Month" in Pennsylvania. It is a ceremonial recognition, not a law with policy changes, intended to honor Italian-American contributions to the state. The resolution directly affects the Italian-American community in Pennsylvania by formally acknowledging their cultural heritage during that month. No specific provisions or mechanisms are created, as it is purely symbolic.

Maddy summarySB 1052 establishes the Grandfamily Assistance Program and a dedicated fund to provide financial support to grandparents and other relatives raising grandchildren (referred to as "grandfamilies"). The bill directs the Department of Aging to administer the fund and provide grants to local area agencies on aging, which will deliver support services like counseling, respite care, and resource coordination to eligible grandfamilies. It creates a new state-funded program specifically targeting kinship caregivers who lack formal custody. The bill does not specify exact service details but mandates the Department of Aging to define eligibility and program implementation.

Maddy summarySB 1048 amends Pennsylvania's environmental permit process to specifically address areas designated as "environmental justice areas" - communities historically burdened by pollution. The bill requires state agencies to consider environmental justice impacts when reviewing and issuing permits for new or modified facilities in these areas. Key provisions include mandating additional public input and environmental assessments during permit applications within designated zones. This change directly affects developers seeking permits and residents in communities identified as environmental justice areas under state law. The bill aims to integrate equity considerations into routine permitting decisions.