Sen. Jay Costa

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 151) formally commemorates the life, military service, and memory of United States Army Air Forces Corporal Glenn Hodak. It is a non-binding ceremonial resolution adopted by the legislature to honor his contributions. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any policies or individuals. It serves solely as a symbolic tribute to Corporal Hodak's service.

Maddy summarySB 114 updates Pennsylvania's Nurse Aide Resident Abuse Prevention Training Act to strengthen training standards for nurse aides working in long-term care facilities. It requires the state department to develop a specific long-term care curriculum, set qualifications for instructors (including RN supervision and facility experience), and establish a train-the-trainer program. The bill also creates three pathways to become a certified nurse aide, including completing approved training with a competency exam (offering remote written testing options), graduating from nursing programs, or meeting equivalent requirements. Additionally, it prohibits the department from imposing waiting periods before online training can be offered in approved programs. These changes directly affect nurse aides, long-term care facilities, and training programs across Pennsylvania.

Maddy summarySB 460 amends Pennsylvania's Governor and Lieutenant Governor Disability Procedure Law to clarify and update the process for determining incapacity and succession if the Governor or Lieutenant Governor cannot perform duties. It specifies procedures for medical evaluations, notification requirements, and the transfer of authority to the Secretary of the Commonwealth during such periods. This directly affects state officials, including the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and key cabinet members, by establishing clear steps for leadership continuity. The bill focuses on procedural clarity rather than substantive policy changes to ensure smooth governance during emergencies.

Maddy summarySB 461 requires health insurance policies in Pennsylvania to cover specific diagnostic tests and treatments for Lyme disease and related tick-borne illnesses. It directly affects all Pennsylvanians with health insurance, particularly those in the state’s high-risk areas (all 67 counties, per the bill’s findings). The key provision mandates insurers cover clinically appropriate diagnostics and antibiotics, including longer-term treatments that some patients require. The bill aims to improve access to care by eliminating coverage barriers, as Pennsylvania has the highest Lyme disease incidence in the U.S. (over 100,000 cases reported in 2018 alone). This is intended to reduce chronic cases and overall disease burden, aligning with the state’s legislative purpose to promote prevention and treatment access.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week of September 22-26, 2025, as "Safe2Say Something Week" in Pennsylvania. It formally recognizes this specific week for awareness efforts related to the Safe2Say Something program, which encourages reporting of potential threats in schools. The resolution has no binding requirements or policy changes; it is a symbolic designation to promote the program's goals. It directly affects Pennsylvania schools and communities by highlighting this awareness period.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates September 15-21, 2025, as "Rail Safety Week" in Pennsylvania. It formally recognizes and promotes rail safety awareness during that week through official state acknowledgment. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws or affect specific groups but aims to raise public attention to rail safety issues. The measure is pending referral to the Rules & Executive Nominations committee.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 147) designates September 19, 2025, as "POW/MIA Recognition Day" within the state of Pennsylvania. It formally recognizes this date for observance of prisoners of war and missing in action service members. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or alter existing policies; it solely establishes a day of official recognition for the state. The resolution is currently referred to the Rules & Executive Nominations committee.

Maddy summarySB 986 amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code of 1971 to create a new tax credit under the PA EDGE economic development program specifically for businesses in the space economy. This provision would allow eligible space industry companies - such as those involved in satellite manufacturing, launch services, or space-related research - to claim tax credits for job creation and capital investments within Pennsylvania. The credits would reduce these businesses' state income tax liability, aiming to incentivize growth in the state's emerging space sector. The bill is currently referred to the Finance committee for further review.

Maddy summarySR 142 is a symbolic resolution designating September 1, 2025, as "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Day" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or affect specific groups; instead, it formally recognizes this date for a public safety awareness campaign focused on preventing drunk driving. The resolution serves as a procedural statement to encourage law enforcement and community efforts during the designated period. This is a non-binding commemorative measure, not a policy change.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates September 2025 as "Histiocytosis Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It formally recognizes the need to raise public awareness about histiocytosis, a rare immune system disorder. The resolution serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight this condition and support affected individuals and families, without creating new laws or altering existing policies.