Sen. Jay Costa

Maddy summarySB 823 allocates $2 million annually from Pennsylvania's State Gaming Fund to local law enforcement agencies for investigating and enforcing laws related to unlawful gambling. The funding specifically covers violations of gambling statutes (18 Pa.C.S. § 5513) and related offenses like animal fighting (18 Pa.C.S. §§ 5543-5544). This includes Pennsylvania State Police when providing primary police coverage in municipalities without their own police departments. The bill amends existing law to formalize these grant provisions and takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summarySB 796 increases the tax on motor vehicle leases from 3% to 5% of the lease price and raises the fee for renting a motor vehicle from $2 to $6.50 per day. Revenue from these fees will fund Pennsylvania’s Public Transportation Assistance Fund, which supports public transportation services statewide. The bill affects vehicle lessees and renters, including those using carsharing services, though carsharing rentals of less than 6 hours will have lower fees (ranging from $0.25 to $1.25). The changes take effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summarySB 795 imposes a new fee on transportation network companies (like Uber or Lyft) operating in Pennsylvania. Companies must pay 4.6% of total ride fares in Philadelphia (a city of the first class) and 6% elsewhere, remitted quarterly to the Public Transportation Trust Fund. These fees will directly fund transportation programs, including operating costs for public transit systems, as specified in the bill’s fund allocation provisions. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summarySB 847 requires Pennsylvania borough councils to appoint a registered borough resident (who has lived there continuously for at least one year) to fill vacant elected offices like mayor, council member, or auditor within 30 days. If councils fail to act, a "vacancy board" (composed of council members plus one appointed elector) must fill the vacancy within 15 additional days. If the vacancy board also fails, the court of common pleas appoints a resident to serve until the next municipal election. This directly affects all Pennsylvania boroughs and their residents who must meet residency requirements for temporary appointments.

Maddy summarySB 846 makes it illegal to declaw cats for non-therapeutic reasons in Pennsylvania. The bill prohibits veterinarians and pet owners from performing declawing procedures (including onychectomy or tendonectomy) unless medically necessary to treat an existing health condition, excluding cosmetic or convenience reasons. Violations are punishable as summary offenses with fines ranging from $50 to $1,500, depending on the number of offenses. The law specifically excludes routine claw trimming or temporary nail caps from the prohibition.

Maddy summarySB 828 creates a program that reimburses Pennsylvania local governments (like cities, counties, and school districts) for up to 20% of the cost of purchasing "union-made" vehicles. A vehicle is "union-made" if it was assembled in the U.S. at a facility operating under a collective bargaining agreement. The program, administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development, uses a state fund financed by state appropriations and other sources, with grants awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until funds run out. Local governments must apply for reimbursement and provide proof the vehicles meet the "union-made" definition.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally recognizes the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States Army (established June 14, 1775, as the Continental Army). It commemorates the Army as the nation's oldest fighting force and first national institution, highlighting historical milestones like the Battle of Bunker Hill and George Washington's appointment as Commander in Chief. The resolution serves solely as a ceremonial tribute with no policy changes or direct impact on individuals or programs. It does not create new laws, allocate funds, or affect veterans' benefits.

Maddy summarySB 450 amends Pennsylvania's Local Option Small Games of Chance Act to modernize regulations for electronic pull-tabs and tavern games. It defines "electronic pull-tab" as games played on personal devices (like phones) connected to licensed locations via secure routers, with specific rules on payment (only bank transfers, no cash) and gameplay. The bill removes previous $2,000 individual prize limits and $35,000 weekly aggregate limits for most games, while adding new raffle rules allowing volunteer fire/ambulance groups to award up to $150,000 annually per raffle under special permits. This directly affects licensed clubs, taverns, and nonprofit organizations running small-scale gambling events, updating their operational rules and prize structures. The changes aim to clarify digital game rules while maintaining exclusions for slot machines and video poker under separate state gambling oversight.

Maddy summarySB 845 requires commercial marinas and boat docks in Pennsylvania to implement electrical safety measures to prevent shock hazards. It mandates annual inspections by licensed electricians starting January 2025, installation of ground-fault protection (limiting electrical leakage to 100 milliamperes), and posting permanent warning signs stating "ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARD RISK: NO SWIMMING WITHIN 100 YARDS" near water. These rules apply to facilities offering services for remuneration (e.g., rental, repairs), excluding privately owned docks used solely by owners or guests. The requirements take effect 60 days after enactment, with new electrical systems needing compliance after July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates June 9-13, 2025, as "Union Organizing Week" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically honors workers who advocate for collective bargaining rights and fair workplace conditions, without creating new laws or altering existing policies. The resolution acknowledges the role of unions in improving wages, safety, and equity while recognizing workers' right to choose unionization. It is purely ceremonial and does not affect employers, workers, or labor regulations.