Sen. Jay Costa

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's public utility laws to explicitly exclude data centers from the legal definition of a public utility. It achieves this by adding a specific definition for "data center" and listing it as an entity that does not fall under public utility regulations. The change directly affects how data center facilities are classified within the state's public utilities code, distinguishing them from traditional utility providers. The legislation will become effective 60 days after it is signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania law to allow second-class counties to impose a 5% excise tax on hotel room rentals and creates a specific revitalization plan for downtown Pittsburgh. The legislation establishes a new Downtown Development Authority and a dedicated Downtown Revitalization Fund to support public projects that improve civic, cultural, and tourism facilities in the area. Revenue generated from the increased hotel tax will be used to fund these downtown improvement initiatives, aiming to boost local economic activity and infrastructure.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a formal regulatory framework in Pennsylvania for shared equity agreements, which are financial contracts where a provider gives a homeowner money in exchange for a stake in the property's future value. It directly affects financial institutions and investors offering these nonrecourse loans, requiring them to obtain a license from the Department of Banking and Securities to operate legally. The legislation defines specific terms like "shared equity provider" and outlines the duties of the state department to oversee these transactions, while also setting penalties for noncompliance. By creating new chapters in the state statutes, the bill aims to bring transparency and oversight to this growing area of residential finance without altering existing reverse mortgage rules.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally condemns the Russian Federation for its invasion of Ukraine and specifically denounces the illegal abduction and forced transfer of Ukrainian children to Russia. The measure declares that these actions violate the Genocide Convention and amounts to genocide, asserting that Russia aims to erase Ukrainian culture and identity by removing its next generation. By stating these findings, the resolution holds the Russian government responsible for the wrongful removal and indoctrination of children while highlighting the severe risks these minors face, such as exploitation and trauma. As a non-binding legislative statement, this bill directly affects the Senate's official record and expresses the state's stance on the humanitarian crisis without imposing new laws or penalties.

Maddy summarySB 111 requires correctional officers working in Pennsylvania state prisons to reside within 50 miles of their assigned facility. This directly affects all state correctional officers employed at prisons across Pennsylvania. The bill amends existing law to establish this residency requirement, replacing previous standards. The change aims to ensure officers live close enough to their workplace to respond promptly to facility needs.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 346 honors the 10th anniversary of the Mid-Atlantic Mothers' Milk Bank in Allegheny County. This commemorative resolution recognizes the bank's role in providing pasteurized donor human milk to medically vulnerable infants when their own mothers cannot supply enough. The document highlights the facility's growth, its contribution to public health through reduced infant complications, and its support for local manufacturing and research.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's tax code to update rules for the historic preservation incentive tax credit program. It expands the definition of eligible taxpayers to include various business entities and tax-exempt organizations that own historic structures. The legislation also increases the maximum annual tax credit amount a single applicant can receive from $500,000 to $1.5 million while setting a new statewide annual cap of $20 million. Additionally, it requires the Department of Community and Economic Development to distribute these credits equitably across different regions of the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to increase the annual funding available for mixed-use development tax credits from $4.5 million to $15 million. The change directly affects developers and investors who qualify for these credits by allowing the state to allocate a larger pool of money to support projects that combine residential, commercial, or other uses. Under the new provisions, the state agency responsible for tax administration can distribute up to $15 million in credits each fiscal year to eligible projects. The legislation takes effect 60 days after it is passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits the fees charged by the Pennsylvania Department of Education for reviewing teacher certification applications to a maximum of $50. It directly affects individuals seeking state teaching certificates by capping the cost of the eligibility review process. The funds collected from these fees must be deposited into the Talent Recruitment Account. The changes become effective 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summarySB 1183 amends Pennsylvania's Charitable Solicitations Act to raise financial reporting thresholds for charitable organizations. It requires full audits for organizations receiving $1 million+ in annual contributions (up from $750,000), reviews/audits for those receiving $500,000-$1 million (up from $250,000-$750,000), and compilations/reviews for those receiving $150,000-$500,000 (up from $100,000-$250,000). Organizations with under $150,000 in annual contributions may choose whether to conduct any financial review. These changes apply to contributions received in calendar years after the bill's effective date.