Sen. Jay Costa

Maddy summarySB 19 proposes amendments to The Minimum Wage Act of 1968, directly affecting employees and employers across the state. The bill seeks to increase the minimum wage to $15 per hour starting January 1, 2026, with subsequent annual adjustments tied to the cost of living. It also revises rules for tipped employees, requiring their cash wage to be at least 70% of the minimum wage and clarifying that all gratuities are the property of the employee. Employers would be prohibited from deducting credit card processing fees from employee tips and must pay them by the next regular payday.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 92 recognizes April 2025 as "Sikh Awareness and Appreciation Month" in Pennsylvania. This resolution aims to promote public understanding of the Sikh faith, acknowledge the contributions of the Sikh community, and combat anti-Sikh bigotry throughout the Commonwealth.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 661 establishes the Animal Cruelty Investigation Fund within the State Treasury. This fund is continuously appropriated to the Attorney General to support efforts against animal cruelty. The money will be used for training and equipping humane society police officers, developing investigation materials, and covering salaries and benefits for attorneys prosecuting animal cruelty cases. It also provides grants to animal shelters for investigations or other permissible expenses. The fund will be financed by a new $25 assessment imposed on individuals who violate animal cruelty laws.

Maddy summarySB 656 proposes changes to Pennsylvania's corporate net income tax, primarily affecting corporations that are part of a "unitary business," meaning a group of related companies operating as a single economic unit. Beginning after December 31, 2025, these businesses would calculate their taxable income based on the combined income of their U.S. operations ("water's-edge basis"). The bill also modifies rules for deductions related to intercompany dividends and addresses the treatment of intangible and interest expenses incurred in transactions between affiliated entities. Income for these unitary businesses would be apportioned to the state using a sales factor.

Maddy summarySB 650 amends Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to enhance child safety. It mandates that all child care centers and family child care homes install and maintain door safety guards. These guards must meet or exceed specific requirements set by the department to minimize the risk of harm or injury to children. This bill directly affects licensed child care facilities and will take effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summarySB 595 amends Pennsylvania law regarding professional wrestling contests. The bill expands the requirement for medical attendance, allowing either a physician or a certified registered nurse practitioner (CRNP) to be present at these events. Promoters and facility operators must employ one of these professionals, who will observe participants and have the authority to stop a contest to prevent severe injury. The promoter is responsible for paying the fee for the physician or CRNP.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 643 amends the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act to regulate how landlords can use criminal history information when making housing decisions. The bill prohibits landlords from denying tenancy or retaliating against prospective occupants and tenants based on certain criminal histories. It establishes "fair chance housing" practices, defining specific "legitimate business reasons" for considering criminal history, generally excluding convictions more than two years old. Additionally, it requires landlords to provide notice regarding their use of criminal history and updates the procedures and civil penalties for violations.

Maddy summarySB 653 amends the state's Tax Reform Code concerning personal income tax. The bill allows employees to deduct certain education-related expenses from their taxable income. Specifically, expenses for higher education or career and technical education that are reimbursed by an employer can be deducted, but only if that reimbursement was reported as Federal taxable income. This change would apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 654 establishes the Veterans Mental Health Services Program within the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. This program is designed to provide mental health care to honorably discharged veterans who have exhausted their federal mental health benefits or are in an acute crisis. Eligible veterans can receive reimbursement for up to five mental health sessions per year from participating health care providers, with the possibility of additional sessions if approved. The department will publish a list of participating providers and issue an annual report on the program's reach and services provided.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 646 establishes the Survivor-Centered, Accessible, Fair and Empowering Housing Trust Fund within the State Treasury. This fund aims to provide emergency, transitional, and permanent housing programs, along with support services, for victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, human trafficking, stalking, and their immediate family members. Funding for the trust fund will come from an initial transfer of $1,000,000, a new $10 fee on deed and mortgage filings, and optional $5 contributions during online driver's license or vehicle registration renewals. The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency will administer the fund to support housing stability for this target population.