Sen. Jay Costa

Maddy summarySB 647 amends Pennsylvania's Crimes and Offenses statute regarding prostitution and related offenses. The bill removes specific provisions that made these offenses a third-degree felony if the person involved was HIV positive or knew another person involved was HIV positive. It establishes a mechanism for individuals previously convicted and sentenced under these specific HIV-related felony provisions to petition the court for resentencing to a misdemeanor grade. This resentencing process applies to those who have completed their sentence and those currently serving it, subject to certain conditions.

Maddy summarySB 636 would exempt sales tax on items and services related to guide, hearing, and service dogs in Pennsylvania. It directly affects disabled individuals and their caregivers by removing sales tax on veterinary care, medications, dog-specific supplies (like beds, collars, food), and maintenance services (such as grooming and boarding). The bill requires sellers to verify transactions involve a qualifying dog and either a disabled person or their representative. It amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to create this specific exemption, pending final legislative approval. The bill is currently pending in the Finance Committee.

Maddy summarySB 634 creates a new hate crime offense in Pennsylvania law targeting attacks against law enforcement officers and first responders (firefighters and emergency medical personnel). It defines this as intentionally committing crimes like assault, property damage, or trespassing motivated by hatred toward someone's job in these roles. If the underlying crime is a misdemeanor, the hate crime charge raises it to a higher class (e.g., misdemeanor of the second degree), and courts must consider a sentencing enhancement. This bill directly affects individuals who commit such acts, increasing penalties for targeting public safety workers due to their employment.

Maddy summarySB 641 amends Pennsylvania's 1929 Administrative Code to clarify the maximum size of the Pennsylvania State Police. It specifies that the total number of State Police officers and troopers (including those assigned to the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, Delaware River Bridge Commission, and gaming enforcement) cannot exceed 4,310 at any time. The bill removes a previous numerical cap that counted these assigned personnel toward the total limit, ensuring those officers are excluded from the 4,310 threshold. This change directly affects the State Police's staffing structure and reporting requirements under the Commonwealth's administrative code.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a bill with policy changes) honoring the Philadelphia Eagles for winning Super Bowl LIX on February 9, 2025. It formally recognizes their championship victory over the Kansas City Chiefs (40-22), their historic playoff performance, and their community contributions like supporting schools and mental health initiatives. The resolution expresses the Senate's appreciation for the team's role in uniting Philadelphia and Pennsylvania, calling them "one of the greatest football teams ever to represent this Commonwealth." As a symbolic gesture, it has no legal effect or impact on public policy.

Maddy summarySB 640 amends Pennsylvania's Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law to require that businesses selling event tickets, lodging, or food delivery services display the total price - including all mandatory fees - clearly and conspicuously when a consumer first views the product or service. This applies specifically to platforms like hotel booking sites, ticket resellers, and food delivery apps, but excludes direct restaurant deliveries. The law mandates that this total price must be visible before purchase, ensuring consumers see all costs upfront without hidden fees (except government taxes). The bill defines key terms for these platforms to clarify enforcement and aligns with existing consumer protection standards.

Maddy summarySB 642 creates a statewide database for child protective services in Pennsylvania, containing founded and indicated child abuse reports. It establishes three clearance levels for background checks required for employees and volunteers working with children, based on their job role: Level 1 (direct care, like teachers or camp counselors) requires reporting certain abuse reports indefinitely or for 3-10 years depending on severity; Level 2 (non-direct roles, like cafeteria staff) has shorter reporting periods (5-15 years) or excludes some reports; and special cases (like kinship caregivers) have different rules. The bill directly affects anyone seeking employment or volunteer positions in schools, day cares, health facilities, or child-focused programs, requiring them to undergo these background checks. The database will limit information shared to only founded/indicated reports relevant to the applicant’s specific role and clearance level.

Maddy summarySB 632 allows small municipalities (population 10,000 or less) in Pennsylvania's second-class counties to voluntarily dissolve their local government. Residents would vote to transfer all governance and public services (like roads, water, and emergency response) to the county, forming an "unincorporated district" managed by county officials. The process requires a local government resolution and a voter referendum before dissolution. This bill directly affects residents and officials of qualifying municipalities seeking to consolidate services under county administration.

Maddy summarySB 621 prohibits Pennsylvania businesses from deducting taxes for expenses related to opposing unionization efforts. It specifically blocks deductions for costs tied to National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) complaints, anti-union meetings with employees, or labor law violations. The law applies to corporations and business entities operating in Pennsylvania, including foreign companies. Exceptions allow deductions for legitimate communications with union representatives or shareholders. This changes tax treatment for anti-union activities without altering labor law.

Maddy summarySB 619 requires all coaches and school staff supervising athletic or school activities in Pennsylvania to complete annual sudden cardiac arrest training and maintain biennial CPR/AED certifications through approved organizations like the American Heart Association. It directly affects school coaches, athletic staff, and supervisors of school-sponsored activities (including practices, competitions, and noncompetitive cheerleading). Schools must document and publicly share each staff member’s certification status. The bill amends the Public School Code to standardize emergency response training for all school activities, without introducing medical testing requirements.