Sen. Jay Costa

Maddy summarySB 469 provides $1 annual fishing and hunting licenses for eligible law enforcement officers in Pennsylvania. It directly affects officers employed by defined law enforcement agencies (including campus police, airport authorities, railroad police, and county park forces) who qualify for resident licenses. The bill creates a $1 fee for both fishing licenses (under Title 30) and hunting licenses (under Title 34), replacing standard fees for these officers. Key provisions define "law enforcement agency" broadly and specify that officers must provide employment documentation to qualify. The policy change takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania vehicle laws to specifically address the operation of off-road vehicles, such as all-terrain vehicles and dirt bikes, within urban municipalities. It establishes new offenses for driving these vehicles in cities and counties that are not currently covered by existing regulations, as well as for fleeing police officers on such vehicles. The legislation sets specific fines and potential jail time for violations, including a misdemeanor charge if three or more people operate these vehicles recklessly in an urban area. Additionally, the bill clarifies that reckless driving on all-terrain vehicles and dirt bikes in these designated areas will be treated with the same penalties as reckless driving on standard road vehicles.

Maddy summarySB 792 sets annual limits on Pennsylvania's research and development (R&D) tax credit program. It caps total annual credits at $120 million, with $24 million specifically reserved for small businesses. Unused portions of either the small business allocation or the general allocation can roll over to the other group if not fully claimed in a given year. This bill directly affects businesses claiming R&D tax credits in Pennsylvania, particularly small businesses that receive priority funding. The change modifies the existing tax credit structure under the 1971 Tax Reform Code.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new paid family and medical leave program in Pennsylvania, creating a fund to support workers who need time off for family care or medical reasons. It requires employers to contribute to the program and sets rules for how long employees can take leave, how much money they receive, and what situations qualify for benefits, including care for family members with serious health conditions or recovery from domestic violence. The Department of Labor and Industry will administer the program, handle claims, and enforce rules, while employees have the right to take legal action if their rights are violated. The legislation also includes provisions for self-employed individuals to opt into the program and establishes an advisory board to guide program development.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates June 10, 2026, as "Delco Day" in Pennsylvania to officially recognize the annual community event held in Delaware County. The bill highlights the event's purpose of raising funds for local charities, specifically noting the 2026 beneficiary, the HEADstrong Foundation, which supports cancer patients and their families. Additionally, the resolution honors several notable individuals from the county, including civil rights leader Ruth L. Bennett, comedian Tina Fey, and Olympic swimmer Brendan Hansen, to celebrate their contributions and legacy.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates the week of June 8 through 14, 2026, as "Union Organizing Week" throughout Pennsylvania. The measure directly affects workers and employers by formally recognizing the historical efforts of employees who have fought for the right to organize and bargain collectively. The resolution highlights the benefits of unionization, such as improved workplace safety and fair wages, while acknowledging the challenges workers face during the organizing process. It serves as a commemorative gesture rather than establishing new legal requirements or changing existing labor laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit Program to align state tax credits with future changes in the federal tax code. It directly affects Pennsylvania taxpayers who claim credits for employment-related child and dependent care expenses by modifying how the credit amount is calculated. The legislation establishes a new "applicable percent" for tax years starting after December 31, 2025, ensuring the state credit matches the federal credit limits, which are set at $3,000 for one qualifying individual or $6,000 for two or more. By linking these two systems, the bill ensures that the state tax benefit remains consistent with federal rules for future taxable years.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 481 amends Pennsylvania vehicle law to allow certain milk haulers to operate on highways during inclement weather and declared emergencies. This bill permits combination vehicles and farm vehicles transporting milk products to travel 24 hours a day, seven days a week, even when other vehicles might be restricted due to weather or emergency declarations. It requires these licensed milk haulers to display a specific decal issued by the Pennsylvania Milk Board, for which a fee will be charged to cover administrative costs. The bill also clarifies existing provisions related to permits for milk hauling during the manufacturing process.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows individuals in Pennsylvania who are currently serving prison sentences or awaiting execution to request a new sentencing hearing if they were survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, or human trafficking. To qualify, a person must prove by a preponderance of the evidence that their victimization was a significant factor that contributed to their criminal behavior. The law requires petitioners to submit specific documentation, such as medical records, police reports, or sworn statements from witnesses, to support their claim of survivor status and the link between the trauma and their crime. Additionally, the bill outlines procedures for filing these petitions in the court where the original conviction occurred and establishes that survivor status can serve as a mitigating circumstance in capital cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Prevailing Wage Act to clarify definitions and requirements for public works projects. It expands the definition of "public work" to include custom fabrication of nonstandard goods or materials for projects costing more than $25,000, while excluding structural steel and precast concrete. The law requires contractors and subcontractors performing custom fabrication to follow the same wage, reporting, and compliance rules as other public works contractors. Additionally, the bill clarifies that the Secretary of Labor and Industry must determine prevailing wage rates for all crafts, including those involved in custom fabrication, and must consider employee benefit contributions from collective bargaining agreements when setting these rates.