Sen. Jay Costa

Maddy summarySB 519 amends Pennsylvania's Liquor Code to change how state liquor stores sell alcohol wholesale. It requires a 10% discount on wholesale sales to hotels, restaurants, clubs, and other licensed businesses (excluding special orders), and mandates that these businesses use a discount card for purchases. The bill also establishes new rules for delivery services, requiring credit card or electronic payment for deliveries to licensees and allowing stores to offer pickup discounts at specified locations. These changes directly affect licensed businesses buying alcohol wholesale, pharmacists, hospitals, and the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, which administers the program. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summarySR 55 is a symbolic resolution designating April 2025 as "Pennsylvania Donate Life Month" to raise awareness about organ, tissue, and cornea donation. It does not create new laws or policies but commemorates Pennsylvania's donation efforts, citing that over 6,400 residents await transplants and 857 donors gave the gift of life in 2024. The resolution recognizes existing donor awareness work by state agencies and organizations like Gift of Life Donor Program. As a procedural resolution, it has no direct impact on individuals or regulations.

Maddy summarySB 513 requires Pennsylvania's Commission on Sentencing to create racial impact statements when legislators request them for bills affecting criminal justice laws. These statements must analyze how proposed legislation might change racial and ethnic demographics in the criminal offender population, juvenile court system, and among crime victims, using clear methodology. The bill mandates that such statements be attached before certain legislative actions (like second consideration or amendments) can proceed, with a 10-day deadline for the Commission. If the Commission misses the deadline, the legislation moves forward as if the statement existed. This applies specifically to bills creating new criminal offenses, changing existing ones, or modifying sentencing laws under 18 Pa.C.S. or 42 Pa.C.S. Chapter 97.

Maddy summarySB 516 establishes Pennsylvania's "Lifetime Recovery from Substance Use Grant Program" to fund recovery support services. It requires the Department of Health to create and distribute posters/pamphlets with overdose signs, emergency steps, and naloxone locations to be displayed in public areas of government agencies, transit authorities, and municipalities. The bill directly affects nonprofits, hospitals, counties, and recovery houses that provide services like peer support, housing assistance, and job training for people recovering from substance use. It mandates these providers to apply for grants to expand access to evidence-based recovery support services across the state.

Maddy summarySB 275 requires Pennsylvania's Senate and House of Representatives to post quarterly expense reports online. It mandates publishing details of member expenses - including daily allowances, travel, meals, lodging, committee costs, and office expenses - on a public website. Each entry must include the recipient, date, purpose, and payment source, with the data organized to be searchable by name, office, or date. The law applies directly to legislative staff managing these reports and aims to increase transparency around how public funds are spent.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 56) passed by the Pennsylvania Senate to honor the late Jerry Allen Stern, a former state representative who served the 80th District from 1992 to 2015. The resolution extends condolences to his wife, children, grandchildren, and family following his death on December 11, 2024. It recognizes his service as a legislator, his work on committees, and his community involvement in Blair County. As a memorial resolution, it has no policy impact or binding effect.

Maddy summarySB 498 updates Pennsylvania's definition of "emergency vehicle" in the vehicle code to include new categories of vehicles and operators. It specifically adds vehicles used for organ delivery, hazardous material response, correctional emergency transport, and disaster services (like those operated by the Salvation Army or regional EMS councils), as well as privately owned vehicles used by certain officials like police chiefs or fire marshals during emergencies. This change clarifies which vehicles qualify as emergency vehicles under state law, directly affecting police, fire, EMS, and other emergency response personnel statewide. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summarySB 496 requires nonpublic schools participating in Pennsylvania's educational tax credit program to adopt a written policy prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation. This change directly affects private and parochial schools that receive tax credits through the state's program. The bill amends the Public School Code by adding this specific nondiscrimination requirement as a condition for school participation. It does not alter tax credit amounts or other program eligibility criteria.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 489) prohibits Pennsylvania counties, cities, townships, and other local governments from regulating the lawful ownership, possession, transfer, or transportation of firearms, ammunition, or components - except when on property they own or operate (like buildings, parks, or vehicles). It repeals a prior law that barred municipalities from enacting firearm regulations. The key change is a statewide limit on local firearm rules, overriding existing municipal ordinances. This directly affects all Pennsylvania local governments and their ability to create firearm-related regulations. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (SR 51) designating January 6, 2025, as "1/6 Day" in Pennsylvania. It honors law enforcement officers who defended the U.S. Capitol during the January 6, 2021, insurrection and members of Congress who resumed voting despite threats to their safety. The resolution specifically recognizes the 140 injured officers and five officers who died during the attack. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or directly affect any individuals or policies.