Sen. Jay Costa

Maddy summarySB 264 extends the maximum duration for tax breaks on qualifying properties in economically depressed areas from 10 to 20 years under Pennsylvania's Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance Act. It directly affects businesses seeking tax exemptions for deteriorated industrial, commercial, or new construction in designated depressed communities. The key change modifies Section 5(b)(1) to allow local taxing authorities to provide longer tax exemption schedules, while maintaining existing eligibility criteria. This applies to new exemption applications submitted after the law's effective date, which takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis resolution amends Senate Rule 14 to require standing committees to hold a public hearing or schedule a committee meeting to consider any bill referred to them within 60 calendar days of referral. It directly affects Senate standing committees by setting a specific timeline for handling bills. The change aims to streamline the committee process without altering substantive policy. (Procedural resolution; no direct impact on citizens or policy outcomes.)

Maddy summarySB 276, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, requires Pennsylvania employers to provide reasonable accommodations for employees with pregnancy-related limitations (like modified schedules, extra breaks, or equipment adjustments) unless it causes significant cost or disruption to the business. It prohibits employers from refusing such accommodations, forcing leave when alternatives exist, or retaliating against workers who request them. The law applies to all employers in Pennsylvania and makes it illegal to deny employment or change work terms based on pregnancy-related needs. Employees can file complaints with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission if their rights are violated, with enforcement mirroring existing anti-discrimination procedures.

Maddy summarySB 265 prohibits credit card payments for gambling-related services in Pennsylvania. It bans operators of fantasy contests, iLottery, interactive gaming, and sports wagering from accepting credit cards to fund accounts, make deposits, or place wagers. The bill directly affects licensed gambling operators by requiring them to use alternative payment methods for all transactions. Key provisions include adding specific restrictions to existing statutes (Sections 326, 503, 13B23, and 13C11) to enforce the credit card ban. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summarySB 266 strengthens Pennsylvania's gaming regulations by requiring licensed casinos and online gaming operators to enforce voluntary self-exclusion programs. It prohibits direct marketing (including email, texts, and social media) to self-excluded individuals, mandates real-time updates to exclusion lists every 48 hours, and bans access to rewards, credit, winnings, and promotional benefits for excluded persons. Violations could result in fines up to $1.2 million for gaming entities, with misdemeanor or felony penalties for repeated offenses. The bill directly affects gaming businesses and supports individuals seeking to avoid gambling activities through formal self-exclusion.

Maddy summarySB 269 amends Pennsylvania's 1965 Newborn Child Testing Act to add Duchenne muscular dystrophy to the list of conditions screened for in newborns. The bill requires healthcare providers to administer screening tests for this condition as part of the existing newborn screening program. This directly affects newborns in Pennsylvania and the healthcare facilities that conduct these screenings, aiming to identify the condition early to prevent disability or death. The change takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 9-15, 2025, as "Cardiac Rehabilitation Week" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically recognizes cardiac rehabilitation efforts and the work of professionals in preventing and treating heart disease, which is a leading cause of death in the state. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but formally acknowledges the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation's role in promoting heart health awareness.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires most health insurance plans in Pennsylvania to cover infertility treatments without out-of-pocket costs (like deductibles or copays). It applies to individuals, spouses, and dependents seeking fertility care, including treatments like IVF, egg/sperm freezing, embryo transfers, and surrogacy costs. The law prohibits excluding coverage for infertility based on preexisting conditions, prior treatments, or arbitrary limits on the number of attempts. It specifically mandates coverage for 22 defined infertility services, including medical procedures and fertility preservation for those undergoing cancer treatment.

Maddy summarySB 259 requires all public and nonpublic schools in Pennsylvania that use fossil fuel-based heating (like gas or oil) or have attached garages to install and maintain safety-approved carbon monoxide alarms in every classroom on the same level as those heat sources. Schools must meet specific safety standards for the alarms, such as being certified to ANSI/UL standards or clearly distinguishing CO alerts from smoke alarms. The bill mandates installation within 18 months of the law’s effective date and requires schools to cover maintenance, battery replacements, or repairs. Failure to comply results in a $50 fine for willful non-compliance.

Maddy summarySB 273 amends Pennsylvania's Election Code to regulate recurring campaign contributions. It requires political candidates and committees to obtain clear, active consent from donors before setting up automatic recurring payments (like monthly credit card charges), prohibiting reliance on pre-checked boxes or passive actions. The law mandates immediate written receipts detailing terms, easy cancellation options in all communications, and refunds within 14 days if consent was not properly obtained. Violations carry penalties of up to $5,000 per incident or fines up to three times the improper contribution amount (if exceeding $1,000 and knowingly accepted without consent). The bill applies to recurring contributions solicited or accepted 60 days after enactment.