Sen. Jay Costa

Maddy summarySR 12 is a ceremonial resolution introduced by the Pennsylvania Senate to honor former President Jimmy Carter (39th U.S. President) and his legacy. It formally recognizes his life, achievements - including the Camp David Accords, Nobel Peace Prize, work with The Carter Center, and service as Georgia governor - and extends condolences following his death at age 100. The resolution directs the Senate to transmit a copy to the Carter family via The Carter Center in Atlanta. This is a non-binding tribute with no new policy or legal effect, solely expressing legislative respect for Carter's humanitarian and public service.

Maddy summarySB 209 requires individuals applying for or renewing a concealed carry license in Pennsylvania to obtain and provide proof of firearm liability insurance covering at least $1 million in damages for injury or property damage related to firearm use. The bill mandates that license holders carry an insurance identification certificate alongside their license and display it to law enforcement upon request; failure to do so results in firearm confiscation, license revocation, and a $50 reissuance fee. This directly affects all Pennsylvania residents seeking concealed carry permits, as insurance proof becomes a prerequisite for license issuance and retention. The law also specifies insurance must exclude coverage for unlawful acts and requires notification of policy cancellations to authorities. The bill was referred to the Judiciary Committee on January 29, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 208 increases the waiting period for most firearm transfers between non-licensed individuals from 48 to 72 hours, with exceptions for transfers between spouses, parents and children, or grandparents and grandchildren. It also requires background check records for these sales to be destroyed by the Pennsylvania State Police within 72 hours of the check. This law applies only to specific firearms, including short-barreled pistols (under 15 inches barrel), shotguns (under 18 inches barrel), rifles (under 16 inches barrel), and compact firearms (under 26 inches overall length).

Maddy summarySB 206 modifies Pennsylvania's personal income tax by setting a 3.07% rate for taxable years ending in 2025, after which no personal income tax will be collected for years beginning in 2026 or later. It also eliminates employer withholding requirements starting in 2026 if employees certify they had no prior-year tax liability and expect none for the current year. Additionally, the bill repeals the requirement for residents to file personal income tax returns and for Pennsylvania S corporations to submit annual returns for taxable years starting in 2026. These changes directly affect Pennsylvania residents, employees, employers, and S corporations.

Maddy summarySB 190 establishes Pennsylvania's Pharmaceutical Transparency Review Board to address high-cost prescription drug affordability. The Board, composed of appointed experts with strict conflict-of-interest rules, reviews prescription drugs and develops recommendations for residents, government agencies, health plans, and other stakeholders. It requires pharmaceutical manufacturers (those setting drug prices) to provide pricing data and mandates public meetings and transparency in the review process. The bill also creates a dedicated fund to support the Board's operations and sets penalties for noncompliance.

Maddy summarySB 136 replaces Pennsylvania's current process for temporarily transferring terminally ill inmates to hospitals or hospices with two new parole options. It eliminates the existing requirement for courts to approve transfers based on "clear and convincing proof" of terminal illness, risk factors, and facility agreements. Instead, the bill creates parole eligibility for inmates due to age or chronic illness, and establishes medical parole during public health emergencies like disease outbreaks. This change directly affects incarcerated individuals facing serious health conditions or age-related frailty, streamlining their release without requiring court petitions.

Maddy summarySB 53 requires health insurance policies in Pennsylvania to cover children up to age 26, extending the previous limit of 19. It prohibits insurers from denying or restricting coverage based on factors like marital status, education, employment, or residency. The law applies to standard health insurance policies (excluding dental, disability, hospital indemnity, and similar plans) and mandates continued coverage for adult children meeting specific criteria, such as not being married or having dependents. This directly affects policyholders and their children aged 19-26 who would otherwise lose coverage.

Maddy summarySR 14 is a ceremonial Senate resolution honoring Vincent C. DeLiberato, Jr., upon his retirement as Director of the Pennsylvania Legislative Reference Bureau after 49 years of service. It recognizes his career spanning legal work, military service, academic contributions, and leadership roles in legal committees. The resolution formally acknowledges his "distinguished career" and "extraordinary commitment" to the bureau, with a copy sent to Mr. DeLiberato. As a non-binding resolution, it has no policy impact or effect on public law.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 13 designates January 27, 2025, as "International Holocaust Remembrance Day" in Pennsylvania. The resolution commemorates the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau on January 27, 1945, and aligns with the United Nations' annual observance of this day. It formally recognizes the Holocaust's historical significance and the importance of remembering its victims. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial declaration by the Pennsylvania Senate.

Maddy summarySB 178 amends Pennsylvania's investment divestment law to require state retirement funds (like the State Employees' Retirement System) to identify and potentially divest from companies that manufacture assault weapons. It defines "assault weapons" broadly (including certain rifles, pistols, and shotguns) and mandates that funds notify these manufacturers within 180 days if they continue such production, giving them time to commit to stopping. If manufacturers don't cease production, funds must sell all related investments within 26 months. The bill directly affects state pension fund portfolios and aims to align investment policies with firearm safety concerns.