Sen. Jay Costa

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates June 2, 2026, as "Cancer Action Day" in Pennsylvania to raise awareness about the state's cancer statistics and prevention efforts. The measure does not create new laws or change existing policies but instead serves as a symbolic gesture to honor those affected by the disease and acknowledge volunteers gathering at the state Capitol. By formally recognizing this date, the Senate aims to highlight the importance of early detection and access to quality healthcare without altering any legal procedures or funding.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates June 2026 as "Aphasia Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania to highlight the challenges faced by individuals with aphasia, a communication disorder often caused by stroke or brain injury. The measure aims to increase public understanding of the condition, which affects approximately 75,000 residents in the state, and encourages community support and advocacy. As a symbolic gesture, the bill does not create new laws or funding but serves to draw attention to the need for resources and awareness regarding this language impairment.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally recognizes May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Pennsylvania to highlight the importance of mental health for all residents. The bill does not change any laws or require specific actions but serves as a symbolic gesture to raise awareness about mental health challenges. It also expresses the Senate's support for policies that promote mental health resources, education, and treatment with parity to physical health coverage.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes police officers in Philadelphia to tow and impound vehicles involved in street racing, reckless driving, or excessive noise violations between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. It establishes a clear process for vehicle recovery, requiring owners to pay towing fees, storage costs, and a civil penalty of up to $1,000 for subsequent offenses. Owners also have the right to request an administrative hearing within 10 days to contest the impoundment, and any collected fines must be used to fund local traffic safety programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Commission for Career and Technical Education Excellence to oversee programs and report on industry trends, while also establishing a grant program to fund equipment for youth camps and pre-apprenticeship initiatives in community colleges. The new commission will be made up of state officials and representatives from various industry and education groups, who will meet to develop guidelines and submit annual reports to the Governor and legislature. Additionally, the legislation directs community colleges to partner with state agencies to offer annual construction and building trades camps for seventh and eighth-grade students, supported by specific grants for purchasing necessary equipment.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Equal Employment for All Act, prohibits employers in Pennsylvania from using credit reports to make hiring or firing decisions, with specific exceptions for national security roles, certain government jobs, financial institution executives, and cases required by law. The law aims to prevent discrimination based on an individual's creditworthiness, credit standing, or credit capacity during the employment process. Any violation of these restrictions will be treated as an unlawful discriminatory practice under the existing Pennsylvania Human Relations Act and will be enforced through that same legal framework.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates May 2026 as Lyme Disease and Tick-Borne Illness Awareness Month in Pennsylvania to highlight the prevalence and risks of these conditions. The measure aims to increase public awareness about tick-borne illnesses, which are transmitted by infected ticks and can cause a range of symptoms from rashes to severe organ issues. By officially recognizing this month, the resolution encourages residents to take precautions against tick bites and seek early diagnosis and treatment to prevent long-term health complications.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance companies in Pennsylvania to cover fertility preservation services for individuals facing medically necessary cancer treatments that could cause infertility. The law mandates that insurers include storage for at least three years at an in-network facility and allows a lifetime maximum benefit of up to $100,000 per person, while still permitting standard policy terms like copayments and deductibles. Religious employers may request an exemption from these coverage requirements if the services conflict with their beliefs, though they must notify enrollees and allow individuals to purchase supplemental coverage at their own expense.

Maddy summaryPennsylvania Senate Bill 1332 requires political advertisements that use artificial intelligence or generative AI to clearly disclose this fact to the public. The law mandates that text-based ads display a visible statement with details about the content's origin, while audio or video ads must include an audible tagline at the beginning. Violations of this disclosure requirement can result in civil fines of up to $3,000, along with the payment of legal fees and court costs. The bill applies to all political ads produced after its effective date of 30 days.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires electric utilities and their contractors to provide automated external defibrillators at all worksites where lineworkers perform electrical tasks. It mandates that these devices be available and functional at both permanent and temporary locations, while also requiring basic CPR and AED training for workers and crew leaders. The legislation assigns the Department of Labor and Industry the duty to establish maintenance and inspection standards for the equipment. Additionally, the bill extends Good Samaritan protections to individuals who use these devices in good faith, shielding them from liability.