Sen. Katie Muth

Maddy summarySenate Bill 646 establishes the Survivor-Centered, Accessible, Fair and Empowering Housing Trust Fund within the State Treasury. This fund aims to provide emergency, transitional, and permanent housing programs, along with support services, for victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, human trafficking, stalking, and their immediate family members. Funding for the trust fund will come from an initial transfer of $1,000,000, a new $10 fee on deed and mortgage filings, and optional $5 contributions during online driver's license or vehicle registration renewals. The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency will administer the fund to support housing stability for this target population.

Maddy summarySB 640 amends Pennsylvania's Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law to require that businesses selling event tickets, lodging, or food delivery services display the total price - including all mandatory fees - clearly and conspicuously when a consumer first views the product or service. This applies specifically to platforms like hotel booking sites, ticket resellers, and food delivery apps, but excludes direct restaurant deliveries. The law mandates that this total price must be visible before purchase, ensuring consumers see all costs upfront without hidden fees (except government taxes). The bill defines key terms for these platforms to clarify enforcement and aligns with existing consumer protection standards.

Maddy summarySB 619 requires all coaches and school staff supervising athletic or school activities in Pennsylvania to complete annual sudden cardiac arrest training and maintain biennial CPR/AED certifications through approved organizations like the American Heart Association. It directly affects school coaches, athletic staff, and supervisors of school-sponsored activities (including practices, competitions, and noncompetitive cheerleading). Schools must document and publicly share each staff member’s certification status. The bill amends the Public School Code to standardize emergency response training for all school activities, without introducing medical testing requirements.

Maddy summarySB 618 clarifies definitions in Pennsylvania's condominium laws and specifically protects solar energy installations on certain unit types. It defines "detached roof" (a roof solely owned by a unit owner) and "townhouse unit" (a single-family design with specific construction features), then prohibits homeowners' associations from banning solar panels on these units. The law directly affects condo owners seeking to install solar energy systems on detached roofs or townhouse units, ensuring associations cannot restrict such installations. This changes existing rules by explicitly limiting associations' authority over solar energy systems in defined unit categories.

Maddy summarySB 616 restricts Pennsylvania electric utilities from passing lobbying, political advertising, or other prohibited costs to consumers through rate increases. It requires utilities with over 75,000 customers to file annual reports detailing lobbying expenses, employee involvement, and third-party vendor payments related to political activities. The bill also mandates that utilities can only include specific types of advertising (e.g., safety information or energy conservation) in rate calculations. Additionally, it requires electric distribution companies to join regional transmission organizations and report their voting records on organizational matters.

Maddy summarySB 620 requires all Pennsylvania public and charter schools to install at least one automated external defibrillator (AED) in each K-12 school building or facility by the 2025-2026 school year. Schools must place AEDs in accessible, centrally located spots with clear signage, register them with the National AED Registry and local emergency services, and conduct regular inspections to ensure functionality. The bill mandates that at least 10% of school staff be certified in CPR and AED use (renewing every two years) and requires schools to develop cardiac emergency response plans and publicly report AED maintenance records. This applies to all schools hosting students or school activities, with specific accessibility standards to comply with disability laws.

Maddy summarySB 623 amends Pennsylvania law to clarify definitions related to emergency responders and telecommunicators across multiple statutes. It adds a specific definition for "telecommunicator" (including call takers, dispatchers, and supervisors at public safety answering points) and expands the definition of "emergency responder" to explicitly include telecommunicators, physicians, nurses, public health workers, and other professionals in emergency response roles. The bill does not create new programs or funding but standardizes terminology to ensure consistent application of existing laws. It directly affects emergency service personnel, public safety agencies, and the legal framework governing their roles. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summarySB 627 requires law enforcement agencies, jails, and other entities responsible for individuals in custody to report deaths monthly to Pennsylvania's Commission on Crime and Delinquency. It also mandates that death certificates include a notation indicating if the death occurred in custody. Failure to report incurs a $1,000 daily penalty, and the Commission must submit annual compliance reports to the legislature. The bill establishes a Deaths in Custody Review Panel to analyze deaths and recommend prevention strategies.

Maddy summarySB 617 updates Pennsylvania's public assistance funding for intellectual disability and autism services by tying annual rate increases to regional cost-of-living changes. It requires the state Department of Human Services to adjust fee schedules for direct support professionals (who care for individuals with these conditions) each July 1, using the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) for the Pennsylvania-New Jersey-Delaware-Maryland area. This replaces prior methods for setting rates and aims to align payments with market conditions affecting service providers. The changes apply to all publicly funded services under the Human Services Code for individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism. The first adjustment would take effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 622 modifies Pennsylvania's Insurance Company Law of 1921 to change how non-network emergency medical services (EMS) agencies bill insurers and patients. It requires EMS agencies to submit an annual form by October 15 to receive direct payments from insurers, with the Department of Health maintaining a public registry of these agreements. The bill prohibits EMS agencies from billing patients directly when insurers pay at network rates (except for copayments/deductibles) and bans suggesting donations will avoid billing. These changes apply specifically to insurers covering emergency medical services under health insurance policies, excluding certain types like homeowner's or fixed indemnity insurance.