Sen. Katie Muth

Maddy summarySB 542 amends Pennsylvania's vehicle laws to change how speeding offenses are handled. It specifies that drivers using speed timing devices (like radar) won't get license points for speeding less than 10 mph over the limit, except in school zones or work zones. The bill also clarifies rules for police using speed enforcement devices, requiring training for local officers and specific signage, while creating a 15-day license suspension for speeding 11+ mph over limits in active work zones. These changes directly affect drivers receiving speeding tickets and law enforcement agencies using speed timing technology.

Maddy summarySB 558 would require public employers (like state and local government offices) to observe Election Day as a legal holiday, meaning they must close on election days. School districts and counties could also choose to observe Election Day as a holiday. Private employers must provide employees with at least two hours of unpaid leave for voting on Election Day, and face a $1,000 civil penalty for violating this requirement. The Department of State would enforce these rules, and the law would take effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summarySB 555 amends Pennsylvania's Election Code to update the sworn statements (oaths) required for election workers. It revises the exact wording for judges of election, election inspectors, election clerks, and machine inspectors, adding specific language about ensuring registered voters can cast ballots. The changes clarify clerks' duties to "carefully and truly record votes" and direct eligibility questions to judges of election. This is a technical update to existing oath requirements, not a substantive policy change affecting election procedures or voter rights. The bill focuses solely on standardizing the language these officials must swear to uphold election integrity.

Maddy summarySB 537 would require Pennsylvania's Medicaid program to reimburse providers for custom orthotics (like braces) and prosthetics (like artificial limbs) at rates no lower than the current Medicare fee schedule. This change directly affects Medicaid recipients needing these medical devices and the healthcare providers who supply them. The bill mandates that the state update its reimbursement rates quarterly to match Medicare's current rates for all applicable codes. This policy aligns Pennsylvania's Medicaid payments more closely with federal Medicare standards for these specific medical equipment items.

Maddy summaryThis resolution symbolically designates April 2025 as "Sexual Assault Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It recognizes the national observance and highlights statistics on sexual violence (e.g., 1 in 5 women and 1 in 71 men in the U.S. experience rape, 81% of women report sexual harassment). The resolution aims to raise community awareness and support for survivors, aligning with the theme "Together We Act, United We Change." As a procedural resolution, it does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges the issue for the state.

Maddy summarySB 510 creates a $2 million grant program to help individuals navigate name changes while facing gender or sexual stereotype-based biases. It establishes the Compassionate Name Change Assistance Grant Fund in the State Treasury, providing competitive grants of $5,000-$100,000 to nonprofits or local governments that run support programs for transgender and nonbinary residents. Grants fund administrative costs of services offering legal, emotional, or social guidance during name change processes. The Department of Community and Economic Development will administer applications and evaluate program effectiveness every three years. This directly affects transgender and nonbinary Pennsylvanians seeking name changes and the organizations supporting them.

Maddy summarySB 521 would revise Pennsylvania's process for court-approved name changes. It requires petitioners to submit detailed information (including residence history and reason for the change) and mandates court publication of notices in local newspapers, unless safety concerns or a gender identity-related name change applies. For gender identity name changes, the bill automatically waives public notice and requires courts to seal all related records, ensuring no public access except under specific court orders. This applies to all petitions filed after the law's effective date, which would be 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 60) formally recognizes the week of April 6-12, 2025, as "National Library Week" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or allocate funds but symbolically acknowledges libraries' role in communities, highlighting their value for learning, connection, and access for all residents regardless of background. The resolution encourages Pennsylvanians to visit local libraries and reflect on their impact during this annual observance. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no direct policy or financial effect on libraries or their operations.

Maddy summarySB 452 establishes the "Safe Path Restricted Account" within Pennsylvania's General Fund, transferring $50 million for fiscal year 2025-2026. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency will use these funds to award grants to political subdivisions and nonprofits operating safe passage programs. These programs aim to improve safety for youth and adults traveling to and from schools and community centers. Priority is given to applicants in areas with high gun violence rates, as determined by the Commission.

Maddy summarySB 131 proposes a constitutional amendment to replace Pennsylvania’s current Legislative Reapportionment Commission with an 11-member Independent Redistricting Commission. The new commission would be composed of four members from the largest political party, four from the second-largest, and three unaffiliated voters, all required to have voted in recent statewide elections and meet strict eligibility rules (e.g., no current officeholders, lobbyists, or campaign staff). This change directly affects how the state redraws congressional and legislative district boundaries after each federal census, aiming to reduce partisan influence in the process. The bill also specifies redistricting criteria but does not detail specific geographic or population standards. As a proposed constitutional amendment, it remains in committee and has not become law.