Sen. Nick Pisciottano

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law to explicitly define "dynamic pricing" as a potential unfair trade practice. It directly affects businesses that sell essential goods or services by clarifying that using artificial intelligence to vary prices within a 24-hour period based on demand may be considered deceptive. The law defines dynamic pricing as changing prices based on demand or AI-driven adjustments, while excluding bona fide pricing practices that offer genuine discounts without misleading consumers. Essential goods are defined as items exempt from sales tax, and the bill includes specific definitions for artificial intelligence, generative AI, and former price comparisons to guide enforcement. The changes take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes workplace heat protection standards in Pennsylvania to safeguard employees from heat-related injuries and illnesses caused by heat stress. It requires the Department of Labor and Industry to create regulations within one year that mandate employers implement cooling measures, such as job rotation, misting equipment, and access to water, when heat index levels reach 80 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. The law applies to all employers except emergency responders and fire service personnel during nonemergency situations, while also creating a dedicated enforcement fund and setting penalties for noncompliance.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates the week of March 1 through 7, 2026, as "Invest in Veterans Week" in Pennsylvania to highlight the state's veteran-owned businesses. The measure aims to increase visibility for veteran entrepreneurs and encourage public support for their enterprises through awareness and promotion. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic recognition to foster community engagement with veteran-owned businesses. The resolution reflects existing state investment in veteran businesses and emphasizes the economic importance of these enterprises to Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (SR 230), not a law. It officially designates March 25, 2026, as "Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania. The resolution raises public awareness about autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), a rare blood disorder where the immune system destroys red blood cells, causing symptoms like fatigue and shortness of breath. It does not create new laws, allocate funding, or directly affect specific individuals or groups - it serves solely as a symbolic recognition to promote understanding of this condition.

Maddy summarySB 1157 amends Pennsylvania's Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act to require immediate action for hazardous substance spills in residential areas. The bill mandates that responsible parties (such as owners, operators, or transporters) must promptly contain, clean up, and remove discharges threatening public health, drinking water, or residential environments. It imposes strict liability on these parties without requiring proof of fault and authorizes the Department of Environmental Resources to issue cleanup directives. The law aims to ensure faster responses to spills endangering homes, water supplies, and residents, aligning with Pennsylvania's constitutional environmental protections.

Maddy summarySB 1185 creates an annual open enrollment period for Pennsylvania Medicare supplement insurance policyholders. Starting on each policyholder's birthday, insurers must offer a 90-day window during which individuals can switch to any comparable Medicare supplement policy without being denied coverage or charged more based on health status. Insurers must also notify policyholders 15-30 days before the enrollment period about dates, rights, and policy changes. This amendment modifies Pennsylvania's 1982 Medicare Supplement Insurance Act and replaces an inconsistent existing regulation. The bill directly affects Medicare supplement policyholders in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summarySB 1202 prohibits payment card networks (like Visa or Mastercard) from including sales tax amounts in credit or debit card processing fees. It specifically bans networks from charging fees based on the total transaction amount (including tax) and prevents them from circumventing this rule by increasing other fees. The bill also stops networks from charging merchants or consumers for disputed transactions until resolved, and prohibits penalties for merchants pricing items legally under state or federal law. This directly affects merchants who accept card payments and payment networks, requiring them to calculate fees without tax amounts. Violations would trigger penalties as outlined in the bill's enforcement section.

Maddy summaryPennsylvania's Senate introduced Resolution 225 condemning federal immigration officers' use of deadly force in incidents raising constitutional concerns, specifically referencing two fatal shootings in Minnesota (Renée Good on January 7, 2026, and Alex Pretti on January 24, 2026). The resolution demands impartial investigations into these incidents, calls for federal agencies to review and reform enforcement practices, and urges Congress to strengthen accountability measures. It affirms that constitutional rights apply to all people regardless of immigration status and emphasizes that public safety requires respect for civil liberties. The resolution serves as a formal statement from Pennsylvania's Senate to federal officials, not a binding law.

Maddy summarySB 1190, the Pet Shop-Kennel Act, regulates facilities housing dogs, cats, or rabbits for compensation, including boarding kennels and dealers who sell or transfer these animals. It requires all such facilities to provide adequate shelter from weather and temperature extremes, and mandates the Department of Agriculture to enforce these standards. The bill imposes penalties for violations, such as operating without compliance, and specifically excludes veterinary facilities, grooming centers, and owner-held events like shows. It directly affects pet shops, boarding facilities, and animal dealers in Pennsylvania. The law establishes clear operational requirements for these businesses without specifying new funding or programs.

Maddy summarySB 1158 prohibits the use of paraquat and its salts (including methyl viologen and paraquat bismethylsulfate) as pesticides in Pennsylvania. It amends the state's pesticide law to make it unlawful to use these chemicals, defined by their chemical identifier (CAS number 4685-14-7). This directly affects farmers, agricultural businesses, and pest control professionals who currently use paraquat for crop management or other purposes. The prohibition takes effect one year after enactment, replacing any conflicting regulations.