Sen. Camera Bartolotta

Maddy summarySenate Bill 690 amends the Pennsylvania Election Code to introduce new security requirements for ballots used in elections. The bill mandates that vendors supplying ballot paper to election officials must meet specific ISO certifications. It details numerous antifraud measures for ballots, including unique watermarks, secure holographic foils, custom security background designs, and various types of security inks. Additionally, ballots would feature a serialized QR code for voter information and ballot tracking, and voters would receive a perforated paper receipt containing ballot identification numbers. These changes are set to apply to elections held on or after January 1, 2027.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 93 designates May 2025 as "Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. This resolution aims to promote awareness among all road users about safely sharing the road with motorcyclists and to encourage motorcycle safety practices.

Maddy summarySB 652 proposes to amend Pennsylvania's Crimes and Offenses law by changing the definition of "dwelling" within the general principles of justification. The bill expands the current definition, which includes a building, structure, or attached porch/deck/patio, to also encompass "the parcel of land to the property lines and any building or structure erected thereon." This change would broaden the legal scope of what constitutes a "dwelling" for individuals in self-defense or similar justification cases.

Maddy summarySB 654 establishes the Veterans Mental Health Services Program within the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. This program is designed to provide mental health care to honorably discharged veterans who have exhausted their federal mental health benefits or are in an acute crisis. Eligible veterans can receive reimbursement for up to five mental health sessions per year from participating health care providers, with the possibility of additional sessions if approved. The department will publish a list of participating providers and issue an annual report on the program's reach and services provided.

Maddy summarySB 638 amends Pennsylvania's Election Code to require counties to forward contribution details from election expense reports to the Secretary of the Commonwealth. This change ensures that information about campaign contributions reported at the county level is automatically posted on the state's publicly accessible website. The bill directly affects candidates and political committees filing election expense reports, as they must now provide contribution details to counties, which then send the data to the state for public posting. This is a procedural transparency measure with no substantive change to election rules.

Maddy summarySB 634 creates a new hate crime offense in Pennsylvania law targeting attacks against law enforcement officers and first responders (firefighters and emergency medical personnel). It defines this as intentionally committing crimes like assault, property damage, or trespassing motivated by hatred toward someone's job in these roles. If the underlying crime is a misdemeanor, the hate crime charge raises it to a higher class (e.g., misdemeanor of the second degree), and courts must consider a sentencing enhancement. This bill directly affects individuals who commit such acts, increasing penalties for targeting public safety workers due to their employment.

Maddy summarySB 615 adds a new tax exemption for Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and American Legion chapters in Pennsylvania. The bill exempts their properties - including buildings, grounds, and social halls used for veterans' support activities - from county, municipal, and school property taxes, provided all income from these activities supports the organizations' charitable purposes. This change specifically applies to VFW and American Legion chapters founded and maintained through public or private charity. The exemption overrides other tax rules in the statute and takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Pennsylvania emergency medical services (EMS) communication centers to maintain and share information about veterinary clinics, hospital emergency departments, and other facilities equipped to care for injured police animals. It directly affects EMS dispatch centers and healthcare facilities by mandating they compile and retain specific details to expedite transport and treatment when police animals are injured. The key provision creates a standardized system for EMS centers to quickly access appropriate care resources for police animals during emergencies. The bill is procedural, focusing on information sharing rather than altering medical care standards, and takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summarySB 556 prohibits Pennsylvania government entities from creating or maintaining firearm ownership registries and bans payment processors from classifying gun retailers differently than general merchandise stores. It directly affects local governments, law enforcement, banks, and firearm sellers by preventing registry systems and requiring uniform payment classifications for gun retailers. The bill imposes penalties including third-degree felonies for registry violations and $2,500 administrative fines for payment classification violations. It does not change firearm ownership laws but targets administrative and financial practices related to gun sales. The bill is currently pending in the Judiciary committee.

Maddy summarySB 585 prohibits businesses from charging extra fees when consumers pay by mail or choose paper billing statements instead of digital options. It directly affects consumers who prefer traditional payment methods and businesses that previously imposed such fees. The law allows businesses to offer incentives (like discounts) for digital payment or billing choices but bans differential charges for paper or mail. This amendment to Pennsylvania's consumer protection law takes effect 60 days after enactment.