Sen. Camera Bartolotta

Maddy summarySB 159 amends Pennsylvania's Environmental Hearing Board Act to clarify definitions and limit the scope of board reviews for environmental permit appeals. It defines key terms like "record of decision" (the complete set of documents the department used when approving or denying a permit) and adds a rule that appeals to the Environmental Hearing Board must be limited to that record alone. This means applicants cannot present new evidence during appeals, and must prove the department made a mistake in its decision using only the existing record. The bill directly affects permit applicants, the Department of Environmental Protection, and the Environmental Hearing Board by streamlining appeal procedures.

Maddy summarySB 158 amends Pennsylvania's Environmental Hearing Board Act to specify that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit has exclusive jurisdiction over appeals of natural gas decisions made under federal regulations (15 U.S.C. Ch. 15B). This change applies to any person challenging a state environmental agency's decision on natural gas matters, such as pipeline permits or rate cases. The bill requires such appeals to be filed directly in the Third Circuit Court, following federal court procedures, rather than in state courts. This adjustment aligns Pennsylvania's process with federal law for these specific cases.

Maddy summarySB 174 requires oil and gas companies planning projects causing five or more acres of earth disturbance to obtain erosion and sediment control permits from Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection or a conservation district before starting work. The bill sets strict timelines: standard permit reviews must be completed within 43 business days (or 14 days for applications signed by licensed professionals), with detailed reporting on application status required quarterly. It imposes a $500 administrative fee plus $100 per disturbed acre and mandates annual evaluations of the permitting process. The law excludes certain sensitive projects, like those in high-quality watersheds or floodplains, from the expedited review option. This directly affects large-scale oil and gas development operations across Pennsylvania.

Maddy summarySB 63 amends Pennsylvania's DUI law to clarify that non-commercial drivers using medical marijuana lawfully under the 2016 Medical Marijuana Act are exempt from the prohibition against having Schedule I controlled substances (including medical marijuana) in their blood. However, driving under the influence of medical marijuana or any impairing drug remains illegal, and possessing a medical marijuana card does not by itself justify a chemical test or arrest. The bill defines "medical marijuana" as per the state's Medical Marijuana Act and specifies that legal use of medical marijuana is not a defense against DUI charges. This change directly affects non-commercial drivers with medical marijuana cards and modifies law enforcement procedures for DUI cases involving medical marijuana.

Maddy summarySB 141 amends Pennsylvania's education law to clarify the definition of "governmental entity" for school employee retirement purposes. It specifically excludes certain associations (authorized under the Public School Code of 1949 to collect membership dues from public schools) from being classified as "nonparticipating employers" under retirement rules. This change directly affects employees hired after the law's effective date by these excluded associations, ensuring they remain covered under the retirement system if the association maintains active participants. The bill makes a technical definition update with no new funding or program changes.

Maddy summarySB 103 updates Pennsylvania's domestic violence protection order process to better involve noncustodial parents in custody decisions. It adds a definition clarifying "noncustodial parent" as a biological parent not living with or sharing custody of a minor child. Key provisions require courts to consider risks to children when awarding temporary custody or visitation, and allow courts to award custody to noncustodial parents if abuse is proven. The bill also mandates law enforcement to maintain a statewide registry of protection orders and ensures noncustodial parents receive notices about hearings, orders, and offender releases. These changes directly affect abuse victims, noncustodial parents, and courts handling domestic violence cases.

Maddy summarySB 134 proposes a constitutional amendment to limit Pennsylvania's annual state spending. It would require total state spending (excluding federal funds) to stay near the previous year's level, adjusted for either personal income growth or inflation plus population change. Exceptions allowing higher spending include emergencies (approved by a two-thirds vote in both legislative chambers) or other cases with advance gubernatorial request and a two-thirds legislative vote. This amendment directly affects all state budget decisions and would require voter approval after legislative passage.

Maddy summarySB 66 amends Pennsylvania's ethics laws to clarify restrictions on cash gifts for public officials and employees. It defines "cash gift" broadly to include money, gift cards, prepaid cards, and virtual currency, while excluding certain common transactions like family gifts or public contests. The bill prohibits officials from accepting cash gifts from lobbyists or people seeking official action, with penalties of up to $1,000 for gifts under $250 (misdemeanor) or $10,000 plus potential imprisonment for $250+ gifts (felony). These changes directly affect Pennsylvania public officials and employees who may receive such gifts.

Maddy summaryThis bill raises the annual spending cap for Pennsylvania's entertainment production tax credits from $100 million to $125 million. It directly affects film and television producers who claim these tax credits by increasing the total amount the state can award each year. The key change is a new annual limit ($125 million) for credits under Section 1716-D, effective July 1, 2025. The bill does not create new credits or alter eligibility rules - only adjusts the spending ceiling. It applies to all entertainment production tax credits awarded in fiscal years beginning on or after July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 25 amends Pennsylvania's Professional Nursing Law to update regulations for certified registered nurse practitioners (CRNPs). It clarifies definitions, including "Advanced Practice Registered Nurse-Certified Nurse Practitioner" (APRN-CNP), and specifies their scope of practice, including prescribing authority for certain medications. The bill requires CRNPs to collaborate with physicians through written agreements and immediate communication protocols, while transferring oversight of CRNP licensing from the State Board of Medicine to the State Board of Nursing. These changes directly affect nurse practitioners, the State Board of Nursing, and physicians working with CRNPs in Pennsylvania.