Sen. Camera Bartolotta

Maddy summarySB 1263 amends Pennsylvania's Local Option Small Games of Chance Act to update definitions and regulations for games of chance, specifically introducing rules for electronic pull-tab devices used on-site at licensed locations. The bill clarifies that these electronic devices must be passive tools that do not determine game outcomes or accept coins, while also adjusting prize limits and sales restrictions for various raffles and daily drawings. It further modifies licensing requirements for clubs and taverns, outlines procedures for special permits for larger raffles, and establishes new reporting and enforcement measures to ensure compliance with the law.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to update the rules for historic preservation incentive tax credits. It clarifies which businesses and organizations are eligible to claim these credits and expands the definition of qualified taxpayers to include tax-exempt entities. The legislation also adjusts the administrative process by setting a new annual funding limit of $50 million for tax credit certificates and establishing a tiered application fee that cannot exceed 5% of the requested amount or $2,000. These changes aim to streamline how the Department of Community and Economic Development processes applications for funds used to restore historic structures.

Maddy summaryThis law creates two new funds to support advanced manufacturing projects by partnering with state institutions. It requires any construction work funded by these grants or loans to pay workers at least the prevailing wage and benefits determined by the Department of Labor and Industry. Additionally, the bill mandates that recipients make a good faith effort to hire workers from the local labor market for construction, demolition, and repair tasks. These requirements apply to all contractors and subcontractors involved in the projects, ensuring fair pay and local employment opportunities.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill updates the state's Workforce Development Act to improve how local workforce boards use data and measure their performance. It requires the creation of a user-friendly digital tool called a data dashboard, which will display information on new hires, unemployment claims, and wages to help local officials track program effectiveness. The legislation also mandates that the state provide free technical assistance to help these boards interpret the data and allows for the sharing of sensitive employment records for specific evaluation purposes, while maintaining strict confidentiality rules. Local workforce development boards will be responsible for using this information to assess eligibility and research job training needs, though they can request exemptions from certain data usage duties.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Veterans Mental Health Services Program within the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to provide mental health care for state veterans. The program is designed for eligible veterans who have either exhausted their federal benefits from the Veterans Administration or are currently in an acute mental health crisis. Under the new program, eligible veterans can receive up to five reimbursed therapy sessions per year from participating health care providers, with the option for additional sessions if deemed necessary and approved by the department. To qualify, veterans must have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable and must provide identification and a declaration form confirming their eligibility status before receiving treatment. The department is also required to publish a list of participating providers online and submit annual reports detailing the number of participants, providers, and sessions provided to state legislative committees.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws to establish a specific logo design for veteran-owned small businesses. It creates a new section within the military affairs statutes to define and regulate this official business logotype. The legislation also sets up a nonprofit membership association to manage the program and imposes penalties for non-compliance with the new requirements. These changes directly affect businesses owned by veterans and the organizations that support them.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the existing Pharmacy Audit Integrity and Transparency Act to impose stricter rules on pharmacy benefit managers and the pharmacies that work with them. The legislation prohibits PBMs from forcing pharmacies to accept lower reimbursement rates to join their networks, banning retroactive money take-backs, and outlawing hidden fees or practices that steer patients toward specific pharmacies solely for cost savings. Additionally, it requires PBMs to respond to pharmacy network requests within 30 days, mandates quarterly reporting on drug rebates, and tasks a state department with regulating PBMs and ensuring pharmacies are reimbursed at least the cost of the drugs they dispense.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill designates March 13 as K9 Veterans Day to honor military working dogs and their handlers. It establishes this date based on the historical creation of the official K9 Corps in 1942 and recognizes the service and risks taken by these animals in combat zones. The law requires the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging residents to observe the day, while also noting that field medics are trained to treat injured military dogs. The change becomes effective 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally acknowledges the City of Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Steelers for hosting the 2026 National Football League Draft. It highlights the event's significance by noting Pittsburgh's historical connection to the sport and the upcoming 50th anniversary of the team's legendary 1974 draft class. The document points out that the three-day celebration will feature various community activities and a fan festival, drawing global attention to the city. Ultimately, the bill serves as a commemorative statement rather than enacting new laws or policies.

Maddy summarySB 858 amends the Tax Reform Code of 1971 to update the tax rules for mutual thrift institutions, which are financial cooperatives owned by their members. The bill changes the start date for a specific tax provision from 1984 to calendar year 2024 and adjusts the deadline for reporting and paying the tax from an immediate requirement to 120 days after the due date. These changes directly affect the financial institutions subject to the tax and the state agencies responsible for collecting it. By modifying these dates and timelines, the legislation alters when and how these institutions must calculate and remit their tax payments.