Sen. Camera Bartolotta

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's school employee retirement system by clarifying which organizations are eligible to participate. It specifically prohibits certain school employees and any new hires at non-governmental entities from joining the retirement plan, while allowing current participants at those entities to remain enrolled until they leave their jobs. To manage the exit of ineligible organizations, the bill replaces standard withdrawal liability with a one-time administrative fee capped at 5% of the potential liability, which funds the administrative costs of removing these entities from the system.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's vehicle inspection rules by exempting the newest model year vehicles from emission testing for five years and removing the gas cap test requirement for cars manufactured without one. While these newer cars are waived from emission checks, they must still undergo visual inspections to ensure emissions control parts have not been tampered with. Additionally, the legislation directs the state to stop spending money on the enhanced emission inspection program in several specific counties and to submit a revised plan to the federal government proving those areas can still meet air quality standards without it.

Maddy summaryPennsylvania's SB 822 strengthens state preemption over local firearm regulations. It declares that state law exclusively governs all aspects of firearms, ammunition, and related items - including purchase, sale, possession, and transportation - nullifying any conflicting local ordinances, resolutions, or rules. The bill also creates a legal pathway for individuals or organizations adversely affected by local gun rules to seek court relief, including recovery of attorney fees and other costs if they successfully challenge such rules. This directly affects municipalities (cities, towns, counties) and residents or businesses operating under local firearm regulations that conflict with state law. The bill does not change existing firearm laws but explicitly prevents local governments from enacting stricter rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the maximum prison sentences for people convicted of attempting, conspiring, or soliciting murder, including the murder of unborn children and law enforcement officers. It establishes a 40-year maximum for these crimes when serious bodily injury occurs, and up to life imprisonment when serious bodily injury results specifically from attempts against law enforcement officers. Additionally, the law mandates a minimum 20-year prison sentence for anyone convicted of attempting, conspiring, or soliciting the murder of a law enforcement officer where serious bodily injury is caused, or for assaulting a law enforcement officer.

Maddy summarySB 64 creates an official logotype for veteran-owned businesses in Pennsylvania (defined as businesses where veterans own at least 51% of the interest). Businesses can apply to use the logotype through a department process, with a $250 fee and optional contributions to the Military Family Relief Assistance Fund. The fund, established under existing law, will use these fees and contributions to support military families. The bill also imposes penalties for falsely claiming veteran status to use the logotype. It directly affects veteran-owned businesses and funds military family relief programs.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution urges the creation of an interstate compact to foster a competitive market for electric transmission projects across state lines. The bill directly affects Pennsylvania's government officials, specifically the Governor and the Public Utility Commission, by recommending they support this regional agreement. Key provisions include standardizing permitting processes, ensuring equal treatment for all states and energy sources, and eliminating redundant regulations that could slow down grid modernization. The resolution aims to lower costs for consumers and stimulate economic growth by removing barriers that currently hinder the expansion of power infrastructure.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to streamline how the state handles pending applications for long-term care medical assistance. It requires county offices to use a standardized process that includes sending electronic status updates to providers within ten days and reviewing new documents within ten days of receipt. The legislation also allows nursing home providers to request payment for uncompensated care if an application has been pending for at least sixty days, ensuring facilities are compensated while waiting for a final decision. Additionally, the bill mandates that individuals with pending applications be counted in nursing facility census data and requires the state to publish an annual public report on application approval and denial statistics.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a public online registry in Pennsylvania to list individuals convicted of aggravated cruelty to animals, starting in January 2027. The Pennsylvania State Police will maintain this list, which includes photos and identifying details but excludes sensitive numbers like Social Security numbers, and courts will send conviction records to the police within 60 days. People convicted once will remain on the list for two years, while repeat offenders stay for five years or longer, with judges having the option to order a lifetime ban on animal ownership for severe cases. Additionally, anyone selling, transferring, or adopting an animal must check the registry to ensure the buyer is not listed, with penalties including fines and license revocation for those who fail to do so.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution honors Pennsylvania service members participating in Operation Epic Fury and expresses the state's support for their efforts. It recognizes the courage and sacrifice of soldiers, airmen, marines, sailors, and guardians while acknowledging the historical context of threats from Iran. The measure does not change laws or allocate funds but instead formally commends these troops and their families for their dedication to national security. A copy of the resolution will be sent to the Secretary of War and Pennsylvania's members of Congress.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Chiropractic Practice Act to create a new certification program for chiropractic assistants. It directly affects individuals seeking to work as supportive staff in chiropractic offices by establishing specific eligibility requirements, including age, education, moral character checks, graduation from an approved program, and passing a state exam. The legislation outlines procedures for temporary certification, exam retakes, and the exclusive use of the "certified chiropractic assistant" title, while also defining the scope of work these assistants can perform under the direct supervision of a licensed chiropractor. Additionally, the bill mandates continuing education for renewal and sets rules for reinstating certifications that have been revoked.