Sen. Elder Vogel

Maddy summarySB 1014 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code of 1949 to require public schools to adopt a "bell-to-bell phone-free policy" during the entire school day. This policy directly affects all public K-12 schools and students by prohibiting the use of personal electronic devices during instructional time. The key provision mandates that schools establish and enforce this policy, though the bill does not specify exemptions or implementation details. The legislation focuses on reducing distractions in classrooms by limiting student phone access from the start to the end of the school day. It is currently pending in the Education committee.

Maddy summarySB 507 amends Pennsylvania's medical licensing law to reestablish the State Board of Medical Education and Licensure as the State Board of Medicine and update its structure. It directly affects midwifery professionals by creating three new license categories: midwifery, nurse-midwife, and certified midwife. The bill establishes specific requirements and definitions for these licenses under the board's authority. This change clarifies licensing pathways for midwifery practitioners within the state's medical regulatory framework. The bill passed final passage on October 21, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution officially designates the week of May 10 through 16, 2026, as "National Police Week" and May 4, 2026, as "Police Officers' Memorial Day" within Pennsylvania. The measure serves to formally recognize and honor law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty, specifically mentioning five officers who passed away in 2025. By adopting this resolution, the Pennsylvania Senate acknowledges the sacrifices made by police officers and aligns with a national observance that has been held annually since 1962.

Maddy summarySB 698 amends the Public School Code of 1949, affecting how school districts acquire and dispose of school buildings and land. It clarifies that school boards can purchase, lease, or otherwise obtain property, and sell or abandon it, without Department of Education approval if no state reimbursement is sought. For real property purchases exceeding $10,000, school boards must determine the fair market value in consultation with two qualified professionals, such as a county assessor or licensed appraiser. All related fair market value documents will be publicly accessible under the Right-to-Know Law and open meetings requirements.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates May 8, 2026, as "Provider Appreciation Day" in Pennsylvania to honor child care providers for their contributions to families and communities. The measure does not change laws or create new programs; it simply sets aside a specific date to recognize the work of those who care for young children. By officially naming the day, the resolution aims to highlight the value of the child care workforce and the essential role these providers play in supporting working families and community growth.

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 Senate Resolution designates May 2026 as "Myositis Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania to highlight a rare autoimmune disease that causes muscle inflammation and weakness. The bill directly affects the state legislature by formally acknowledging the condition, which impacts approximately 75,000 people across the United States and includes various forms such as dermatomyositis and polymyositis. By passing this resolution, the Senate aims to increase public understanding of the disease and show support for those living with it, without changing any laws or funding. The measure serves as a symbolic gesture to bring attention to the challenges faced by patients and their families during the specified month.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Covered Device Recycling Act by clarifying definitions and expanding the range of electronic items subject to recycling requirements. It specifically adds smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and other personal electronics to the list of covered devices while removing mobile phones and landline telephones from the program. The legislation also establishes a sales prohibition mechanism that allows the Department of Environmental Protection to ban the sale of specific brands that fail to meet recycling obligations. Additionally, the bill increases the definition of a small business for program eligibility from 50 to 100 employees and requires manufacturers to report their market share and recycling plans.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates the week of May 17 through 23, 2026, as "Public Works Week" in Pennsylvania to align with the national observance. The measure aims to honor public works professionals, such as engineers, inspectors, and contractors, who maintain essential infrastructure and services for the community. By officially recognizing this period, the resolution highlights the contributions of these workers to the state's health, safety, and quality of life. The text does not alter laws or create new programs but serves as a commemorative acknowledgment of the public works workforce.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates May 2026 as "National Treatment Court Month" in Pennsylvania to raise awareness about specialized courts that address substance use and mental health issues. The measure highlights the work of judges, prosecutors, treatment providers, and other professionals who operate these courts to help individuals recover rather than face traditional punishment. By acknowledging these programs, the resolution aims to educate the public and encourage continued support for initiatives that focus on rehabilitation and community safety.