Sen. Elder Vogel

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates April 2026 as "Faith Month" in Pennsylvania to highlight the role of religion in the nation's history and values. The measure encourages residents to openly share their faiths and participate in public celebrations, such as prayer and expressions of thanksgiving, during that month. It does not create any new laws or alter government operations but serves as a symbolic gesture to recognize religious freedom.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's existing professional licensing law to formally include art therapists alongside social workers, marriage and family therapists, and professional counselors under state regulation. It establishes the State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors and Professional Art Therapists to oversee the field and defines specific qualifications, including the requirement for an accredited degree and supervised practice. The legislation also sets new standards for what constitutes art therapy services, outlines procedures for obtaining and renewing licenses, and creates penalties for practicing without a valid license or using protected titles without authorization.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 270 formally designates April 2026 as Alcohol Awareness Month within the state of Pennsylvania. This symbolic measure aims to highlight the risks of alcohol misuse among adults and teenagers while encouraging the public to seek help for alcohol use disorder. The resolution does not create new laws or regulations but serves to inform Pennsylvanians about the dangers of excessive drinking and the importance of addiction treatment providers.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Clean Streams Law to allow construction sites disturbing between one and two acres to request a waiver for certain stormwater discharge permits. By referencing existing federal regulations, the legislation provides a formal mechanism for these smaller projects to bypass specific state permitting requirements. The change directly affects developers and landowners managing medium-sized construction projects, streamlining the regulatory process for them. The law takes effect 60 days after being passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 to require landlords to explicitly disclose parking availability and any associated fees in written leases. It prevents landlords from increasing parking fees during the lease term and allows tenants to file complaints in lower courts if these disclosure requirements are not met. If a court finds a landlord violated these rules, the landlord must pay the tenant's parking costs for the lease duration. The changes apply to all residential leases in the state and take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Pennsylvania's Department of Education to create a statewide curriculum for shipbuilding and maritime trades to support the state's growing maritime industry. The program will include hands-on training in skills like welding and pipe fitting, align with existing apprenticeships, and offer college credits to help students transition into these careers. To fund the initiative, the bill establishes a competitive grant program for schools to purchase equipment, train teachers, and launch new courses. Additionally, the Department of Education must work with labor groups and employers to ensure the training meets industry needs and submit annual reports on student participation and grant usage.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Biobonds Innovation Fund to provide low-interest loans and loan guarantees for companies and research institutions conducting clinical trials for drugs or medical devices in Pennsylvania. The program requires recipients to maintain a physical presence in the state and conduct the majority of their research there while receiving financial support. Money for the fund will come from state appropriations, bond proceeds, loan repayments, and interest earnings, with the Department of Community and Economic Development managing the application and oversight process.

Maddy summarySB 1272 updates the Pennsylvania Election Code to clarify how special elections are held when a vacancy occurs in the state Senate or House of Representatives. The bill requires the presiding officer of the affected chamber to issue an election writ within ten days of the vacancy, scheduling the special election at the next primary, municipal, or general election that occurs at least 60 days later. It also allows the presiding officer to cancel the initial schedule and set an earlier date if the Governor calls an extraordinary session before the election, provided the new date still allows for a 60-day period after the writ is issued. Additionally, the law specifies that if a vacancy happens less than seven months before a term ends, a special election will only proceed if the presiding officer determines it serves the public interest.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's juvenile justice laws by expanding the legal definition of a "child" to include individuals up to age 21 who committed offenses or were previously adjudicated dependent before turning 18. It also clarifies that minors and their guardians generally cannot be forced to pay fees for programs or services, with the specific exception of restitution ordered for victims. Under the new provisions, courts can order delinquent children to pay restitution for damages, capped at $50 per victim for specific funds, and may require up to 75% of earnings from community service to be used for victim compensation. The legislation ensures that courts retain jurisdiction over restitution orders until the child turns 21 or fully complies with the payment plan.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows boroughs and cities in Pennsylvania to use public funds to cover the training costs for newly elected officers before their terms begin. By amending state statutes for both incorporated towns and cities, the legislation authorizes municipalities to pay for educational programs designed to prepare these officials for their new roles. The measure does not mandate that any specific training be offered or require all municipalities to participate, leaving the decision to pay for such programs entirely up to local governments. It also sets the law into effect 60 days after it is signed, giving communities time to adjust their budgeting processes accordingly.