Sen. Elder Vogel

Maddy summarySenate Bill 310 mandates that, beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, high school students in Pennsylvania's public, nonpublic, and private schools must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before graduating. Students or their parents/legal guardians can choose to opt out of filing the FAFSA by submitting a state-developed form to their school. Schools are responsible for providing this opt-out form and may exempt students if they cannot be reached and no FAFSA or opt-out form is submitted. The bill clarifies that schools do not require personal financial information from students or families, and any inadvertently obtained information is not a public record.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 597 amends Pennsylvania's transportation laws, primarily affecting local transportation organizations and companies that provide public and community transit services. The bill revises and adds definitions for various terms, including "shared ride service," "community transportation system," and introduces classifications for transit entities based on their size and service area. It also modifies rules for the transportation fund, application and approval processes for financial assistance, and the administration of different public transportation programs. Key procedural changes include establishing small purchase procedures and repealing provisions related to the evaluation of private investment opportunities.

Maddy summarySB 711, titled "An Act providing for Public Transportation Trust Fund transfers and increases," aims to modify the funding and allocation mechanisms for public transportation in Pennsylvania. The bill mandates that 6.15% of the revenue collected under Article II of the Tax Reform Code of 1971 be deposited into the Public Transportation Trust Fund monthly. It also allows the total financial assistance provided to local transportation organizations to exceed the current 20% limit of the prior year's allocation. Furthermore, the Secretary of Transportation gains the authority to adjust the annual increase in the local match requirement for these organizations for five fiscal years, starting in fiscal year 2025-2026.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 742 would allow Pennsylvania's Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to contract with a private vendor for the design, marketing, and sale of custom registration plates. Vehicle owners would be able to purchase these vendor-designed plates online for motorcycles, passenger cars, or light trucks. The bill establishes fees for these plates, with a portion of the revenue supporting the Pennsylvania State Police Traffic Safety Enhancement Restricted Account. This account would fund equipment and supplies for the Pennsylvania State Police to enhance traffic safety efforts. PennDOT would be responsible for approving plate designs to ensure they meet reflectivity and readability standards.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 108 designates May 13, 2025, as "Cancer Action Day" in Pennsylvania. This resolution honors all Pennsylvanians impacted by cancer and those who work to fight the disease, acknowledging efforts by organizations such as the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network.

Maddy summarySR 107 is a commemorative resolution that congratulates The Pennsylvania State University wrestling team on winning its 13th National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Championship. It also extends congratulations to Pennsylvania residents and student athletes from Pennsylvania universities who competed and placed in the championship.

Maddy summarySR 111 is a procedural resolution that designates May 2025 as "Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. This resolution aims to increase public awareness of ALS and recognize its impact on patients and families, as well as ongoing research.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 109 recognizes the week of May 9 through 18, 2025, as "Go Public Garden Days" in Pennsylvania. This resolution aims to highlight the value of public gardens, which include botanical gardens, arboreta, and parks, and encourages residents to visit and engage with these horticultural organizations across the Commonwealth.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 94 directs the Joint State Government Commission to establish the Task Force on Recruitment and Retention of Law Enforcement. This task force will examine challenges in attracting and keeping law enforcement officers, corrections officers, and prosecutors across the Commonwealth. It will comprise various state officials and representatives from relevant associations and labor organizations. The task force is mandated to provide recommendations and identify necessary changes to state statutes, practices, policies, and procedures to improve staffing in these critical public safety roles. A report detailing its findings and recommendations must be submitted by April 30, 2026, to the Governor and legislative leaders.

Maddy summarySR 70 is a resolution by the Senate to honor the life of Officer Andrew William Duarte, who died in the line of duty, and to extend condolences to his family.