Sen. Elder Vogel

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Public School Code to standardize how student residency is verified and how enrollment changes are reported for both traditional and cyber charter schools. It requires parents to submit a specific annual form by March 1 using a standardized list of acceptable documents, such as utility bills or leases, to prove their address, while exempting homeless students from these requirements. Additionally, the law mandates that cyber charter schools and parents notify the student's local school district within 10 business days of enrollment or any change in residence. These changes aim to streamline administrative processes and ensure consistent documentation across different types of school districts.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new paid family and medical leave program in Pennsylvania, creating a fund to support workers who need time off for family care or medical reasons. It requires employers to contribute to the program and sets rules for how long employees can take leave, how much money they receive, and what situations qualify for benefits, including care for family members with serious health conditions or recovery from domestic violence. The Department of Labor and Industry will administer the program, handle claims, and enforce rules, while employees have the right to take legal action if their rights are violated. The legislation also includes provisions for self-employed individuals to opt into the program and establishes an advisory board to guide program development.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the PA WORKS Scholarship Grant Program to provide financial aid to Pennsylvania residents pursuing specific trade careers in fields like construction, automotive repair, and welding at colleges and universities. To qualify for a grant of up to $5,000 per year, students must maintain satisfactory grades and sign an agreement to live and work in an in-demand trade job within the state for 36 months after graduation. The legislation also establishes a trade career-incentive tax credit for businesses that hire graduates from these approved trade programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as Alice's Law, strengthens protections for older adults in Pennsylvania by creating a statewide registry to track individuals who have abused or neglected elderly people. It requires facilities to immediately remove employees from duty if they are accused of abuse and to terminate staff members who appear on the new registry. The legislation also clarifies rules for reporting suspected abuse, ensuring that reports are sent to both the department and the coroner while maintaining confidentiality for the identity of the person who made the report. Additionally, the bill expands immunity for agencies and workers acting in good faith and increases administrative fines for facility owners or administrators who fail to comply with these new reporting and safety requirements.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates June 10, 2026, as "Delco Day" in Pennsylvania to officially recognize the annual community event held in Delaware County. The bill highlights the event's purpose of raising funds for local charities, specifically noting the 2026 beneficiary, the HEADstrong Foundation, which supports cancer patients and their families. Additionally, the resolution honors several notable individuals from the county, including civil rights leader Ruth L. Bennett, comedian Tina Fey, and Olympic swimmer Brendan Hansen, to celebrate their contributions and legacy.

Maddy summarySB 993 amends Pennsylvania laws to clarify and expand local government authority over veterans' memorials. It directly affects boroughs, third-class cities, and counties by requiring them to maintain, repair, and preserve existing memorials for war veterans, not just erect new ones. The bill specifies that these local governments must manage memorials on public property, including completing repairs and ensuring their upkeep, while also updating related corporate power provisions. This focuses on practical maintenance rather than new memorial construction.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows individuals in Pennsylvania who are currently serving prison sentences or awaiting execution to request a new sentencing hearing if they were survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, or human trafficking. To qualify, a person must prove by a preponderance of the evidence that their victimization was a significant factor that contributed to their criminal behavior. The law requires petitioners to submit specific documentation, such as medical records, police reports, or sworn statements from witnesses, to support their claim of survivor status and the link between the trauma and their crime. Additionally, the bill outlines procedures for filing these petitions in the court where the original conviction occurred and establishes that survivor status can serve as a mitigating circumstance in capital cases.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates September 25, 2026, as "Disabled American Veterans Day" in Pennsylvania to honor veterans with disabilities and the Disabled American Veterans organization. The measure recognizes the DAV's long history of providing services such as helping with benefits claims, offering transportation to medical appointments, and supporting local communities. By establishing this specific date, the resolution aims to raise public awareness about the sacrifices made by disabled veterans and the ongoing support provided by the DAV.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates September 11, 2026, as "25th Anniversary of the Terrorist Attacks of September 11, 2001, Day" throughout Pennsylvania. The measure aims to honor the memory of civilians, military members, and first responders who died in the attacks and to acknowledge the bravery of those who responded to the crisis. By passing this resolution, the Senate formally recognizes the historical significance of the event and reaffirms its commitment to remembering the victims and the lessons learned from that day.

Maddy summarySB 1150 amends Pennsylvania's open meetings law to allow state agencies to add items to a meeting agenda during the meeting, provided a majority of attendees approve and the reason for the change is announced. After adding an item, agencies must post the updated agenda on their public website (if available) and at their main office within one business day. This rule applies to all public meetings except executive sessions or working sessions. The bill directly affects state agencies holding open meetings, requiring them to follow these transparency steps for agenda changes.