Sen. Chris Gebhard

Maddy summarySB 914 requires scrap processors and recycling facility operators in Pennsylvania to collect specific information when purchasing scrap material, including details about the seller and the material type. It mandates that these businesses use commercial accounts for transactions and prohibits them from buying certain materials, such as those potentially linked to theft. The bill directly affects businesses in the scrap and recycling industry by imposing new record-keeping and transaction rules under state criminal law. The legislation passed its final vote on October 7, 2025, and was referred to the Judiciary committee for further consideration.

Maddy summarySB 1021 amends Pennsylvania sentencing guidelines to increase penalties for violent acts targeting immigration enforcement. It creates a sentencing enhancement for two specific scenarios: (1) crimes of violence committed to interfere with immigration enforcement activities, and (2) violent acts causing bodily injury to immigration enforcement personnel. The bill applies to existing offenses under Pennsylvania law that meet these criteria, adding an extra penalty layer within the state's sentencing guidelines. This change directly affects individuals convicted of such violent acts against immigration enforcement officers or personnel.

Maddy summarySR 159 is a symbolic resolution designating September 2025 as "Life Insurance Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or regulations but formally recognizes the importance of life insurance through a state-level designation. This resolution directly affects Pennsylvania residents and life insurance providers by encouraging awareness efforts during that month. The key mechanism is the formal declaration by the Pennsylvania legislature, with no binding policy changes or financial obligations attached. (2 sentences, as it is a procedural resolution).

Maddy summarySB 1005 amends the Cash Consumer Protection Act to prohibit businesses from refusing cash payments for goods or services, directly affecting retailers, service providers, and other businesses that accept payments. Key provisions require businesses to accept cash without discrimination, allow state enforcement through court orders to stop violations and impose fines, and permit consumers to file private lawsuits if denied cash. These changes clarify and strengthen the 1984 law to protect consumers' right to pay with cash. The bill aims to ensure cash remains a valid payment method without penalty.

Maddy summarySB 1006 is a constitutional amendment proposing to expand property tax exemptions for Pennsylvania veterans with service-connected disabilities. It would extend partial tax relief proportional to disability ratings (50%-100%) and full exemption for veterans rated 100% disabled or surviving spouses of service members who died in action, were POWs, or were missing in action. The amendment also clarifies that surviving spouses of eligible veterans retain exemption after the veteran's death. As a constitutional amendment, it requires voter approval after legislative passage. (Bill: SB 1006, 2025 Session)

Maddy summarySB 241 requires Pennsylvania's Liquor Control Board to automatically expunge citations issued to retail liquor licensees (such as restaurants, hotels, and clubs) for failing to follow pandemic-related health orders during the Governor's emergency period (March 2020 to end of emergency). It applies specifically to violations of executive actions, Health Secretary orders, or Department guidance related to COVID-19 protocols. The Board must remove these citations within 30 days at no cost to the business, providing written notice of the expungement. This policy change directly affects businesses that received such citations during the pandemic emergency.

Maddy summarySB 922 updates the licensing process for private academic schools in Pennsylvania under the 1988 Private Academic Schools Act. It modifies how schools apply for, renew, and maintain their licenses, including clarifying procedures for license issuance and renewal. The bill also updates the process for creating and updating rules governing these schools. This affects all private academic schools seeking or maintaining state licensing, focusing solely on administrative procedures without changing educational standards or funding.

Maddy summarySB 114 updates Pennsylvania's Nurse Aide Resident Abuse Prevention Training Act to strengthen training standards for nurse aides working in long-term care facilities. It requires the state department to develop a specific long-term care curriculum, set qualifications for instructors (including RN supervision and facility experience), and establish a train-the-trainer program. The bill also creates three pathways to become a certified nurse aide, including completing approved training with a competency exam (offering remote written testing options), graduating from nursing programs, or meeting equivalent requirements. Additionally, it prohibits the department from imposing waiting periods before online training can be offered in approved programs. These changes directly affect nurse aides, long-term care facilities, and training programs across Pennsylvania.

Maddy summarySB 929 proposes a constitutional amendment to end school districts' authority to levy real property taxes after June 30, 2029. It directly affects Pennsylvania school districts, requiring the state to replace their lost property tax revenue through new state or local income, sales, or service taxes. The bill mandates that the General Assembly annually fund school districts at levels matching their pre-2029 property tax collections, depositing new tax revenue into a dedicated "Stabilization of Education Fund" exclusively for school support. It explicitly prohibits any future real property taxes and prevents diversion of funds from the stabilization account.

Maddy summarySB 202 updates Pennsylvania's 1965 Money Transmission Business Licensing Law to include virtual currency transmission under the same regulatory framework as traditional money transmission. It requires businesses transmitting virtual currency (via money orders, checks, or digital methods) to obtain a license, meet a $500,000 tangible net worth requirement, and post a $1 million security bond. The law exempts personal virtual currency transfers using self-hosted wallets (where users control their digital records) and transactions between businesses for commercial purposes. This bill, signed into law on June 27, 2025, directly affects money transmission businesses and virtual currency service providers operating in Pennsylvania.