Sen. Chris Gebhard

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 129) honors the late Pennsylvania State Representative Matthew R. Gergely and expresses condolences to his family following his death. It formally recognizes his life, career in McKeesport (including roles as City Administrator and Chief Revenue Officer), and service as a state representative for the 35th district. The resolution, adopted on June 23, 2025, directs the Senate to convey these condolences to his wife, children, and other surviving family members. It does not create any new policy or affect any laws.

Maddy summarySB 115 amends Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to replace the high school diploma or GED requirement for direct care staff in personal care homes and assisted living residences with a skills competency exam. The exam assesses communication skills, basic literacy, cultural awareness, and knowledge of mental health needs specific to these settings, without permitting medication administration. This change specifically applies to individuals who are citizens of or educated in another country, lawfully reside in the U.S., and meet other qualifications, eliminating the need for facilities to seek certain waivers. The bill directs the Department of Human Services to create temporary implementing regulations within two years and repeals conflicting existing regulations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally recognizes the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States Army (established June 14, 1775, as the Continental Army). It commemorates the Army as the nation's oldest fighting force and first national institution, highlighting historical milestones like the Battle of Bunker Hill and George Washington's appointment as Commander in Chief. The resolution serves solely as a ceremonial tribute with no policy changes or direct impact on individuals or programs. It does not create new laws, allocate funds, or affect veterans' benefits.

Maddy summarySB 843, the "Do No Harm Act," prohibits healthcare providers in Pennsylvania from performing or prescribing certain medical procedures (including puberty blockers and hormones) on minors under 18 for the purpose of enabling them to live as a gender inconsistent with their sex assigned at birth. It specifically exempts procedures for congenital defects, medical emergencies, or ongoing treatments started before the law's effective date. The bill also bans insurers and government health programs from covering these procedures, imposes professional discipline and felony penalties for violations, and allows minors or their guardians to sue for damages within two years of reaching adulthood. It directly affects minors, healthcare providers, insurers, and government health programs.

Maddy summarySB 745 amends Pennsylvania's Manufactured Home Community Rights Act to strengthen tenant protections and clarify rent increase rules for manufactured home residents. The bill requires community owners to allow resident associations and group meetings, mandates 180 days' notice for rent/fee increases (up from 60 days), and caps annual increases based on the regional consumer price index (max 4% or 2% if CPI is low). It also creates a process for owners to seek temporary 2% surcharges for extraordinary operating costs, requiring detailed financial disclosures and resident input before implementation. These changes directly affect manufactured home residents and community owners across Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryThis bill extensively amends Pennsylvania's laws governing various forms of gaming, impacting fantasy contests, video gaming, interactive gaming, sports wagering, and casino operations. It revises definitions for fantasy contests, establishes a new category for "skill gaming" along with a dedicated fund, and modifies the regulatory authority of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. The legislation introduces new requirements for background checks, including fingerprinting for gaming employees and licensees, and repeals existing provisions related to political influence in gaming administration. It also updates rules for licensing, enforcement, revenue collection, and permits live-streaming on casino floors.

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 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.

Maddy summarySB 417 amends Pennsylvania's military affairs laws to expand the use and revenue generation capabilities of Fort Indiantown Gap. It authorizes the Adjutant General to lease portions of the Fort's land to private businesses that benefit the local community and military families, with generated revenue directed to a new fund. The bill also broadens the Fort's purpose to include emergency response training and quality-of-life programs for service members, veterans, and their families. A new restricted fund, the Service Members, Veterans and their Families Fund, is established to receive these revenues and donations, supporting these initiatives.

Maddy summarySR 98 is a resolution that designates the week of May 18 through 24, 2025, as "Emergency Medical Services Week" in Pennsylvania. This action aims to recognize the vital public service and lifesaving care provided by emergency medical services teams and providers across the state.