Sen. Dan Laughlin

Maddy summarySB 645 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to mandate cursive handwriting instruction in elementary schools. The bill defines "cursive handwriting" and requires it to be taught in all elementary public and private schools. Specifically, students must receive instruction to ensure they can read and write cursive by the end of fifth grade. These new requirements also apply to charter schools and cyber charter schools.

Maddy summarySB 619 requires all coaches and school staff supervising athletic or school activities in Pennsylvania to complete annual sudden cardiac arrest training and maintain biennial CPR/AED certifications through approved organizations like the American Heart Association. It directly affects school coaches, athletic staff, and supervisors of school-sponsored activities (including practices, competitions, and noncompetitive cheerleading). Schools must document and publicly share each staff member’s certification status. The bill amends the Public School Code to standardize emergency response training for all school activities, without introducing medical testing requirements.

Maddy summarySB 608 creates new rules for "association health plans" in Pennsylvania, which are group health coverage offered by employer associations (like industry groups or local business networks) rather than individual employers. It requires these associations to have existed for at least two years, not deny coverage based on health status, and offer plans to all members regardless of health. The bill defines key terms like "small employer" (1-50 employees) and clarifies that association plans must meet specific policy requirements under state insurance law. This directly affects employer associations and their members (employees of small businesses or sole proprietors) seeking group health coverage through these structures.

Maddy summarySB 622 modifies Pennsylvania's Insurance Company Law of 1921 to change how non-network emergency medical services (EMS) agencies bill insurers and patients. It requires EMS agencies to submit an annual form by October 15 to receive direct payments from insurers, with the Department of Health maintaining a public registry of these agreements. The bill prohibits EMS agencies from billing patients directly when insurers pay at network rates (except for copayments/deductibles) and bans suggesting donations will avoid billing. These changes apply specifically to insurers covering emergency medical services under health insurance policies, excluding certain types like homeowner's or fixed indemnity insurance.

Maddy summarySB 578 changes Pennsylvania auto insurance rules by prohibiting insurers from allowing "stacking" of uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage across multiple vehicles. It requires insurers to automatically offer coverage equal to bodily injury liability limits when issuing new policies, while giving drivers the option to select lower coverage or reject it. Insurers must provide written notice explaining these changes, the elimination of stacking, and available coverage options. The bill affects all Pennsylvania drivers purchasing auto insurance policies, as it standardizes coverage requirements and eliminates previous options for stacking or waiving coverage.

Maddy summarySB 556 prohibits Pennsylvania government entities from creating or maintaining firearm ownership registries and bans payment processors from classifying gun retailers differently than general merchandise stores. It directly affects local governments, law enforcement, banks, and firearm sellers by preventing registry systems and requiring uniform payment classifications for gun retailers. The bill imposes penalties including third-degree felonies for registry violations and $2,500 administrative fines for payment classification violations. It does not change firearm ownership laws but targets administrative and financial practices related to gun sales. The bill is currently pending in the Judiciary committee.

Maddy summarySB 589 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to update physical education requirements for public school districts. It requires schools to align physical education curricula with state health and safety standards, beginning with the 2027-2028 school year. School districts may allow students to satisfy physical education requirements through interscholastic athletics, but only if they adopt or update a specific policy, and this cannot replace the full academic standards for health and safety. The bill directly affects Pennsylvania public school students and districts, with implementation starting in the 2027-2028 school year.

Maddy summarySB 547 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to expand access to advanced courses for secondary students (grades 7-12) and support school entities in meeting new benchmarks. It establishes the "Access to Advanced Courses for All Students Grant Program" to fund educator training, exam fee assistance for students, and nationally normed assessments. Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, schools must report course offerings and student participation, while the Department of Education will set access benchmarks and identify schools needing support. The bill directly affects school districts, charter schools, and their students by requiring expanded opportunities in core academic areas like math, science, and computer science. It also adds new teacher professional development options, including workplace visits and advanced coursework coaching.

Maddy summarySB 568 requires social media platforms to remove nonconsensual intimate images of Pennsylvania residents within 48 hours of receiving a valid request. It directly affects individuals whose private images were shared without consent, as defined by Pennsylvania law. Platforms must establish a clear online portal for removal requests and are shielded from liability if they act in good faith. The law applies specifically to social media services that connect users for social interaction, excluding email or cloud services. It takes effect 90 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution (SR 73) designates the week of April 14-20, 2025, as "National Osteopathic Medicine Week" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically recognizes the contributions of doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs), who provide patient-centered care focusing on the whole person, and highlights Pennsylvania's role as a national leader in osteopathic medicine (with 10,078 DOs and three osteopathic medical colleges). The resolution encourages Pennsylvanians to support public awareness of osteopathic medicine but does not create new laws, funding, or obligations.