Sen. Dan Laughlin

Maddy summarySB 599 amends Pennsylvania's Election Code to clarify procedures for absentee and mail-in voting. It updates rules for how voters can obtain and return ballots, allowing county boards to provide absentee ballots to designated representatives or deputies (via judges) if voters cannot visit offices themselves. The bill also specifies that completed absentee ballots must be returned to the county board's primary office at the county seat. These changes directly affect voters using absentee or mail-in ballots in Pennsylvania elections, streamlining their voting process while maintaining security protocols.

Maddy summarySB 120 establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for cannabis in the state. It creates the Cannabis Control Board (replacing the Department of Health) to oversee licensing, enforcement, and business regulations for cannabis businesses, including new permit requirements for dispensaries and cultivation centers. The bill imposes sales and excise taxes on cannabis products, establishes a Cannabis Regulation Fund for reinvestment, and includes provisions for "cannabis clean slate" expungement of past offenses, special support for businesses in disproportionately impacted areas, and consolidated rules for medical cannabis use. It directly affects cannabis businesses, consumers (with personal possession limits), and local governments managing local ordinances.

Maddy summarySB 482 amends Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to improve access to home-based and community-based services for older adults. It directly affects older Pennsylvanians seeking long-term care, LIFE program organizations, and older adult daily living centers by requiring the state department to share eligibility information with these providers and clarifying rules for Medicaid managed care enrollment. Key mechanisms include mandating that applicants receive information about LIFE programs and daily living centers after eligibility assessments, preventing Medicaid managed care assignments until after such assessments, and requiring quarterly enrollment reports by county. The bill also adds definitions for "LIFE program" and "older adult daily living center" to streamline service coordination. These changes aim to enhance transparency and access to care options without altering benefit levels or funding.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates July 18, 2026, as "Piping Plover Day" throughout Pennsylvania to honor the recovery of the endangered piping plover population. The measure directly affects residents and visitors of the state, particularly those who attend the annual Piping Plover Festival held at Presque Isle State Park. By setting aside a specific date for celebration, the bill aims to raise public awareness about the bird's conservation success and the collaborative efforts involved in its habitat restoration. This symbolic action recognizes the milestone of the species' tenth consecutive nesting season in the state after being absent for over 60 years.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a three-year pilot program to provide grants for treating veterans with traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder. The State Veterans' Commission will award $150,000 annually to nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, and healthcare providers selected from the eastern, central, and western regions of Pennsylvania. Recipients must use the funds to develop and evaluate treatment programs aimed at improving mental health outcomes and reducing suicide risk among veterans. The program is set to expire three years after it begins, and the state will submit annual reports to the legislature detailing how the grants were used and their effectiveness.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires school districts in Pennsylvania that use state funding for mapping services to ensure their campus maps are compatible with emergency response software. The legislation mandates that these maps include detailed floor plans, accurate room labels, and verified data from onsite inspections while being stored securely within the United States. Before purchasing such services, districts must obtain written approval from their primary law enforcement agency to confirm the data meets specific safety standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new three-day nonresident hunting license that is valid for the first three days of the regular firearms deer season in Pennsylvania. It sets the cost for this specific license at $30 and adds it to the existing list of hunting and furtaking license options. The law will officially take effect on July 1, 2027, allowing non-residents to purchase this short-term access to hunting privileges.

Maddy summarySB 792 sets annual limits on Pennsylvania's research and development (R&D) tax credit program. It caps total annual credits at $120 million, with $24 million specifically reserved for small businesses. Unused portions of either the small business allocation or the general allocation can roll over to the other group if not fully claimed in a given year. This bill directly affects businesses claiming R&D tax credits in Pennsylvania, particularly small businesses that receive priority funding. The change modifies the existing tax credit structure under the 1971 Tax Reform Code.

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 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.