Sen. Michele Brooks

Maddy summarySB 416 allows licensed organizations in Pennsylvania (like charities or community groups) to accept electronic payments - such as credit cards, debit cards, or mobile payments - for raffle tickets. It requires these organizations to verify buyers are at least 18 years old and comply with federal gambling laws. The bill specifically prohibits mobile payment services for certain gaming licensees under Chapter 9. It also removes an outdated regulation (61 Pa. Code § 901.506) that conflicted with these new payment rules.

Maddy summarySB 790 amends Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law to create a process for government agencies to seek relief from individuals making repeated or abusive public records requests. Agencies must petition the Office of Open Records with clear evidence that a requester's conduct is "vexatious" (e.g., overwhelming numbers of requests, repetitive identical requests, or requests intended to harass). If granted, the Office may limit an agency's obligation to respond to future requests from that individual for up to one year, while ensuring decisions remain content-neutral and include opportunities for the requester to respond or mediate. The bill includes exemptions for school-related requests, election-related inquiries, and cases where prior petitions were denied.

Maddy summarySB 931 prohibits businesses operating in Pennsylvania from using names, domain names, or branding that falsely suggest affiliation with state or local government (like mimicking a city agency or using government symbols). It directly affects corporations, nonprofits, and other entities conducting business in the state that might confuse the public about government ties. The law imposes penalties of up to seven years in prison or a $15,000 fine for violations, though entities can avoid penalties by including a clear, prominent disclaimer stating they are not affiliated with government. The bill aims to prevent deceptive practices that mislead consumers about an organization's official connections.

Maddy summarySB 95 amends Pennsylvania's Pharmacy Act to create a 180-day provisional license for pharmacists moving from other states, allowing them to practice without demonstrating competency under Pennsylvania's requirements. It also permits emergency medical services providers to distribute naloxone dose packages for opioid overdose reversal under specific conditions, including a Department of Health standing order and voluntary distribution without liability. Additionally, the bill requires pharmacies to disclose prescription drug prices (brand vs. generic), cost-sharing amounts, and health insurance options upon customer request. These changes aim to improve pharmacist mobility, expand naloxone access, and increase price transparency for consumers.

Maddy summarySB 90 modifies Pennsylvania's fire service training rules by requiring Firefighter I training programs to offer two testing options: a single cumulative test at program end or module-based tests completed within the same accreditation period. It mandates annual reports tracking firefighter numbers (paid/volunteer), course participation, specific certifications held (like Firefighter I), course summaries, and fund usage. The bill directly affects all Pennsylvania firefighters in the certification system and fire training programs statewide. These changes standardize testing methods and increase transparency in fire service training management.

Maddy summarySB 466 modifies Pennsylvania's fire and emergency medical services (EMS) grant programs and training requirements. It requires semiannual reports on grant recipients (including recipient names, amounts, and purposes) for federal disaster, homeland security, and public health funds, submitted to legislative leaders. The bill updates training standards to allow online/lecture/hands-on formats and integrates records into a certification system, while setting a 45-day application window and 60-day approval timeline for grants to fire and EMS companies. Crucially, it sets an expiration date of December 31, 2029, for the grant authority under these programs. The bill was enacted as Act No. 25 of 2025 on June 30, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes Pennsylvania's fishing license fees for specific veterans and military members. Disabled veterans with a 100% service-connected disability (certified by the VA) receive free resident fishing licenses, while those with 60-99% disability pay $1. Deployed Pennsylvania National Guard members (with proof of 60+ days overseas deployment in the last 24 months) also get a $1 annual license. It repeals a prior section that provided similar $1 licenses to reserve component military members. The law took effect 60 days after the governor signed it on June 30, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 635 amends Pennsylvania sentencing law to impose stricter penalties for certain drug-related offenses committed within 1,000 feet of a drug and alcohol recovery house. Specifically, it requires the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing to create enhanced penalties for offenses under the Controlled Substance Act (sections 13(a)(12), (14), or (30)) when committed near these facilities. The bill defines "drug and alcohol recovery house" using existing law (Section 2311-A of the Administrative Code). This policy change directly affects individuals convicted of targeted drug offenses near recovery centers, increasing potential sentencing severity. The bill passed final passage on June 25, 2025.

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 865 requires emergency departments in Pennsylvania hospitals to test patient urine samples for fentanyl, medetomidine, and xylazine when conducting drug screenings for diagnosis, provided such testing is available. It mandates reporting positive results (meeting department-set thresholds) to the Department of Health, with deidentified data used for awareness efforts. The bill also creates a new requirement for the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs to develop educational materials about the dangers of human medetomidine use - highlighting its veterinary origins, health effects, and how to discuss risks with others. These provisions directly affect emergency departments, patients receiving screenings, and residents through public health education. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.