Sen. Michele Brooks

Maddy summarySB 851 proposes constitutional amendments to Pennsylvania's judicial selection system. It would require judges and justices of the peace to be elected at municipal elections before their terms begin, replace partisan ballots with nonpartisan retention elections (where voters decide annually whether to keep current judges), and adjust vacancy-filling rules (requiring Senate approval for most appointments, except for justices of the peace). The bill also changes term lengths for different judicial roles and specifies how additional judges may be appointed. These changes would directly affect all Pennsylvania judges, justices of the peace, and the Governor's authority in judicial appointments.

Maddy summarySB 864 amends Pennsylvania's vehicle financial responsibility law to clarify proof requirements for avoiding penalties. It requires vehicle owners or insurers to provide proof of insurance coverage within 10 days of a violation to prevent registration or license penalties. Additionally, insurers must notify the state department within 10 days when issuing new policies specifically intended to meet financial responsibility requirements. The bill directly affects drivers and auto insurers by streamlining verification processes. It takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summarySB 823 allocates $2 million annually from Pennsylvania's State Gaming Fund to local law enforcement agencies for investigating and enforcing laws related to unlawful gambling. The funding specifically covers violations of gambling statutes (18 Pa.C.S. § 5513) and related offenses like animal fighting (18 Pa.C.S. §§ 5543-5544). This includes Pennsylvania State Police when providing primary police coverage in municipalities without their own police departments. The bill amends existing law to formalize these grant provisions and takes effect 60 days after enactment.

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 summarySB 333 amends Pennsylvania's Regulatory Review Act to strengthen oversight of significant regulations. It defines "economically significant regulations" as those likely to cost $1 million or more annually across state, local, or private sectors. The bill requires agencies to submit detailed cost analyses for all proposed regulations, mandates public hearings for economically significant rules, and extends committee review periods (up to 14 days) for such regulations. These changes directly affect state agencies drafting rules, legislative committees reviewing them, and the Independent Regulatory Review Commission. The law aims to improve transparency around regulatory costs without altering the core process for standard regulations.

Maddy summarySB 444 amends Pennsylvania's Regulatory Review Act to clarify how state agencies must review existing regulations. It defines "economically significant regulation" as one costing over $1 million annually to the state, local governments, or private businesses. The bill requires agencies to submit detailed reports after three years on such regulations, including cost impacts, public feedback, effectiveness, and efficiency measures. These reports trigger a 30-day public comment period and a commission review to determine if the regulation remains in the public interest. This directly affects state agencies creating regulations and businesses subject to those rules.

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 751 gradually reduces Pennsylvania's inheritance tax rates for transfers to certain family members, including parents, grandparents, children, and spouses. It lowers the tax rate step-by-step over time, starting at 4.5% for deaths before July 1, 2026, and decreasing to 0% for deaths on or after July 1, 2035. This directly affects Pennsylvania residents inheriting property from immediate family members as defined in the tax code. The bill modifies Section 2116(a)(1) of the 1971 Tax Reform Code to establish these phased rate reductions.

Maddy summarySB 750 modifies Pennsylvania's inheritance tax rates for property transferred to siblings, gradually lowering the tax from 12% to 0% over time. The bill reduces the rate annually, starting at 12% for deaths before July 2026, decreasing to 11% in 2026-2027, and reaching 0% for deaths on or after July 2033. This directly affects individuals inheriting property from a sibling in Pennsylvania. The change is structured as a phased reduction in the tax rate over several years, with no tax applied after 2033.

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.