Sen. Michele Brooks

Maddy summarySB 634 creates a new hate crime offense in Pennsylvania law targeting attacks against law enforcement officers and first responders (firefighters and emergency medical personnel). It defines this as intentionally committing crimes like assault, property damage, or trespassing motivated by hatred toward someone's job in these roles. If the underlying crime is a misdemeanor, the hate crime charge raises it to a higher class (e.g., misdemeanor of the second degree), and courts must consider a sentencing enhancement. This bill directly affects individuals who commit such acts, increasing penalties for targeting public safety workers due to their employment.

Maddy summarySB 607 requires Pennsylvania gas stations to display clear labels on fuel dispensers showing the exact federal and state taxes charged for both gasoline and diesel fuel. Retailers must list six specific tax amounts: federal gasoline tax, state gasoline tax, federal diesel tax, state diesel tax, and their combined totals. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture will design and maintain these labels at no cost to businesses, updating them when tax rates change. This law directly affects fuel retailers by mandating transparent disclosure of existing tax rates to consumers at the point of sale.

Maddy summarySB 615 adds a new tax exemption for Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and American Legion chapters in Pennsylvania. The bill exempts their properties - including buildings, grounds, and social halls used for veterans' support activities - from county, municipal, and school property taxes, provided all income from these activities supports the organizations' charitable purposes. This change specifically applies to VFW and American Legion chapters founded and maintained through public or private charity. The exemption overrides other tax rules in the statute and takes effect 60 days after enactment.

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 623 amends Pennsylvania law to clarify definitions related to emergency responders and telecommunicators across multiple statutes. It adds a specific definition for "telecommunicator" (including call takers, dispatchers, and supervisors at public safety answering points) and expands the definition of "emergency responder" to explicitly include telecommunicators, physicians, nurses, public health workers, and other professionals in emergency response roles. The bill does not create new programs or funding but standardizes terminology to ensure consistent application of existing laws. It directly affects emergency service personnel, public safety agencies, and the legal framework governing their roles. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

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 summaryThis bill requires Pennsylvania emergency medical services (EMS) communication centers to maintain and share information about veterinary clinics, hospital emergency departments, and other facilities equipped to care for injured police animals. It directly affects EMS dispatch centers and healthcare facilities by mandating they compile and retain specific details to expedite transport and treatment when police animals are injured. The key provision creates a standardized system for EMS centers to quickly access appropriate care resources for police animals during emergencies. The bill is procedural, focusing on information sharing rather than altering medical care standards, and takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summarySB 582 streamlines grant applications for Pennsylvania fire and emergency medical services (EMS) companies. It sets a 45-day annual application window, requires the state to act on applications within 60 days (with unaddressed applications deemed approved), and allows one 15-day extension per company every three years for reporting without needing to prove hardship. The bill directly affects local fire and EMS companies seeking state funding under Title 35. This procedural update simplifies administrative processes but does not change grant eligibility, amounts, or funding levels.

Maddy summaryThis resolution recognizes April 13-19, 2025, as "National Public Safety Telecommunications Week" in Pennsylvania. It honors 911 dispatchers, emergency telecommunicators, and staff at public safety communication centers for their critical 24/7 work handling emergency calls and coordinating responses. The resolution acknowledges their role in saving lives, managing high-stress situations, and supporting first responders during crises. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic tribute to these workers' service.

Maddy summarySB 575 amends Pennsylvania law to expand the definition of hate-based intimidation under Title 18, specifically adding "ethnic" to the list of protected characteristics (alongside race, color, religion, national origin, and disability) for offenses involving assault or property damage. It creates a new civil remedy under Title 42, allowing victims injured by such acts to sue for damages, injunctions, or other relief in court. The bill directly affects individuals who experience hate-motivated crimes and the legal system handling these cases. The changes take effect 60 days after enactment.