Sen. Michele Brooks

Maddy summarySB 211 allows Pennsylvania individual income tax filers to voluntarily contribute $1 or more to fire and emergency medical services grant programs by designating the amount on their state tax return. The contribution is deducted from any tax refund owed, not from tax revenue, and the Department of Revenue transfers the collected funds (minus administrative costs) to a restricted account for grants administered by the Office of State Fire Commissioner. This applies to all Pennsylvania taxpayers filing individual income tax returns, directly supporting fire companies and EMS providers through state grant programs. The bill takes effect for tax years ending after December 31, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 404 allows Pennsylvania county conservation districts to obtain special permission from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to issue emergency permits for stream reconstruction after floods. It directly affects counties (through their conservation districts) and communities impacted by flood damage by enabling faster restoration of natural waterways. The bill creates a process where counties must first get DEP approval for their stream reconstruction plans based on scientific standards, then use those approved plans to issue emergency permits for specific flood-related repairs. The DEP retains authority for other emergency waterway permits and maintains oversight through review and appeal processes. This change aims to speed up recovery efforts while ensuring projects meet environmental standards.

Maddy summarySB 403 creates a new "continuous maintenance permit" for the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to issue to the Department of Transportation or municipalities. This permit allows these entities to routinely maintain, inspect, and monitor watercourses, obstructions, and related structures without needing separate preapproval for each maintenance task. Permits last at least 10 years, require annual reports on maintenance activities, and include specific rules to avoid violations (like not needing approval for routine debris removal that aligns with engineering plans). The bill directly affects state transportation agencies and local governments responsible for water infrastructure maintenance.

Maddy summarySB 530 amends Pennsylvania's sales tax code to exclude certain equipment purchases from tax when bought personally by firefighters. It specifically covers accessory, communications, and protective equipment (like helmets, turnout gear, and respirators) purchased with personal funds by paid/volunteer firefighters or special fire police members who show valid ID proving their status. The exclusion applies only if the fire company or unit doesn't cover the cost; if the employer pays, the tax still applies. This change directly affects individual firefighters buying required gear personally, not fire departments or other entities. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summarySB 470 proposes to create a Secondary Education Fire Training Pilot Program in Pennsylvania, allowing high school students aged 16+ to earn credit for firefighter and emergency medical services training through partnerships between schools and colleges. The bill establishes a Fire Training Fund to accept donations and provides $150,000 per participating college over the 4-year pilot period. It requires three regional colleges to partner with school entities (including districts and charter schools) to offer Firefighter I certification courses, with the goal of increasing volunteer firefighter recruitment. The program includes a post-pilot survey to assess its impact on local volunteer fire departments. This is proposed legislation pending final approval, with an effective date of January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors Senator Mary Jo White's life and service in the Pennsylvania Senate, expressing condolences to her family. It recognizes her work on environmental policy, advocacy for women's rights, and her role as the first woman elected to Senate Republican leadership. The resolution serves as a formal tribute to her career and legacy without creating any new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a Pennsylvania program that reimburses residents who earn state-recognized emergency medical services (EMS) certifications (such as EMT or paramedic) after paying for training at a Pennsylvania school. Applicants must submit proof of certification and payment, maintain Pennsylvania residency for two years after certification, and apply within 30 days of completing training. The state will cover full certification costs up to a $3 million total appropriation, with payments issued within two months of a complete application. The program ends when the $3 million is fully spent, with no fixed expiration date beyond that.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $500 annual tax credit for Pennsylvania residents who serve as active volunteer certified emergency medical technicians (EMTs) or volunteer firefighters. To qualify, individuals must have at least two full years of service by December 31 of the tax year and respond to at least 20% of their agency's emergency calls during that period. The credit applies to tax liability starting with taxable years beginning after December 31, 2026, and cannot be carried over, refunded, or sold. The Department of Revenue will administer the credit, require self-certification, and submit annual reports to the General Assembly on its usage.

Maddy summarySB 514 amends Pennsylvania's 1981 Bingo Law to allow licensed bingo associations to sell tickets online for their events. This change directly affects nonprofit groups, such as community centers or charities, that operate licensed bingo games for fundraising. The bill adds a specific rule (Section 5(c)(14)) permitting online ticket sales while maintaining other existing licensing and operational requirements under the Bingo Law. The law would take effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summarySB 515 amends Pennsylvania's Local Option Small Games of Chance Act to require licensed organizations (like charities or community groups) running games of chance to accept cash payments and allow debit card payments. It also permits these organizations to set their own policies for accepting checks or money orders, without being obligated to accept them. The bill repeals an existing regulation (61 Pa. Code § 901.506) that conflicted with these new payment rules. The changes take effect 60 days after enactment.