Sen. Michele Brooks

Maddy summaryThis bill allows state legislators' offices and approved organizations (like nonprofits) to directly issue temporary disability parking placards to eligible individuals. Applicants must submit a signed statement confirming disability qualifications and provide medical verification, with the issuing office electronically submitting the application to the state agency. Temporary placards are valid for up to six months, and no fees can be charged beyond actual postage costs. The change streamlines access to temporary disability parking for people with qualifying conditions.

Maddy summarySB 423 creates $1 annual fishing and hunting licenses for volunteer firefighters, volunteer special fire police officers, and volunteer emergency medical service technicians in Pennsylvania. It requires applicants to provide documentation proving 12 months of active, good-standing service in one of these roles. The bill amends existing statutes to establish these specific license exemptions, replacing standard fees with a flat $1 cost for qualifying residents. This directly affects volunteers in these emergency response roles who would otherwise pay higher standard license fees.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 33) directs Pennsylvania's Joint State Government Commission to study water and wastewater system acquisitions since Act 12 of 2016, focusing on how rate changes affected customers before and after each acquisition. The study will collect specific data including pre- and post-acquisition rates, ownership changes, public input on rate hikes, community demographics, and system investments. The Commission must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Senate within 12 months, aiming to assess transparency and fairness for ratepayers without changing current laws.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 17-23, 2025, as "THON Week" in Pennsylvania to honor Penn State student volunteers involved in the IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon. It recognizes their work supporting pediatric cancer research and patient care through the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital. The resolution does not create new laws or alter funding; it is a ceremonial acknowledgment of the event's mission and impact. THON, a student-run philanthropy, has raised over $236 million since 1977 for childhood cancer support.

Maddy summarySB 329 requires Pennsylvania healthcare professionals (including physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners) to complete at least two hours of continuing education on Lyme disease and related tick-borne illnesses as part of their license renewal. The law mandates that this education cover current research, symptom recognition, diagnostic options, treatment approaches, and prevention strategies, based on evidence from major health organizations. Licensing boards must establish the content within 18 months and seek input from experts, including university researchers. The bill directly affects all licensed healthcare providers in Pennsylvania who must renew their credentials.

Maddy summarySB 359 amends Pennsylvania's State Highway Law to require the state to maintain all state highways within boroughs and incorporated towns (including smaller municipalities), funding these improvements from the Commonwealth. It specifically adds a new requirement for the state to construct and maintain drainage systems under roads in towns with populations of 2,500 or fewer, based on the latest federal census. The bill mandates these maintenance and drainage obligations at state expense, applying to both rural highways and those within smaller incorporated communities. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 28) urges Pennsylvania's Governor to offer the Pennsylvania National Guard's services to Texas for Operation Lone Star, a border security effort. It directly affects Pennsylvania's National Guard and Texas' border operations, requesting deployment to assist with border security. The resolution cites Pennsylvania's interest in addressing border-related impacts like fentanyl trafficking and costs ($1.6 billion burden to taxpayers), and references the Guard's past experience in border operations. As a resolution, it does not mandate deployment but formally requests the Governor to volunteer the Guard's support and transmits the request to federal and Texas officials.

Maddy summarySB 337 amends Pennsylvania's sales tax code to exclude certain firearm safety devices from taxation. Specifically, it removes sales and use tax from items like gun safes, trigger locks, cable locks, and other devices that require a key or combination to operate a firearm. This change directly affects retailers and manufacturers selling these safety devices, as they will no longer collect state sales tax on these items. The bill adds a new exclusion under the Tax Reform Code, making these devices tax-exempt at the point of sale. The policy change is purely a tax code adjustment with no new restrictions on firearm ownership or use.

Maddy summarySB 374 creates a new Office of Information Technology within Pennsylvania's state government, led by a Chief Information Officer (CIO) appointed by the Governor with Senate confirmation. The CIO, who becomes part of the Governor's Cabinet, will manage all state agency IT systems and establish security protocols for data handled by those agencies. This bill directly affects all Pennsylvania state agencies operating under the Governor's authority, centralizing oversight of their technology infrastructure. The key change is replacing fragmented IT management with a single, accountable office responsible for both operations and cybersecurity across state agencies.

Maddy summarySB 355 prohibits using computer programs to buy tickets for resale or circumvent online ticket sales limits, targeting scalpers who use bots. It directly affects ticket resellers using automated tools and protects venues, artists, and ticket platforms (defined as "operators" or "rights holders") from financial harm. The law allows these affected parties to sue violators for $500 per ticket sold illegally, plus legal fees. Key provisions ban automated ticket purchasing, bypassing sales restrictions, and disabling security systems on ticket sites. The bill amends Pennsylvania's consumer protection law to address deceptive ticket resale practices.