Sen. Frank Farry

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates October 24, 2025, as "Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Day" in Pennsylvania. It is a symbolic recognition by the state legislature, not a policy with legal effect, and does not create new requirements or impact any specific group. The resolution serves to honor the practice and profession of acupuncture and herbal medicine within the state.

Maddy summarySB 748 updates fee schedules for pilot services used by vessels navigating the Delaware River and Port of Philadelphia. It sets annual increases in pilotage fees per unit from $14.91 (2022) to $18.86 (2028), with minimum charges of 200 units and maximum charges ranging from 1,550 to 1,600 units. The bill also establishes new charges for vessel communication ($275-$300), canal transit ($1,000-$1,750), and additional services like anchoring beyond three hours. These changes directly affect commercial shipping companies operating in the Philadelphia port area.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates November 2025 as "Epilepsy Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It serves as a ceremonial recognition to highlight epilepsy awareness efforts within the state, without creating new laws or altering policies. The resolution was referred to the Rules & Executive Nominations committee on October 29, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 182) commemorates the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps and honors the service and sacrifice of Marines throughout history, specifically acknowledging their contributions to both the Commonwealth and the nation. It is a formal, non-binding resolution adopted by the legislature to recognize this milestone, directly affecting the Commonwealth's official acknowledgment of Marine Corps history. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial tribute to Marines' legacy.

Maddy summarySB 65 amends Pennsylvania's vehicle code to strengthen school bus safety rules. It increases penalties for drivers who fail to stop for school buses with flashing red lights (5 points and a 60-day license suspension) and adds a $250-$500 fine with a $35 surcharge for violations. The bill requires the Department of Transportation to include school bus safety education in driver license renewal notices and share materials with school districts. All surcharges from violations fund the School Bus Safety Grant Program to improve school bus safety measures.

Maddy summarySB 1060 amends Pennsylvania's Health Care Facilities Act to require licensed health care facilities to screen new patients for veteran status during admission. This applies directly to hospitals, clinics, and other facilities that admit new patients under the Act. The bill updates licensing requirements to mandate this screening as a standard part of patient intake, without altering existing benefits or eligibility processes. The provision aims to identify veterans for potential service-connected care options through the facility's existing systems.

Maddy summarySB 1068 removes existing regulations governing the state's CO2 Budget Trading Program, which is a system where businesses buy and sell allowances for carbon emissions. This change directly affects companies participating in the program by eliminating specific compliance rules they previously had to follow. The key provision is the outright abrogation (removal) of these regulations, streamlining the program's operational requirements without creating new rules. The bill passed final passage on October 22, 2025, and was referred to the Environmental & Natural Resource Protection committee for further consideration.

Maddy summarySB 1041 amends Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to expand public assistance coverage for complex care assistant services. It directly affects individuals requiring long-term, specialized personal care due to disabilities or chronic conditions. The bill establishes a new provision requiring the state to provide medical assistance for these services under the public assistance program. This changes existing coverage by explicitly including complex care assistants, who help with daily living tasks like bathing, feeding, and medication management. The bill is currently pending in the Health & Human Services committee.

Maddy summarySR 173 designates October 2025 as "Down Syndrome Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania through a formal legislative resolution. This resolution does not create new laws or obligations but serves as a symbolic recognition to promote public awareness and support for individuals with Down syndrome. The resolution was referred to the Rules & Executive Nominations committee on October 15, 2025, as part of the legislative process.

Maddy summarySB 914 requires scrap processors and recycling facility operators in Pennsylvania to collect specific information when purchasing scrap material, including details about the seller and the material type. It mandates that these businesses use commercial accounts for transactions and prohibits them from buying certain materials, such as those potentially linked to theft. The bill directly affects businesses in the scrap and recycling industry by imposing new record-keeping and transaction rules under state criminal law. The legislation passed its final vote on October 7, 2025, and was referred to the Judiciary committee for further consideration.