Sen. Frank Farry

Maddy summarySB 953 requires the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) to submit one or more transportation projects involving public-private partnerships to the board within 90 days of the law's effective date. It directly affects SEPTA by creating a procedural obligation for project submissions under public-private partnership frameworks. The bill amends Pennsylvania’s transportation code to establish this timeline, with the law taking effect 60 days after enactment. This is a procedural change focused on administrative requirements, not policy substance.

Maddy summarySB 954 amends Pennsylvania's transportation code to establish new performance standards for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA). The bill requires the state transportation department to create minimum criteria focused on reducing fare evasion, improving public-private transportation partnerships, and optimizing bus routes. These standards will be based on SEPTA's past performance and comparisons with similar transit authorities. Failure to meet these criteria would trigger specific procedures outlined in the bill, though the exact consequences are referenced to another section. The bill directly affects SEPTA's operations but does not change funding or create new programs.

Maddy summarySB 951 modifies Pennsylvania's community college funding formula to prioritize enrollment in first responder training programs. It adds a new allocation method that counts students in credit first responder programs at 1.5 times their enrollment and noncredit programs at full value, distributing additional funds based on weighted enrollment across all colleges. This directly affects community colleges offering these programs and their students, as funding levels will depend on how many enroll in first responder training (both credit and noncredit courses). The bill changes how existing state funds are distributed rather than creating new funding, with the new formula applying starting in the 2025-2026 fiscal year.

Maddy summarySB 815 adds an exclusion to Pennsylvania’s state real estate transfer tax for first-time home buyers purchasing single-family residences. It directly affects individuals who have never owned a single-family home (including mobile homes or condos) in Pennsylvania or another state and will reside in the property. The bill defines "first-time home buyer" as someone living in Pennsylvania, domiciled in the home, and without prior ownership of similar properties. This exclusion applies only to the state tax, not local real estate transfer taxes, and takes effect 60 days after enactment. The bill is currently pending in committee.

Maddy summarySB 478 establishes Pennsylvania's Office of Employee Ownership within the Department of Community and Economic Development to support employee-owned businesses. It creates an Employee Ownership Advisory Board and a Main Street Employee Ownership Grant Program to provide technical assistance, financial aid, and education to businesses meeting specific employee ownership criteria (like worker cooperatives, employee stock ownership plans, or broad profit-sharing programs). The Office will track employee-owned businesses statewide, identify barriers to their growth, and submit annual reports to legislative committees. This bill directly affects businesses seeking to convert to or maintain employee ownership structures across Pennsylvania.

Maddy summarySB 811 establishes Pennsylvania's SBIR/STTR Matching Funds Program to support small businesses with federal research grants. It provides state matching funds (up to $50,000) to Pennsylvania-based businesses that receive Phase I awards under the federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. To qualify, businesses must conduct at least 51% of their Phase II research in Pennsylvania, submit a Phase I report, and avoid duplicate state funding. The program aims to foster economic growth by helping small businesses advance federal-funded research projects.

Maddy summarySB 398 allows Pennsylvania fire companies with existing small games of chance licenses to conduct online raffles. It requires tickets to be purchased only via debit or credit card and limits fire companies to two online raffles per year. The provision expires on December 31, 2026, and applies specifically to fire companies already authorized to host raffles under the 1988 law. This bill directly affects fire companies seeking to expand fundraising methods while maintaining payment and frequency restrictions.

Maddy summarySB 416 allows licensed organizations in Pennsylvania (like charities or community groups) to accept electronic payments - such as credit cards, debit cards, or mobile payments - for raffle tickets. It requires these organizations to verify buyers are at least 18 years old and comply with federal gambling laws. The bill specifically prohibits mobile payment services for certain gaming licensees under Chapter 9. It also removes an outdated regulation (61 Pa. Code § 901.506) that conflicted with these new payment rules.

Maddy summarySB 933 establishes a permitting system for government agencies to install automated license plate reader (ALPR) systems on Pennsylvania's state highways. It requires safety-tested poles (MASH-rated or behind barriers), specifies minimum distances from travel lanes and curbs, and mandates a 30-day review process by the Department of Transportation for permit applications. The bill directly affects state/local law enforcement, transportation authorities, and other government agencies seeking to deploy ALPRs for traffic enforcement or safety purposes. It does not cover toll systems or private devices, focusing solely on government use of these systems on public roads. The law takes effect 30 days after enactment.

Maddy summarySB 95 amends Pennsylvania's Pharmacy Act to create a 180-day provisional license for pharmacists moving from other states, allowing them to practice without demonstrating competency under Pennsylvania's requirements. It also permits emergency medical services providers to distribute naloxone dose packages for opioid overdose reversal under specific conditions, including a Department of Health standing order and voluntary distribution without liability. Additionally, the bill requires pharmacies to disclose prescription drug prices (brand vs. generic), cost-sharing amounts, and health insurance options upon customer request. These changes aim to improve pharmacist mobility, expand naloxone access, and increase price transparency for consumers.