Sen. Frank Farry

Maddy summarySB 96 amends Pennsylvania's assault laws to clarify and strengthen penalties for "terroristic threats," specifically targeting threats that cause fear or disrupt public spaces. It directly affects schools, universities, and public facilities by requiring convicted offenders to pay restitution covering actual emergency response costs, including fire/police services, unused food, and staff wages during evacuations. The law specifies that threats causing school/university disruptions or targeting educational institutions carry felony penalties, while other threats are misdemeanors. This policy change shifts focus from solely punishing the threat to compensating communities for real costs incurred during responses.

Maddy summarySB 532 amends Pennsylvania's vehicle code to establish clear rules for private parking lots. It allows lot owners to set their own parking fees and violation charges, requires visible signage stating the lot is private and listing all fees, and mandates that unpaid charges must be invoiced within 10 business days (via mail or visible placement on the vehicle). The bill also permits lot owners to access limited vehicle registration information (name and address) from the state to send these invoices, under strict conditions to prevent misuse of personal data. This creates standardized billing practices while protecting personal information through defined safeguards.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 64) designates April 15, 2025, as "Purple Up! for Military Kids Day" and April 2025 as "Month of the Military Child" in Pennsylvania. It encourages Pennsylvanians to wear purple on April 15, 2025, to show support for military-connected children - over 37,000 in Pennsylvania with at least one parent serving in the military. The resolution is symbolic, recognizing the challenges faced by military children during parental deployments, without creating new laws or funding. It directly affects military-connected children and communities statewide through a non-binding observance.

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 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 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 summarySB 522 provides funding and support for integrating mental health services into primary care settings across Pennsylvania. It allocates grants to primary care physicians and practices to cover initial costs of implementing collaborative care models (like hiring staff, upgrading technology, and creating patient tracking systems), with priority for rural clinics and areas with high suicide or overdose rates. The bill also establishes regional technical assistance centers to help practices develop staffing models, integrate tools into electronic records, and navigate billing. These provisions directly affect primary care providers statewide, aiming to improve access to behavioral health services through existing medical settings.

Maddy summarySB 523 requires full-time firefighters and EMS providers employed by fire departments or local governments in Pennsylvania to receive comprehensive cancer and cardiovascular screenings every three years. The screenings must cover specific conditions including prostate, lung, skin, and heart health checks, as listed in the bill. Employers must cover all associated costs - including copays, deductibles, and insurance expenses - through existing health benefits or insurance plans. This bill directly affects emergency responders working for public fire departments or municipal services.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 56) passed by the Pennsylvania Senate to honor the late Jerry Allen Stern, a former state representative who served the 80th District from 1992 to 2015. The resolution extends condolences to his wife, children, grandchildren, and family following his death on December 11, 2024. It recognizes his service as a legislator, his work on committees, and his community involvement in Blair County. As a memorial resolution, it has no policy impact or binding effect.