Sen. Frank Farry

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution honors all Pennsylvania veterans who have served during both war and peace on Veterans Day, November 11, 2024. It encourages local communities across the state to participate in ceremonies recognizing the nearly 800,000 current residents who have served in the armed forces. The bill does not change any laws or policies but serves as a formal expression of gratitude from the Senate.

Maddy summaryThis bill officially designates the fifteenth day of the Hindu lunisolar month of Kartik as "Diwali Day" in Pennsylvania. The legislation recognizes the festival as a day of thanksgiving and reflection celebrated by millions of people worldwide and within the state. While the date is formally acknowledged, the law explicitly clarifies that employers are not required to treat it as a paid legal holiday or provide special leave. The act takes effect immediately upon approval by the Governor.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's protection from abuse laws by clarifying the definition of a noncustodial parent and establishing a statewide registry to track protection orders. It requires courts to provide specific notices to defendants and noncustodial parents about their rights and the consequences of violating orders, including potential arrest or contempt charges. The legislation also grants judges new authority to award temporary custody or supervised visitation when there is a risk of abuse toward children, while allowing parties to request that certain records be sealed from public view.

Maddy summarySB 840 establishes a new Office of Alzheimer's, Dementia and Related Disorders within the Pennsylvania Department of Aging to coordinate state efforts for individuals affected by these conditions. The office is tasked with developing a state plan, managing grants to improve dementia care capabilities, and conducting regular reviews of service gaps and scientific advancements. To guide these initiatives, the bill creates an advisory committee composed of representatives from healthcare providers, patient advocates, legal experts, and other stakeholders to provide input on policy and implementation. This committee meets to review progress, approve plan amendments, and ensure the state's approach remains responsive to emerging needs in Alzheimer's and dementia care.

Maddy summarySB 1147 updates Pennsylvania vehicle laws to require annual safety inspections for motorcycles, a change that specifically affects motorcycle owners. The bill also introduces additional parking regulations and prohibits the use of hearing impairment devices while driving. Furthermore, it establishes a motorcycle safety education program to promote rider awareness. These measures aim to improve road safety and vehicle compliance without altering other existing traffic rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Pennsylvania's Department of General Services to create a plan for selling three specific state-owned properties in White Haven, Hamburg, and Polk. The required plan must outline a three-year timeline for transferring ownership, detail past sales discussions, and estimate future costs for maintenance, demolition, and necessary repairs. The department is mandated to submit this comprehensive report to the Senate and House State Government Committees within six months of the bill taking effect.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates August 4, 2024, as "BAPS Day" in Pennsylvania to honor the 50th anniversary of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha's presence in the United States. The measure recognizes the organization's history of building temples, supporting community services, and helping immigrants integrate into American civic life. By adopting this symbolic date, the Pennsylvania Senate formally acknowledges the group's contributions to the state's religious and cultural diversity.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Outpatient Psychiatric Oversight Act to change the timing for a specific administrative action from "in 60 days" to "immediately." The change directly affects the regulatory process overseen by the Professional Licensure committee, which manages the oversight of outpatient psychiatric services. By removing the waiting period, the legislation accelerates the implementation of a requirement within the existing oversight framework. This procedural adjustment does not alter the core definitions or substantive rules of the act but modifies the timeline for enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws to require that personal protective equipment sold for firefighting use be free from PFAS chemicals. It specifically defines personal protective equipment as gear worn by firefighters, such as jackets, pants, gloves, and helmets. The legislation targets manufacturers, importers, and domestic distributors of this gear, mandating that products marketed for use in the state must not contain these substances. By amending existing health and safety statutes, the bill aims to reduce firefighter exposure to potentially harmful chemicals found in traditional protective gear.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's hunting laws to create a new permit for regulated hunting grounds, allowing landowners to manage wildlife on their property. Under the new rules, permit holders can remove birds killed on their land without traditional tagging, provided they attach a label with their contact information and details about the birds. The label must stay on the package or container until the birds are either returned to the landowner's address or prepared for eating. This change directly affects individuals who hold these specific permits and alters how they must document harvested game.