Sen. Frank Farry

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to update the rules for historic preservation incentive tax credits. It clarifies which businesses and organizations are eligible to claim these credits and expands the definition of qualified taxpayers to include tax-exempt entities. The legislation also adjusts the administrative process by setting a new annual funding limit of $50 million for tax credit certificates and establishing a tiered application fee that cannot exceed 5% of the requested amount or $2,000. These changes aim to streamline how the Department of Community and Economic Development processes applications for funds used to restore historic structures.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the expiration date for Pennsylvania's fire and emergency medical services grant programs from 2034 to 2029. It repeals specific provisions related to temporary COVID-19 recovery grants and establishes new rules for how these funds are awarded and reported annually. The legislation directly affects fire companies and emergency medical services organizations by defining the timeline for their financial support and requiring them to submit yearly reports on the use of funds.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the existing Pharmacy Audit Integrity and Transparency Act to impose stricter rules on pharmacy benefit managers and the pharmacies that work with them. The legislation prohibits PBMs from forcing pharmacies to accept lower reimbursement rates to join their networks, banning retroactive money take-backs, and outlawing hidden fees or practices that steer patients toward specific pharmacies solely for cost savings. Additionally, it requires PBMs to respond to pharmacy network requests within 30 days, mandates quarterly reporting on drug rebates, and tasks a state department with regulating PBMs and ensuring pharmacies are reimbursed at least the cost of the drugs they dispense.

Maddy summarySB 858 amends the Tax Reform Code of 1971 to update the tax rules for mutual thrift institutions, which are financial cooperatives owned by their members. The bill changes the start date for a specific tax provision from 1984 to calendar year 2024 and adjusts the deadline for reporting and paying the tax from an immediate requirement to 120 days after the due date. These changes directly affect the financial institutions subject to the tax and the state agencies responsible for collecting it. By modifying these dates and timelines, the legislation alters when and how these institutions must calculate and remit their tax payments.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's First Class Township Code to clarify how local governments can levy taxes specifically for fire and emergency services. It allows township boards to set annual tax rates for fire apparatus and emergency vehicles without a public vote as long as the rates do not exceed three mills, while any increase above that threshold requires voter approval. The legislation also permits townships to use up to half of the revenue from these taxes to pay salaries and benefits for fire suppression and emergency service employees. These changes directly affect first-class townships and their ability to fund and manage local fire protection and rescue operations.

Maddy summarySB 1219 amends Pennsylvania laws to clarify how boroughs can levy taxes for fire and emergency services. The bill allows councils to raise up to 30 mills for general purposes, with specific limits of three mills for fire equipment, two mills for new firehouses or locks, and one mill for ambulance and rescue services. Any tax increase above these specific limits requires approval from a voter referendum. Additionally, the act permits boroughs to use up to half of the revenue from these specific taxes to pay employee salaries and benefits.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Second Class Township Code to clarify how townships can levy taxes specifically for fire and emergency services. It allows township supervisors to collect up to three mills in taxes for fire apparatus and training, and up to one-half mill for ambulance and rescue services, with limits on how much revenue can be used for employee salaries. The legislation also requires that any tax rate exceeding these set limits be approved by a vote of the township's voters before implementation. These changes directly affect second-class townships and their residents by defining the legal framework for funding local fire and emergency response.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the rules for disabled veterans seeking a real estate tax exemption in Pennsylvania. It establishes a rebuttable presumption that applicants earning $75,000 or less annually need the tax break, while explicitly excluding federal disability benefits from their income calculation. Additionally, the law requires the state commission to automatically adjust this income threshold every two years based on changes in the Consumer Price Index. The changes take effect 60 days after the bill is passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Nurse Aide Resident Abuse Prevention Training Act to update requirements for individuals working in long-term care facilities. It allows students and graduates of nursing programs that meet specific standards to qualify as nurse aides if they pass a competency exam, while also clarifying that training must be established by a facility rather than just enrolled in by an individual. The legislation sets different effective dates for various new sections, with some provisions taking effect in 30 days, others in 60 days, and the remainder in one year.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how Pennsylvania public schools award academic credit for students who work at congregate care facilities. It lowers the required number of work hours from 350 to 250 and allows schools to use existing programs to manage these credits instead of creating new ones. The law also clarifies that schools must approve each student's application and ensure all requirements are met before granting the credit. Additionally, the bill updates terminology to refer to "school districts" rather than "public schools" in specific sections.