Sen. Frank Farry

Maddy summarySB 406 creates workplace health and safety committees at Pennsylvania meat packing and food processing facilities employing 100+ workers, directly affecting large facilities covered by meat hygiene laws or food safety regulations. It requires employers to provide language-appropriate safety training on health risks, workers' compensation rights, and committee details to new hires, and mandates paid training time. The bill establishes a workers' rights coordinator in the Department of Labor to oversee compliance and imposes penalties for violations. Employers must also cover out-of-pocket emergency medical transportation costs for work-related injuries requiring immediate care. The law aims to improve workplace safety through joint worker-management committees, regular hazard inspections, and clearer worker protections.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania legislation establishes a tax credit for owners of residential high-rise buildings located in major cities. The credit is designed to offset the costs of installing or upgrading automatic fire sprinkler systems and associated monitoring equipment within these structures. Owners may receive a credit equal to the amount spent on the retrofitting or up to 100% of their income tax liability, whichever is less. The Office of the Mayor in the respective city will administer the program and determine which buildings qualify as high-rise structures. The tax credit becomes available for tax years beginning after December 31, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution directs the Joint State Government Commission to create a Task Force on Child Protection in the Digital Age to evaluate how current laws address online risks to minors. The Task Force will include representatives from law enforcement, victim advocacy, medical professionals, and other relevant agencies appointed by the Attorney General. Its main role is to review Pennsylvania's statutes regarding child protection in the digital age, particularly concerning artificial intelligence and child sexual abuse material, and recommend updates to laws and policies. The commission must submit an initial report by November 30, 2027, with follow-up reports every odd-numbered year thereafter, and publish findings online while sending copies to state leadership.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 1360, titled the "So Every BODY Can Move Act," requires health insurance policies in Pennsylvania to cover prostheses and custom orthotics for enrollees. The bill mandates that insurers provide these devices in a nondiscriminatory manner and allows patients to choose their own licensed providers for determination and prescription. Additionally, the legislation assigns duties to the Insurance Department and the Department of Human Services to oversee financial requirements, issue necessary notices, and enforce compliance with the new coverage rules.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution honors the life of Officer Kristen M. Yeager and offers condolences to her family following her death in the line of duty on May 29, 2026. The measure formally recognizes her service to the Berks County police departments, her educational background, and her personal life as a mother and wife. By adopting this resolution, the Pennsylvania Senate acknowledges her professional contributions and expresses official sympathy to her loved ones without altering any laws or policies.

Maddy summarySB 402 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to allow trained school staff to administer emergency anti-seizure medication to students with epilepsy during seizures when a nurse is unavailable. It directly affects students with epilepsy, their parents/guardians (who must request training), and school employees (who may voluntarily undergo training). Key provisions require parental consent for staff training, mandate that participation be voluntary, and connect to existing disability laws (IDEA/Section 504) by encouraging schools to explore 504 plans or individualized health plans for affected students. The bill specifies that only FDA-approved medications (like nasal sprays) may be used, and trained staff must follow department-approved guidelines.

Maddy summarySB 803, the First-Time Homebuyer Savings Account Act, creates a program allowing Pennsylvania residents who have never owned a home (first-time homebuyers) to open tax-advantaged savings accounts. The Treasury Department will administer the program using existing structures (like the ABLE Program), enabling account holders to save for down payments and closing costs on single-family homes. Funds in the accounts can only be used for eligible home purchase expenses, with the program funded by account contributions and earnings - not state debt. This bill directly affects first-time homebuyers seeking to save for homeownership within Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance companies in Pennsylvania to cover fertility preservation services for individuals facing medically necessary cancer treatments that could cause infertility. The law mandates that insurers include storage for at least three years at an in-network facility and allows a lifetime maximum benefit of up to $100,000 per person, while still permitting standard policy terms like copayments and deductibles. Religious employers may request an exemption from these coverage requirements if the services conflict with their beliefs, though they must notify enrollees and allow individuals to purchase supplemental coverage at their own expense.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 323 formally congratulates The Pennsylvania State University wrestling team on winning its 14th NCAA Division I Championship and honors Pennsylvania athletes who placed in both the men's and inaugural women's wrestling championships. The resolution highlights the team's historic dominance by citing specific records, such as setting a new tournament scoring record and producing multiple All-American wrestlers under head coach Cael Sanderson. It also recognizes individual achievements, including awards won by wrestlers like Mitchell Mesenbrink and the strong performance of Pennsylvania-native athletes across the tournament.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates June 1, 2026, as "PIAA Wrestling Day of Champions" to honor the sport's growth and significance in Pennsylvania. The measure highlights the increasing participation in wrestling, particularly among female athletes, and celebrates the state's rich history in the discipline. It serves as a commemorative gesture rather than enacting new laws or funding.