Sen. John Kane

Maddy summaryPennsylvania's SB 1128 (the Fuel Gas Detector Act) requires owners of residential buildings (including rentals), multifamily homes, and commercial buildings to install and maintain fuel gas detectors in rooms with gas appliances or leak-prone areas. Owners must install detectors within 30 days of occupancy or property transfer, meeting NFPA 715 and UL standards, while landlords must ensure detectors are working for tenants and tenants must maintain batteries and test them. Violations carry civil penalties of up to $500 per offense, enforceable by municipalities through inspections. The law takes effect January 1, 2027, and applies to all new installations or transfers after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a regulatory framework for geothermal energy development in Pennsylvania. It creates the Geothermal Energy Development Fund to support projects, requires the Department of Environmental Protection to promulgate regulations for geothermal operations, and defines key terms like "geothermal resource" and "geothermal well." The law directly affects developers seeking to extract geothermal energy (heat from the earth), landowners with geothermal resources, and the Department of Environmental Protection, which gains new duties to oversee projects. Key provisions include requiring permits for geothermal projects, setting liability rules for well operators, and imposing civil penalties for violations of the regulations.

Maddy summarySB 1135 allows Pennsylvania feed manufacturers to use industrial hemp (with less than 0.3% THC) in commercial animal feed for pets, horses, and nonproduction animals. It requires the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to establish rules for labeling, testing, and recordkeeping of hemp in feed, while coordinating with federal hemp regulations if applicable. The bill directly affects feed producers and the state's agricultural regulatory system by creating new oversight requirements. This law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summarySB 1087 creates a mileage-based road user charge for electric vehicles (EVs) in Pennsylvania, replacing the current gas tax for EVs. It specifically exempts military personnel on active duty stationed outside Pennsylvania from this charge during their overseas assignment. The bill also establishes a refund process for EV owners who qualify for the military exemption, allowing them to apply for reimbursement of charges paid during their eligible overseas duty period. This policy directly affects EV owners who are military members stationed out of state, adjusting their tax obligations based on residency during service.

Maddy summarySB 1076, the Local Hire Act, requires at least 50% of workers on public works projects costing over $500,000 to be hired from the local labor market (defined as Pennsylvania counties and adjacent bordering counties). Employers unable to meet this requirement must post job openings on PA CareerLink® for three business days; if no qualified local applicants are found, they may obtain a waiver but must contribute to a training fund based on the collective bargaining agreement for each waived position. The Department of Labor and Industry oversees the waiver process and enforces penalties for non-compliance. This law applies to contractors working on state or local government construction, repair, or alteration projects (excluding maintenance work).

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania Senate resolution (SR 206) designates the week of January 18-25, 2026, as "Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Holiday Week" in the state. It is a commemorative resolution with no binding requirements, urging Pennsylvanians to reflect on Dr. King's legacy and commitment to equality during that week. The resolution does not create new laws or affect specific groups, as it solely serves to honor Dr. King's historical contributions.

Maddy summarySB 1117, the "Protecting Pennsylvania Police Act," prohibits the federal government from taking control of local law enforcement agencies' assets, personnel, or operations without formal authorization. It directly affects Pennsylvania's local police departments and sheriffs' offices by blocking federal executive orders, presidential actions, or congressional acts from commandeering their resources. The bill defines "commandeering" as seizing control without express authority and empowers the Attorney General or county district attorneys to enforce this prohibition through legal action. It takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summarySB 1126 requires most health insurance plans in Pennsylvania to cover at least two epinephrine delivery systems (such as EpiPens for severe allergic reactions) per year at a maximum annual cost of $35, regardless of the insured's deductible or other cost-sharing. This applies to individual and group health insurance policies, as well as certain nonprofit health plans. The Attorney General must investigate epinephrine drug pricing and submit a public report to the legislature within one year. The bill also allows plans to reduce cost-sharing below $35 and applies to high deductible and catastrophic health plans where permitted by federal law.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires manufacturers of disposable menstrual products (such as pads, tampons, and liners) sold in Pennsylvania to clearly list all ingredients on product packaging in order of predominance, using 10-point font visible on the box. It specifically mandates disclosure of certain fragrance allergens (like limonene or linalool) and requires online posting of ingredient information. Manufacturers face fines up to $1,000 per violation for noncompliance. The law directly affects product manufacturers, not consumers, by increasing transparency about product contents under Pennsylvania's cosmetic and drug regulations.

Maddy summarySB 1120 allows individuals or groups directly harmed by oil and gas violations to sue companies or the state agency (the Department of Environmental Protection) directly, instead of waiting for the state to act. It creates a "private right of action" under Pennsylvania's oil and gas laws, enabling people to file civil lawsuits to enforce compliance with regulations, permits, or standards. However, if the state is already actively suing a violator, individuals cannot file their own lawsuit but may join the state's case without posting bond. The bill affects residents, landowners, or environmental groups near oil/gas operations who suffer harm from noncompliance. It does not change existing legal rights or preempt emergency response rules for well control.