Sen. John Kane

Maddy summarySB 299 creates the Pennsylvania Promise Program, providing tuition/fees and room/board scholarships to eligible Pennsylvania residents attending higher education. It directly affects two groups: (1) "eligible students" under age 24 (or active military) who graduated high school within five years, and (2) "eligible adult learners" aged 24+ with a high school diploma. The program, administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, covers tuition/fees up to the State System’s maximum in-state rate and room/board based on agency standards. Funding comes from the newly established Pennsylvania Promise Program Fund, requiring applicants to complete FAFSA and apply for other grants first.

Maddy summarySB 1102 creates a reimbursement program for Pennsylvania entities affected by a specific budget impasse period (July 1-November 12, 2025). It provides grants to eligible school districts, counties, human services providers, and other Commonwealth-funded organizations that received 2024-2025 fiscal year funding directly from the state. Eligible entities may receive reimbursement for documented financing costs or lost interest earnings directly tied to the budget delay. The Office of the Budget administers the program, with applications due within 90 days of the bill’s effective date, using funds from a newly established restricted account.

Maddy summarySB 1103 requires Pennsylvania public libraries and school libraries to adopt a policy against removing books or materials due to partisan or doctrinal disapproval to qualify for state aid, either by adopting the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights or creating a written policy. The bill prohibits public schools from removing required classroom materials or non-required materials (such as books for independent reading) for reasons including an author's race, gender identity, sexual orientation, political views, or content related to student educational needs. It specifically bans removals based on school board or complainant discomfort, personal morality, or religious views. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania Senate resolution (SR 202) formally recognizes December 13, 2025, as "Wreaths Across America Day" within the state. It honors the Wreaths Across America project, which coordinates nationwide wreath-laying ceremonies at veterans' gravesites to "Remember, Honor and Teach." The resolution encourages all Pennsylvania residents to participate in this volunteer effort and reflect on veterans' service and sacrifices. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic observance.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates December 2, 2025, as "World Nuclear Energy Day" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically recognizes the historical significance of nuclear energy milestones, including the first controlled nuclear chain reaction (1942) and the first commercial nuclear power plant (1957). The resolution highlights Pennsylvania's role as a top nuclear energy producer (30% of state electricity, 15,900 jobs, $2 billion economic contribution) but does not create new laws or policies. It is a ceremonial gesture with no regulatory or financial impact.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week of November 16-22, 2025, as "Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania. It formally recognizes this period through a state legislative resolution, urging public awareness of hunger and homelessness issues. The bill does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight these concerns within the state. It affects all Pennsylvanians by promoting community focus on these social issues during the designated week.

Maddy summarySB 1100 amends Pennsylvania's Older Adults Protective Services Act to establish mandatory fatality review teams that investigate deaths of older adults suspected to involve abuse or neglect. It also strengthens confidentiality rules for records related to these cases, ensuring sensitive information remains protected from unauthorized access. The bill directly affects older adults in Pennsylvania at risk of abuse, as well as state agencies and staff managing protective services. Key provisions include requiring review teams to analyze each death and updating record-keeping protocols to maintain privacy during investigations.

Maddy summarySB 520 amends Pennsylvania law to clarify who can legally record communications during enforcement duties, directly affecting waterways conservation officers, game enforcement officers, and parole agents. It expands definitions to allow these officers to use body cameras or recording devices after approved training, while removing public access requirements under the Right-to-Know Law for such recordings. Key provisions include defining "law enforcement officer" to include specific conservation and game officers, requiring training for device use, and repealing prior rules about public access to recordings. The bill also updates enforcement officer powers related to fish and game regulations. This enacted law (Act No. 53 of 2025) focuses on operational clarity for law enforcement recording practices.

Maddy summarySB 88 amends Pennsylvania's Insurance Company Law to require health insurance plans sold in the state to cover specific breast imaging services without cost-sharing for policyholders. It mandates annual mammograms for women 40+ and physician-recommended mammograms for women under 40, plus MRI and other breast imaging for those at average or higher risk of breast cancer due to factors like family history, genetic mutations, or dense breast tissue. The law specifies coverage for screening, supplemental, and diagnostic exams but does not require coverage for mastectomies or override standard deductibles/copays beyond the minimum required services. This replaces prior requirements that allowed cost-sharing and excluded MRI coverage.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates November 24, 2025, as "Human Rights and Religious Freedom Day" in Pennsylvania for ceremonial observance. It does not create new laws or affect policies, as it is a symbolic resolution without binding requirements. The measure was referred to the Rules & Executive Nominations committee for consideration.