Sen. John Kane

Maddy summarySB 1044 amends Pennsylvania's vehicle laws to establish rules for connected vehicle features like remote locking, tracking, and diagnostics. It requires manufacturers to obtain clear user consent before sharing vehicle data and implement security measures to protect privacy. The bill directly affects vehicle owners who use connected services and automakers selling vehicles in Pennsylvania. Key provisions set standards for data handling, ensuring users control their information while enabling new vehicle technologies.

Maddy summarySB 1055 updates Pennsylvania's Pharmacy Act to modernize requirements for pharmacy technicians and trainees, including registration, qualifications, and supervision standards. It specifically adds provisions allowing pharmacy technicians to administer injectable medications, biologicals, and vaccines under pharmacist supervision, and requires pharmacies to report vaccine administration data. This directly affects pharmacy technicians, pharmacists, and patients receiving vaccines or medications in pharmacy settings. The bill aims to clarify roles and reporting for pharmacy-based vaccine services while maintaining pharmacist oversight.

Maddy summarySB 1059 would require employers to provide paid leave for employees experiencing a pregnancy loss, such as miscarriage or stillbirth, or related medical reasons. This bill would directly affect workers in the state who have a pregnancy loss by allowing them to take time off work with pay for this specific health event. The key provision establishes a new paid leave entitlement separate from existing family or medical leave policies. The bill was referred to the Labor & Industry committee on October 16, 2025, for further review.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates October 2025 as "Italian-American Heritage Month" in Pennsylvania. It is a ceremonial recognition, not a law with policy changes, intended to honor Italian-American contributions to the state. The resolution directly affects the Italian-American community in Pennsylvania by formally acknowledging their cultural heritage during that month. No specific provisions or mechanisms are created, as it is purely symbolic.

Maddy summarySB 1052 establishes the Grandfamily Assistance Program and a dedicated fund to provide financial support to grandparents and other relatives raising grandchildren (referred to as "grandfamilies"). The bill directs the Department of Aging to administer the fund and provide grants to local area agencies on aging, which will deliver support services like counseling, respite care, and resource coordination to eligible grandfamilies. It creates a new state-funded program specifically targeting kinship caregivers who lack formal custody. The bill does not specify exact service details but mandates the Department of Aging to define eligibility and program implementation.

Maddy summarySB 1048 amends Pennsylvania's environmental permit process to specifically address areas designated as "environmental justice areas" - communities historically burdened by pollution. The bill requires state agencies to consider environmental justice impacts when reviewing and issuing permits for new or modified facilities in these areas. Key provisions include mandating additional public input and environmental assessments during permit applications within designated zones. This change directly affects developers seeking permits and residents in communities identified as environmental justice areas under state law. The bill aims to integrate equity considerations into routine permitting decisions.

Maddy summarySB 1047 would require an independent investigation into any use of deadly force by a police officer. The investigation must be conducted by a third-party entity separate from the officer's department to ensure impartiality. This applies to all law enforcement officers in the state and mandates this external review for every such incident. The key provision changes the standard procedure by removing the investigation from the involved department's control.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates October 13, 2025, as "Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania. It serves as a symbolic recognition to honor individuals affected by metastatic breast cancer and raise public awareness within the state, without creating new laws or allocating funding.

Maddy summarySB 1039 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to enhance student supports and school safety. It creates a new Pennsylvania Mental Health First Aid Training Program for school staff and updates the School Safety and Security Grant Program to fund safety improvements. The bill directly affects public schools, teachers, and students by requiring mental health training for staff and providing grant opportunities for school safety projects. These changes aim to improve student well-being and school safety infrastructure through concrete program additions.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a uniform $1.65 monthly surcharge for all 911 emergency communication services or prepaid wireless devices, paid by subscribers or consumers. Starting February 1, 2026, the surcharge increases to $2.20 and will adjust annually based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), using June-to-June comparisons. The adjustment rounds to the nearest cent and only increases if the CPI rises; if the CPI declines, the surcharge remains unchanged. The Pennsylvania Department of Health must publish annual adjustments in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. The surcharge is collected separately from existing provider fees for 911 services.