Sen. John Kane

Maddy summarySB 778 modifies Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to establish a formal approval schedule for city revitalization and improvement zones. It allows the Department of Community and Economic Development to initially approve two such zones and one pilot zone after the bill takes effect, then approve two additional zones annually starting in 2028. The bill directly affects cities seeking to create these designated zones, which typically offer tax incentives for development. It does not change tax rates or create new taxes, but streamlines the process for expanding these zones statewide.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill (SB 770) requires firearm owners to store guns securely on their premises if minors might access them without permission. It makes insecure storage a violation, with penalties ranging from a minor violation (first offense) to a felony (if the firearm is used in a crime causing death or injury). Key defenses include proving the gun was locked securely, the minor accessed it via unlawful entry, or the minor was under adult supervision during lawful activities like hunting. Retailers must post clear notices about these storage rules and penalties.

Maddy summarySB 180 replaces Pennsylvania's existing school lunch and breakfast reimbursement system with a Universal School Meal Program, requiring all public schools to provide meals to any student who requests one, regardless of their ability to pay or outstanding meal debt. The bill prohibits schools from stigmatizing students (e.g., via wristbands), denying activities or diplomas for unpaid meals, using collections agencies, or imposing penalties like interest or suspensions for meal debt. It also mandates schools to offer assistance with meal program applications to families in debt and directs communications about unpaid meals to parents/guardians instead of students. The program is funded through a new Universal School Meal Fund and an interfund transfer, eliminating the previous reimbursement structure.

Maddy summarySB 754 requires hospitals seeking to close major units (like emergency or maternity departments) or the entire facility to obtain approval from Pennsylvania's Department of Health or local health authorities. Before closing, hospitals must submit a detailed closure plan, hold two public hearings in the affected community, and provide a 60-day public comment period. The bill mandates a health equity impact assessment showing how the closure affects access for low-income, minority, senior, and Medicare patients, including nearby hospital options and transit times. This directly affects hospital authorities (parent companies or governing bodies) and communities relying on hospital services, ensuring transparency and community input before closures.

Maddy summarySB 781 creates a new "mental health day" category allowing Pennsylvania students to miss school excused for mental or physical fatigue due to mental health needs, whether diagnosed (like anxiety or depression) or not (such as trauma from school incidents or academic stress). It permits up to two consecutive days per week for mental health days, with schools required to adopt policies by the 2026-2027 school year. The bill defines "uncertified" mental health needs broadly to include un-diagnosed stressors like grief, bullying, or burnout, while limiting additional days beyond the two-day weekly cap. The state department must develop model policies and guidelines within 90 days of the bill's effective date.

Maddy summarySB 759 requires all Pennsylvania public school buildings to install certified point-of-use filters on drinking water outlets by January 1, 2027, replacing older fountains without lead-reducing filters at a rate of at least one per 100 students/staff. It creates the Safe Schools Drinking Water Fund, providing up to $10 million annually for three years to help schools cover installation and replacement costs, with priority for pre-2014 buildings and those serving prekindergarten students. Schools must maintain filter schedules, post lead-risk information online, and report progress to state agencies, while new outlets must meet strict lead-leaching standards. The bill directly affects all public K-12 school entities in Pennsylvania, aiming to reduce lead exposure in drinking water.

Maddy summarySB 322 requires Pennsylvania's Department of Health and Attorney General to approve certain healthcare transactions exceeding $5 million that may harm public interest. It applies to sales, ownership changes, or large capital distributions involving hospitals, clinics, or healthcare providers. The law defines "against public interest" as actions reducing competition, raising costs, limiting access (especially in rural or low-income communities), or lowering care quality. Approval must be secured before such transactions proceed.

Maddy summarySB 760 requires all Pennsylvania public, charter, and private school buildings to test for radon gas starting in the 2026-2027 school year. If radon levels reach or exceed 4 picocuries per liter, schools must implement mitigation (like sealing foundations or installing vents) and retest until levels drop below that threshold. New schools must use radon-resistant construction techniques, and all testing/mitigation must be performed by certified professionals following specific standards. Results must be reported to school boards, parents' groups, teachers' unions, and state agencies within 60 days.

Maddy summarySB 749 requires Pennsylvania public schools to notify parents or guardians when students are involved in incidents that must be reported to the state, such as violence, weapon possession, or serious injuries occurring on school property, buses, or school activities. Schools must maintain current contact information for parents and use their preferred notification method (e.g., phone, email, text) when possible, with staff trained on identifying reportable incidents and procedures. Failure to comply could result in withheld state funding. The bill directly affects parents/guardians of students involved in these incidents and applies to all public school entities in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summarySB 447 requires health insurance policies in Pennsylvania to cover annual prostate cancer screenings with no out-of-pocket costs for men aged 40+ who are high-risk. High-risk status includes genetic factors, family history of prostate cancer (a first-degree relative diagnosed), or physician determination of medical need. The law mandates coverage for screenings like PSA tests and digital rectal exams, applying to policies filed or renewed 180 days after the law takes effect. It directly affects insured men meeting these criteria and insurance companies offering health coverage in Pennsylvania.