Sen. John Kane

Maddy summarySB 741 creates a new criminal offense in Pennsylvania for the unauthorized use of electronic tracking devices. It makes it illegal to install or place an electronic tracking device on another person or their property without their consent to track their location or movement. The bill includes exceptions for situations like parents tracking their minor children, legal guardians tracking incapacitated persons, and law enforcement in official duties or with court orders. Businesses are also exempt when tracking fleet vehicles or if they have obtained informed consent, and penalties range from a second-degree to a first-degree misdemeanor.

Maddy summarySB 740 amends Pennsylvania law concerning medical services for inmates in state correctional institutions. The bill repeals the existing "Medical Services Program," which currently requires inmates to pay copays and fees for their medical care. Instead, it explicitly prohibits the Department of Corrections from requiring inmates to pay any copay or fee for medical services provided to them. This change directly affects inmates by eliminating their financial responsibility for medical treatment and also abrogates related existing regulations.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 597 amends Pennsylvania's transportation laws, primarily affecting local transportation organizations and companies that provide public and community transit services. The bill revises and adds definitions for various terms, including "shared ride service," "community transportation system," and introduces classifications for transit entities based on their size and service area. It also modifies rules for the transportation fund, application and approval processes for financial assistance, and the administration of different public transportation programs. Key procedural changes include establishing small purchase procedures and repealing provisions related to the evaluation of private investment opportunities.

Maddy summarySB 711, titled "An Act providing for Public Transportation Trust Fund transfers and increases," aims to modify the funding and allocation mechanisms for public transportation in Pennsylvania. The bill mandates that 6.15% of the revenue collected under Article II of the Tax Reform Code of 1971 be deposited into the Public Transportation Trust Fund monthly. It also allows the total financial assistance provided to local transportation organizations to exceed the current 20% limit of the prior year's allocation. Furthermore, the Secretary of Transportation gains the authority to adjust the annual increase in the local match requirement for these organizations for five fiscal years, starting in fiscal year 2025-2026.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 40 establishes the Do-Not-Sell Firearm Registry in Pennsylvania, allowing individuals to voluntarily register their personal information with the Pennsylvania State Police. Once registered, an individual's information is added to firearm background check systems, prohibiting them from purchasing firearms. Individuals can register online or via hard copy forms and can request removal after 21 days, or immediately through a court order. The bill also prohibits firearm dealers from selling to registrants and outlines protections against discrimination or unlawful disclosure of registrant information. The Department of Health is directed to advertise the registry.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Public Utilities law regarding energy efficiency and conservation programs for electric distribution companies. It requires the Public Utility Commission to adopt an updated program, mandating these companies to implement plans focused on energy efficiency, conservation, and increasing consumer resilience to extreme weather events. The bill modifies requirements for targeted energy reduction efforts, including those for government entities, non-profits, and low-income households, ensuring proportionate benefits and allowing for alternative compliance mechanisms. It establishes ongoing requirements for these plans, removing previous fixed deadlines, and outlines cost recovery mechanisms for approved measures.

Maddy summarySB 501 renames the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act to the Pennsylvania Reliable Energy Sustainability Standards Act. The bill revises definitions for various energy sources, expanding what qualifies as "alternative" or "sustainable" energy to include "advanced reactors." It introduces new "zero emissions credits" and updates the portfolio requirements that electric distribution and supply companies must meet. Additionally, it provides for force majeure events, health and safety standards, and interagency responsibilities related to energy generation.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 504, known as the Community Energy Act, establishes a program for community energy facilities in Pennsylvania. This bill allows electric customers, including homeowners, renters, and businesses, to subscribe to a portion of a local solar or renewable natural gas facility. Subscribers would receive credits on their monthly electric bills for the energy generated, aiming to provide guaranteed savings. The bill outlines duties for the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission and electric distribution companies, and includes prevailing wage and labor requirements for the construction and operation of these facilities.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 108 designates May 13, 2025, as "Cancer Action Day" in Pennsylvania. This resolution honors all Pennsylvanians impacted by cancer and those who work to fight the disease, acknowledging efforts by organizations such as the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 753 establishes the Put Down Roots PA Pilot Program, to be administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). This program offers student loan relief grants to eligible first-time homebuyers in Pennsylvania. To qualify, individuals must purchase a home as their primary residence, have never owned a home in the Commonwealth before, agree to reside there for at least three years, and have an annual household income under $200,000. Grants can be awarded up to $40,000, but cannot exceed the individual's student loan debt or 15% of the home's purchase price. These grant awards are also exempt from state income tax.