Sen. John Kane

Maddy summarySB 370 requires Pennsylvania law enforcement to electronically record (with audio) all custodial interrogations related to "crimes of violence" (serious offenses that would be violent if committed by an adult). Exceptions include immediate danger, a person refusing to be recorded, equipment failure, or interrogations conducted by another jurisdiction. If recording isn't done, officers must write a report explaining why and summarizing the interrogation. This directly affects police departments, officers conducting interrogations, and individuals questioned about violent crimes in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summarySB 393, the Senior Citizens' Property Tax Freeze Act, allows Pennsylvania residents aged 65+ who live on their property for at least five years and earn under $65,000 annually to freeze their real property tax increases. To qualify, applicants must submit a notarized form proving eligibility and submit annual income proof. The exemption ends if the property is sold or transferred (except to another eligible senior), and the state will reimburse local governments for lost tax revenue. The law applies starting January 1, 2026, and replaces conflicting existing laws. This directly affects qualifying seniors owning residential property in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summarySB 363 creates Pennsylvania's Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program, which will help eligible residents facing water or wastewater service disconnection due to unpaid bills. The program, to be established by the Department of Human Services by July 1, 2026, provides grants to cover overdue water/wastewater bills or restore terminated services for low-income households that own/rent homes, are responsible for utility payments, and meet income guidelines. Water and wastewater providers can apply for grants on behalf of qualifying customers, with funds restricted to preventing disconnection, paying arrears, or restoring service. The program requires annual public reporting to the Governor and legislative committees on program participation and spending.

Maddy summarySB 332 amends Pennsylvania's Election Code to change the date of the general primary election in presidential election years. Currently, the primary is held on the third Tuesday of March in such years, but this bill would move it to the fourth Tuesday of April. This change applies to general primaries starting in 2028 and affects how voters select candidates for statewide offices and the presidency. The bill directly impacts election scheduling for voters, candidates, and officials by altering the timing of primary elections.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 17-23, 2025, as "THON Week" in Pennsylvania to honor Penn State student volunteers involved in the IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon. It recognizes their work supporting pediatric cancer research and patient care through the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital. The resolution does not create new laws or alter funding; it is a ceremonial acknowledgment of the event's mission and impact. THON, a student-run philanthropy, has raised over $236 million since 1977 for childhood cancer support.

Maddy summarySB 329 requires Pennsylvania healthcare professionals (including physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners) to complete at least two hours of continuing education on Lyme disease and related tick-borne illnesses as part of their license renewal. The law mandates that this education cover current research, symptom recognition, diagnostic options, treatment approaches, and prevention strategies, based on evidence from major health organizations. Licensing boards must establish the content within 18 months and seek input from experts, including university researchers. The bill directly affects all licensed healthcare providers in Pennsylvania who must renew their credentials.

Maddy summarySB 361 requires public employers in Pennsylvania to provide employee representatives with specific public employee information, including names, contact details, job titles, and salary data. This applies to all public employees (excluding elected officials, management, and certain religious staff) and must be shared electronically every 120 days or within 21 days for new hires. Employee organizations may only use this information for representation purposes, such as collective bargaining, and cannot sell or share it otherwise. The bill aims to improve transparency in labor relations while giving employee groups access to necessary data for their roles.

Maddy summarySB 360 requires Pennsylvania's Department of Corrections to collect detailed data on solitary confinement use in state prisons, including duration, reasons for placement, and impacts on vulnerable inmates such as youth, elderly individuals, pregnant people, and LGBTQ+ inmates. The bill mandates annual public reports to the Governor and legislature containing aggregated statistics (like recidivism rates and self-harm incidents) without personally identifiable information. These reports and prison policies governing solitary confinement must be posted on the department's public website. The bill directly affects all state prison inmates, with specific tracking requirements for vulnerable populations.

Maddy summarySB 320 bans for-profit companies (including corporations, private equity firms, and investment banks) from owning or managing hospitals and health systems in Pennsylvania. It would prevent new for-profit ownership but allows existing for-profit hospitals and health systems to continue operating as they are. The law defines "for-profit entity" broadly and exempts current owners as of the law's effective date. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment, with no new for-profit acquisitions permitted after that date. This directly affects current and future hospital ownership structures in the state.

Maddy summarySB 351 mandates that health insurance policies in Pennsylvania providing pregnancy-related benefits must cover infertility treatment expenses, including IVF, embryo transfer, and artificial insemination. It applies to policies delivered, issued, or renewed in the state, requiring coverage for diagnosis and treatment while allowing limited restrictions like waiting periods (aligned with medical guidelines) or copayments not exceeding those for pregnancy benefits. The bill explicitly excludes coverage for infertility resulting from elective sterilization reversal and allows religious organizations to opt out of covering these procedures. This policy change directly affects insured individuals seeking fertility care and insurers offering pregnancy-related coverage in Pennsylvania.