Sen. John Kane

Maddy summaryThis bill requires electric utilities and their contractors to provide automated external defibrillators at all worksites where lineworkers perform electrical tasks. It mandates that these devices be available and functional at both permanent and temporary locations, while also requiring basic CPR and AED training for workers and crew leaders. The legislation assigns the Department of Labor and Industry the duty to establish maintenance and inspection standards for the equipment. Additionally, the bill extends Good Samaritan protections to individuals who use these devices in good faith, shielding them from liability.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates July 4, 2026, as 'Knoebels Amusement Resort Day' throughout Pennsylvania to honor the park's 100th anniversary. The bill recognizes Knoebels, a family-owned amusement park in Elysburg, for its century of operation and its status as the largest free-admission park in the United States. It highlights the park's history, from its origins as a picnic destination to its current offerings of rides and attractions, while noting its resilience against past flooding challenges. The measure serves as a commemorative tribute rather than enacting new laws or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a regulatory framework for large commercial data centers in Pennsylvania, specifically targeting facilities with a peak power demand of 25 megawatts or more. It requires these data centers to procure a specific amount of clean, reliable energy from new sources like wind, solar with storage, and nuclear power, while also mandating backup generation capabilities and strict disclosure rules. To support the program, the legislation creates two new funding accounts: one to enhance assistance for low-income households facing high energy costs and another to promote state energy independence. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission will oversee contract reviews and enforcement, with penalties in place for non-compliance.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Pennsylvania courts in specific counties to charge an additional $10 automation fee when starting a legal case. The collected money must be used exclusively to fund and maintain automated systems within the clerk of courts offices. The fee can be raised once every three years, but only by an amount matching the recent inflation rate as measured by the Consumer Price Index. This change aims to provide dedicated funding for court technology updates while limiting how often and how much the fee can increase.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows prothonotaries in specific Pennsylvania counties to charge a new $10 automation fee for starting any legal case. The collected money must be placed in a special fund dedicated solely to updating and maintaining the prothonotary's office technology. The fee can be raised once every three years, but only by an amount matching the recent increase in the national Consumer Price Index. This change applies to second-class A counties, third through eighth-class counties, and home rule counties within those classes.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows individuals who have recently received protection from abuse relief or experienced verified abuse in the last four months to get free copies of important state documents. Specifically, it removes fees for corrected or duplicate driver's licenses, birth certificates, and other identification documents for qualifying victims and their dependents. The law requires that abuse be verified through statements from professionals like doctors, lawyers, or victim service providers, and it mandates that state agencies create clear application processes and standardized forms for these requests.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 323 formally congratulates The Pennsylvania State University wrestling team on winning its 14th NCAA Division I Championship and honors Pennsylvania athletes who placed in both the men's and inaugural women's wrestling championships. The resolution highlights the team's historic dominance by citing specific records, such as setting a new tournament scoring record and producing multiple All-American wrestlers under head coach Cael Sanderson. It also recognizes individual achievements, including awards won by wrestlers like Mitchell Mesenbrink and the strong performance of Pennsylvania-native athletes across the tournament.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates new legal protections against the deprivation of constitutional rights by prohibiting any individual or entity from infringing upon substantive due process or equal protection rights guaranteed by state and federal laws. It establishes that victims of such violations can file civil lawsuits to seek damages, injunctive relief, and civil penalties of up to $25,000 per violation, while also allowing the Attorney General or district attorneys to bring actions on behalf of the injured party. The legislation applies broadly to all persons, regardless of whether they are acting under official authority, and includes provisions for awarding attorney fees and costs to prevailing parties in these cases.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates the week of May 10 through 19, 2026, as "Go Public Gardens Days" throughout Pennsylvania to encourage residents to visit public gardens. The measure directly affects botanical gardens, zoos, historical homes, parks, and other horticultural organizations across the state by formally recognizing their importance. By declaring this specific timeframe, the resolution aims to highlight the economic, educational, and recreational value of these community spaces without imposing new laws or regulations. It serves as a commemorative gesture to promote awareness of public gardens rather than creating concrete policy changes.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 314 designates the week of May 4 through 10, 2026, as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week in Pennsylvania. This symbolic resolution aims to highlight the condition, which involves involuntary movements and can affect people taking long-term antipsychotic medications for mental health issues. The bill encourages the public and medical community to learn more about the symptoms of Tardive Dyskinesia and the importance of routine screening. It also urges individuals experiencing abnormal movements to consult their healthcare providers for evaluation.