Sen. John Kane

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates May 2026 as "Celiac Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania to highlight celiac disease, an autoimmune condition affecting approximately 130,000 residents. The measure aims to increase public understanding of the disease, which requires a strict gluten-free diet to prevent intestinal damage and other health complications. By officially recognizing this month, the Senate intends to encourage early diagnosis, reduce stigma, and promote discussion about the need for better research funding and food labeling.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 312 designates the week of May 10 through 16, 2026, as National Hospital Week throughout Pennsylvania. This resolution directly affects hospitals, healthcare workers, and the general public by formally recognizing the contributions of medical facilities to the state's economy and community health. The bill includes provisions to thank frontline health workers and encourages residents to visit local hospitals to appreciate their services. It serves as a commemorative measure to highlight the role of hospitals in providing care, training professionals, and supporting local jobs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires new large-scale warehouses and distribution centers in Pennsylvania to be built as "solar-ready," meaning their roofs must be designed to easily accommodate solar panels with at least 40% of the area free from obstructions. To enforce this, the Department of Environmental Protection must ensure new projects include specific structural and electrical features, such as reinforced roofs and pre-installed wiring pathways, while denying waivers based on general costs or market factors. The only way to avoid these requirements is to prove that unique site conditions, like severe shading or poor soil, make compliance technically impossible or excessively expensive, a claim that must be supported by detailed engineering reports and independent cost estimates. Additionally, the legislation provides for tax exemptions on eligible solar retrofit costs and establishes penalties for non-compliance.

Maddy summarySB 1014 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code of 1949 to require public schools to adopt a "bell-to-bell phone-free policy" during the entire school day. This policy directly affects all public K-12 schools and students by prohibiting the use of personal electronic devices during instructional time. The key provision mandates that schools establish and enforce this policy, though the bill does not specify exemptions or implementation details. The legislation focuses on reducing distractions in classrooms by limiting student phone access from the start to the end of the school day. It is currently pending in the Education committee.

Maddy summarySB 64 creates an official logotype for veteran-owned businesses in Pennsylvania (defined as businesses where veterans own at least 51% of the interest). Businesses can apply to use the logotype through a department process, with a $250 fee and optional contributions to the Military Family Relief Assistance Fund. The fund, established under existing law, will use these fees and contributions to support military families. The bill also imposes penalties for falsely claiming veteran status to use the logotype. It directly affects veteran-owned businesses and funds military family relief programs.

Maddy summarySB 867 creates an Accessibility Advisory Board to review and recommend updates to Pennsylvania's accessibility standards in building codes. The 11-member board - requiring representation from people with disabilities, architects, business, housing, and municipal officials - must assess new sections of the International Code Council (ICC) accessibility codes within 21 months of their publication. It establishes a 120-day public comment period and requires the board to apply three criteria (public safety, economic impact, technical feasibility) before voting on whether to adopt, reject, or modify changes. The board’s recommendations must be adopted by the Department of Labor and Industry within nine months, directly affecting municipalities, builders, and people with disabilities through updated construction accessibility requirements.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution officially designates the week of May 10 through 16, 2026, as "National Police Week" and May 4, 2026, as "Police Officers' Memorial Day" within Pennsylvania. The measure serves to formally recognize and honor law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty, specifically mentioning five officers who passed away in 2025. By adopting this resolution, the Pennsylvania Senate acknowledges the sacrifices made by police officers and aligns with a national observance that has been held annually since 1962.

Maddy summarySB 256 requires child care facilities in Pennsylvania that use fossil fuel appliances (like heaters or fireplaces) to install and maintain operational, approved carbon monoxide alarms. Specifically, facilities must have alarms centrally located near these appliances and in every unit on the same floor within 18 months of the law's effective date. The bill ties compliance to licensing, stating the Department of Human Services cannot issue or renew a license for facilities failing to meet these standards unless a provisional license applies. It directly affects licensed child care facilities, including homes caring for 4-6 non-relative children, licensed schools, and facilities operating 24+ hours daily.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill creates a tax incentive program to encourage the restoration and continued use of historic barns that are at least 50 years old. Qualified taxpayers who own these structures can receive a tax credit equal to up to 25% of their rehabilitation costs, with a maximum credit of $100,000 per barn. The program is limited to $10 million in total credits per fiscal year and will be administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development in consultation with agricultural and historical groups. Any unused credits can be carried forward to future tax years, but the program will expire after December 31, 2036.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Workers' Compensation Act to increase the maximum burial expense benefit for workers who die on the job. Currently capped at $7,000, the reimbursement amount for funeral costs will be raised to $20,000, which will be paid directly to the funeral home by the employer or their insurance provider. The change applies to all deceased workers regardless of whether they have dependents and ensures this payment is not reduced by any other compensation or medical expenses already received. The new provision takes effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.