Sen. Steve Santarsiero

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates August 2026 as Appendix Cancer Awareness Month in Pennsylvania, aiming to increase public knowledge of this rare disease. The bill highlights that appendix cancer is often difficult to diagnose early due to vague symptoms and its rarity, which can lead to delayed treatment. It encourages residents to support early detection efforts and research initiatives led by organizations like the Appendix Cancer PMP Research Foundation.

Maddy summarySB 992 updates Pennsylvania's 1996 Telemarketer Registration Act to strengthen rules for phone sales calls. It requires telemarketers to register and prohibits blocking caller ID features used to screen calls, while banning unwanted solicitation calls. The bill also clarifies penalties for violations and enhances enforcement mechanisms for consumer protection. These changes directly affect telemarketers operating in Pennsylvania and aim to reduce unwanted calls for residents.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors the life of former State Senator Shirley M. Kitchen and expresses condolences on her passing. It recognizes her career as a social worker, activist, and legislator who served Philadelphia for 20 years, focusing on health care and affordable housing. The document outlines her personal background and public service achievements, including her role as the leader of the 20th Ward Democratic Executive Committee. By formally acknowledging her contributions, the Senate pays tribute to her legacy of community advocacy.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates rye whiskey as the official state spirit of Pennsylvania, recognizing its historical significance to the region's distilling tradition. The legislation formally acknowledges Pennsylvania's early role in American whiskey production and supports the state's current craft distilling industry. By establishing rye whiskey as an official state symbol, the bill aims to highlight local agricultural contributions and promote small business craftsmanship. The change takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summarySB 1384 amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to update definitions for tax benefits and introduce new rules for computer data centers. The bill explicitly prohibits the Department of Revenue from certifying any new computer data centers after its effective date. It also establishes a new certification program for the Governor's Responsible Infrastructure Development, which sets standards for clean firm energy, including specific requirements for solar, wind, and battery storage systems. Additionally, the legislation defines terms related to alternative compliance payments and clean hydrogen production to support these infrastructure standards.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates June 23, 2026, as Dravet Syndrome Awareness Day in Pennsylvania to honor the condition and promote public understanding. The bill directly affects residents of the Commonwealth by encouraging them to learn about this rare and severe form of epilepsy that impacts approximately 1 in 15,700 people worldwide. It does not alter laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight the challenges faced by individuals with the disorder, their families, and caregivers. The resolution calls for increased awareness and support for those working to improve diagnosis, treatment, and research for this lifelong condition.

Maddy summarySB 1182 amends Pennsylvania's Board of Vehicles Act to update definitions and add new requirements for vehicle dealers, manufacturers, and distributors. It requires manufacturers/distributors to reimburse dealers for all parts and service costs mandated by them, includes audit provisions for these reimbursements, and establishes a process for manufacturers/distributors to repurchase dealer inventory or equipment. The bill also adds consumer data protection rules, defining "consumer data" to align with federal standards (15 U.S.C. § 6809) and limiting how third-party "authorized integrators" can access dealer data. These changes directly affect vehicle dealers (who sell new/used cars), manufacturers, and distributors, while protecting consumer data used in dealership operations.

Maddy summarySB 746 gives residents of manufactured home communities in Pennsylvania the right to purchase their community when it's sold. When a community owner plans to sell, they must notify all residents, the resident association (if one exists), and local housing agencies at least 90 days in advance, detailing the sale price and terms. Residents represented by a group owning at least 25% of spaces can then submit a competing offer within 90 days, forcing the owner to pause other sales for 120 days while they prepare their offer and negotiate in good faith. The bill also adds legal remedies, allowing residents to seek court action to stop non-compliant sales within 90 days of the transfer. This directly affects manufactured home residents and community owners across Pennsylvania.

Maddy summarySB 829 designates *Hynerpeton bassetti*, an early four-legged vertebrate discovered in Pennsylvania's Red Hill fossil site, as the state's official fossil. It repeals a 1988 law that previously designated a different fossil. This is a ceremonial update to Pennsylvania's state symbols with no new policies, funding, or regulatory changes.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution directs the Uniform Construction Code Review and Advisory Council to study whether Pennsylvania's building codes should allow single-exit stairways in multifamily buildings up to six stories tall. Currently, the state follows the International Building Code, which requires two separate stairways for structures taller than three stories, a rule that increases construction costs and limits design options. The study must evaluate safety factors such as water supply, fire department response times, and other measures needed to protect public health and welfare. The Council is tasked with issuing a report with recommendations for modifying the code before the next version is adopted, while also receiving input from the Office of the State Fire Commissioner.