Sen. John DiSanto

Maddy summarySB 1320 amends Pennsylvania's Money Transmission Business Licensing Law to explicitly include virtual currency alongside traditional money in its regulatory scope. The bill updates legal definitions and adds a requirement for licensees to operate in a safe and sound manner, ensuring their practices do not risk material loss or harm to the interests of users. It also clarifies the qualifications, fees, and security requirements that businesses must meet to obtain and maintain a license for transmitting funds. This legislation directly affects companies and individuals currently licensed to transmit money or those planning to offer virtual currency transmission services in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires hospitals to publicly display their prices for medical items and services on their websites to help patients understand costs before receiving care. It mandates that hospitals publish detailed lists of charges, including standard rates, negotiated prices with insurance plans, and discounted cash prices, in both digital and printable formats. Additionally, the legislation prohibits hospitals from taking collection actions, such as sending debt to collectors, against patients if the hospital fails to comply with these price transparency rules. These measures directly affect hospitals and their patients by increasing financial clarity and holding facilities accountable for maintaining accessible pricing information.

Maddy summarySB 1147 updates Pennsylvania vehicle laws to require annual safety inspections for motorcycles, a change that specifically affects motorcycle owners. The bill also introduces additional parking regulations and prohibits the use of hearing impairment devices while driving. Furthermore, it establishes a motorcycle safety education program to promote rider awareness. These measures aim to improve road safety and vehicle compliance without altering other existing traffic rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania laws to adjust the time limits for filing lawsuits against state and local government entities. It directly affects individuals or groups seeking to sue Commonwealth or local parties by changing the specific deadlines for filing such claims. The key provision reduces the standard time window for initiating these legal actions, requiring plaintiffs to file their cases within two years for certain state claims and three years for others instead of the previous four-year period. By updating these statutory timelines, the legislation aims to clarify when legal proceedings against government units must be started to remain valid.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates October 2024 as "Italian-American Heritage Month" throughout Pennsylvania. The measure honors the historical contributions of Italian immigrants to the state's economy and infrastructure while acknowledging the cultural traditions preserved by Italian-American organizations. It serves as a formal recognition of Italian heritage within the Commonwealth rather than creating new laws or funding.

Maddy summaryThis resolution directs the Pennsylvania Senate to summon Patrick M. Browne, the Secretary of Revenue, to appear before the Senate for refusing to comply with a subpoena. The subpoena ordered the release of specific tax data related to Neighborhood Improvement Zone programs, which the Department of Revenue declined to provide despite a legal opinion stating the information is not confidential. The bill outlines the Senate's intent to determine if the Secretary is in contempt of the chamber for defying the committee's authority to investigate state agency operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Professional Nursing Law to create a new program allowing certified registered nurse practitioners to work independently in rural areas without needing a written agreement with a physician. To qualify, a nurse practitioner must hold a current license, have no recent disciplinary actions, and demonstrate at least three years of prior practice experience involving over 3,600 hours. Once approved, eligible practitioners can prescribe treatments and manage patient care solely based on their nursing expertise, provided they continue to meet biennial renewal requirements and complete specific continuing education on patient safety. The legislation also clarifies that these nurses must identify themselves clearly to patients and refer cases beyond their scope of practice, while removing legal liability for collaborating physicians when the nurse practices under this new program.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill cancels existing rules that governed the state's CO2 Budget Trading Program, a system designed to manage carbon emissions through a cap-and-trade mechanism. By repealing the specific regulations found in the state's administrative code, the legislation effectively ends the current framework for trading carbon allowances and managing emission limits. The law takes effect immediately upon passage, removing the legal basis for the program's operations without altering the underlying concept of the trading system itself.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Liquor Code to allow specific types of alcohol licensees to sell malt or brewed beverages using registers in connected businesses within the same building. It permits restaurant and retail dispenser licensees to utilize up to eleven thousand square feet of connected space for off-premises sales of beer and malt beverages, provided they notify the state board and follow strict rules on signage, staffing, and data privacy. Additionally, the legislation expands wine sales permits by allowing sales in connected areas of a business and requiring the use of electronic ID scanning for customers under thirty-five, while also clarifying that sales must occur on licensed premises or in the same building. These changes aim to modernize regulations for businesses with multiple locations or internal connections, ensuring compliance with existing safety and training standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Pennsylvania Award for Student Success Scholarship Program, which provides financial assistance to help eligible students attend participating nonpublic schools. To qualify, a student must be a Pennsylvania resident living in a household with income below 250% of the federal poverty guidelines and reside within the attendance boundary of a school designated as low-achieving. The program creates scholarship accounts that parents can use to pay for tuition, school-related fees, and special education services at approved private schools. Additionally, the bill requires school districts with low-achieving schools to notify parents about the program and provide lists of designated schools.