Sen. Amanda Cappelletti

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania Senate resolution formally designates September 2026 as "National Preparedness Month" within the state. It encourages residents to take proactive steps for disaster readiness, such as creating family evacuation plans, maintaining essential supplies, and reviewing insurance coverage. The measure also aims to recognize the contributions of emergency managers, first responders, and organizations dedicated to protecting lives and property during crises.

Maddy summaryPennsylvania Senate Bill 1430 amends state criminal law to allow owners, operators, and employees of health care facilities to use nonviolent means to deny entry to law enforcement officers on their premises. This protection applies unless the officer can demonstrate probable cause that a specific individual is present and physically possesses a judicial warrant clearly identifying that person as the subject of the order. The bill defines key terms such as "health care facility" and "judicial warrant," limiting the scope of this exception to written orders from federal or state courts. If enacted, the law would take effect 60 days after its passage.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania Senate Resolution designates September 28, 2026, as "Green Star Veterans and Families Day" to honor veterans who died by suicide in connection with their military service. The bill formally recognizes the Green Star Service Banner as a symbol of remembrance for these individuals. It aims to acknowledge the resilience of the families left behind and raise public awareness about the mental health challenges and suicide crisis affecting veterans.

Maddy summaryPennsylvania Senate Bill 1425 establishes a five-year pilot program in Philadelphia that requires law enforcement to directly notify all registered motor vehicle repair facilities when a hit-and-run accident results in serious injury or death. The bill mandates that commercial garages and shops register with the city to receive these alerts, which include specific details such as the vehicle's make, model, color, license plate number, and extent of damage. If a repair facility discovers a vehicle in its possession that matches the description in an alert, the owner or operator must report it to law enforcement within 72 hours. Failure to comply with this reporting requirement is punishable by a third-degree misdemeanor, and the city must submit annual reports to state agencies detailing the program's costs and activity.

Maddy summaryPennsylvania Senate Bill 1424 amends the state's Newborn Child Testing Act to officially add Gaucher disease to the list of conditions covered by the newborn screening and follow-up program. The bill directs the relevant health department, with approval from a technical advisory board, to include this specific genetic disorder in routine infant testing. This change aims to help healthcare providers identify the condition early so they can determine if treatment or other services are needed to prevent potential intellectual disability, physical disability, or death.

Maddy summaryPennsylvania Senate Bill 1426 designates the Interstate 81 and State Route 4007 interchange, known as Exit 119 in Schuylkill County, as the PSP Trooper Michael E. Pahira, Jr. Memorial Interchange. The bill honors Trooper Pahira, who died in July 2026 after being struck by a tractor-trailer while conducting a commercial vehicle safety inspection at that specific location. It directs the state Department of Transportation to erect and maintain signs displaying the new name at the interchange.

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 updates Pennsylvania's Municipalities Planning Code to clarify definitions and streamline zoning rules for local governments. It mandates that municipalities allow accessory dwelling units, such as secondary living spaces on existing lots, in all areas where single-family homes are permitted. The legislation requires these units to be approved automatically within 14 days without a public hearing, provided they meet specific size and location criteria. Additionally, the bill ensures that no-impact home-based businesses are allowed by right in residential zones, subject to existing private land restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's parole laws to protect the confidentiality of internal decision-making records used by the Board of Probation and Parole. It mandates that these materials remain privileged and cannot be subpoenaed, used as evidence in court, or shared with the incarcerated individuals involved. At the same time, the bill requires the board to provide written explanations for both granting and denying parole, along with specific guidance on how to improve future eligibility. These changes aim to balance transparency for the public with the protection of sensitive review processes.

Maddy summarySB 604 authorizes Pennsylvania to join the Counseling Compact, a multi-state agreement allowing licensed professional counselors to practice across participating states without obtaining separate licenses. This directly affects licensed counselors - especially those serving military families who relocate frequently - and their clients in member states. Key provisions include mutual recognition of licenses, standardized disciplinary processes, and support for telehealth services to improve access to counseling. The compact eliminates the need for counselors to hold multiple state licenses while ensuring accountability under each state’s practice laws where the client is located.