Sen. Cris Dush

Maddy summarySB 803, the First-Time Homebuyer Savings Account Act, creates a program allowing Pennsylvania residents who have never owned a home (first-time homebuyers) to open tax-advantaged savings accounts. The Treasury Department will administer the program using existing structures (like the ABLE Program), enabling account holders to save for down payments and closing costs on single-family homes. Funds in the accounts can only be used for eligible home purchase expenses, with the program funded by account contributions and earnings - not state debt. This bill directly affects first-time homebuyers seeking to save for homeownership within Pennsylvania.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 1337 modifies the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority Act to clarify how the state funds water quality projects. The bill specifically allows financial assistance for projects that align with the state's Nonpoint Source Management Program but explicitly prohibits using these funds to refinance existing projects. To support these changes, the legislation removes several outdated regulations that previously defined eligible costs and funding limits. The bill takes effect 60 days after being signed into law.

Maddy summarySB 1340 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to require school districts to publish rules on their websites regarding home school students' participation in extracurricular activities, such as JROTC. It also mandates that school districts ensure JROTC programs are open to home school students who meet eligibility requirements. Additionally, the bill requires military families providing home instruction to notify their local school district within 30 days of starting.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes specific Pennsylvania cities to create regulated programs for shared low-speed electric scooters, allowing users to rent and ride them on public roads. It defines these scooters as lightweight devices with electric motors and sets clear rules, such as requiring riders to be at least 16 years old and limiting speeds to 15 miles per hour. The legislation also establishes safety requirements, including where scooters can be ridden, how they must be parked, and penalties for abandoned or improperly used vehicles.

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 Senate Resolution congratulates Indiana University of Pennsylvania on its 150th anniversary, marking 150 years since the institution began as Indiana State Normal School in 1875. The document outlines the school's historical evolution from a teacher training program to a university and notes its current status as the only state-owned institution authorized to confer doctor of philosophy degrees. It also highlights the university's ongoing academic growth, including plans to establish a College of Osteopathic Medicine. The resolution expresses the Senate's best wishes for the university's continued success and directs a copy of the document to the university's Council of Trustees.

Maddy summarySB 598 requires all Pennsylvania public school entities (including districts, charter schools, and career schools) to display the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution at the entrance of every school building. The bill mandates this display as a mounted plaque, though schools may optionally include student-created artwork from contests. It applies to all school buildings within the Commonwealth and takes effect 90 days after enactment. The legislation does not alter existing curriculum or impose new educational requirements, focusing solely on the physical placement of the Preamble.

Maddy summarySB 250 requires all Pennsylvania school entities - including public school districts, charter schools, cyber charters, and career technical schools - to display the Preamble of the Pennsylvania Constitution at the entrance of every school building. This applies to all schools in the state, with displays permitted as mounted plaques or student-created artwork from school contests. The bill mandates this display within 90 days of enactment and defines "school entity" to cover all major educational institutions. It does not alter existing curriculum or student requirements, focusing solely on physical display of the constitutional preamble. The bill is currently referred to the Education committee for further review.

Maddy summaryPennsylvania's SB 822 strengthens state preemption over local firearm regulations. It declares that state law exclusively governs all aspects of firearms, ammunition, and related items - including purchase, sale, possession, and transportation - nullifying any conflicting local ordinances, resolutions, or rules. The bill also creates a legal pathway for individuals or organizations adversely affected by local gun rules to seek court relief, including recovery of attorney fees and other costs if they successfully challenge such rules. This directly affects municipalities (cities, towns, counties) and residents or businesses operating under local firearm regulations that conflict with state law. The bill does not change existing firearm laws but explicitly prevents local governments from enacting stricter rules.

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.