Sen. Dawn Keefer

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's school employee retirement system by clarifying which organizations are eligible to participate. It specifically prohibits certain school employees and any new hires at non-governmental entities from joining the retirement plan, while allowing current participants at those entities to remain enrolled until they leave their jobs. To manage the exit of ineligible organizations, the bill replaces standard withdrawal liability with a one-time administrative fee capped at 5% of the potential liability, which funds the administrative costs of removing these entities from the system.

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 summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Chiropractic Practice Act to create a new certification program for chiropractic assistants. It directly affects individuals seeking to work as supportive staff in chiropractic offices by establishing specific eligibility requirements, including age, education, moral character checks, graduation from an approved program, and passing a state exam. The legislation outlines procedures for temporary certification, exam retakes, and the exclusive use of the "certified chiropractic assistant" title, while also defining the scope of work these assistants can perform under the direct supervision of a licensed chiropractor. Additionally, the bill mandates continuing education for renewal and sets rules for reinstating certifications that have been revoked.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Patient Right-to-Understand Act, requires health care entities in Pennsylvania to provide patients with clear, plain-language summaries of their insurance coverage, prior authorization rules, and appeal rights. These summaries must be written at a sixth-grade reading level, limited to two pages, and include details on costs, network restrictions, and payment options like cash pricing or health savings accounts. The law also mandates that providers clearly distinguish between what insurance covers and medical decisions made solely between a patient and their doctor. As an enforcement measure, health care entities that fail to comply with these disclosure requirements are prohibited from collecting debts from patients who dispute the care they received.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 1276 amends Pennsylvania's Election Code to require candidates for various public offices to file a detailed affidavit alongside their nomination paperwork. This affidavit must include personal information, confirm eligibility, declare awareness of campaign finance laws, and state whether the candidate is running for multiple offices simultaneously. The bill also updates procedures for special elections and strengthens penalties for submitting false information or signatures in nomination documents.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows boroughs and cities in Pennsylvania to use public funds to cover the training costs for newly elected officers before their terms begin. By amending state statutes for both incorporated towns and cities, the legislation authorizes municipalities to pay for educational programs designed to prepare these officials for their new roles. The measure does not mandate that any specific training be offered or require all municipalities to participate, leaving the decision to pay for such programs entirely up to local governments. It also sets the law into effect 60 days after it is signed, giving communities time to adjust their budgeting processes accordingly.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates the week of April 19 through 25, 2026, as "National Crime Victims' Rights Week" in Pennsylvania. The measure directly affects the state Senate by formally recognizing this observance period to honor crime victims and survivors. It includes a statement reaffirming the Senate's commitment to protecting victims' rights and supporting victim services throughout the year. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of the importance of victim support.

Maddy summarySB 862 updates Pennsylvania's process for filling vacant borough council seats. If a borough council fails to appoint a replacement within 30 days of a vacancy, a special board (composed of council members and one community member) must fill the seat within 15 days. If the board cannot act, it must petition a court to appoint a resident to serve until the next municipal election occurring more than 60 days after the vacancy. This affects boroughs by ensuring vacancies are resolved promptly to maintain full council representation.

Maddy summarySB 100 amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code concerning inheritance tax deductions. It increases the family exemption that can be deducted from the value of transferred property to a maximum of $100,000, if claimed by a family member. The bill also expands the list of deductible expenses to include bequests for religious services and funds placed in trust for the care and preservation of burial lots. These changes will apply to the value of property transferred after June 30, 2024, affecting estates subject to inheritance tax.

Maddy summarySB 990 prohibits Pennsylvania state agencies and local governments from restricting the use, purchase, or sale of motor vehicles based on their power source (e.g., electric, hybrid, or gasoline). This directly affects vehicle owners, dealers, and local governments that might have considered implementing such restrictions. The bill adds a new section to vehicle law stating that no political subdivision may impose these restrictions, though it does not affect rules for government-owned fleets. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.