PA Senate Floor Journal — 2026-06-23

The Journal of the Session of May 4, 2026, is now in print. The Clerk proceeded to read the Journal of the Session of May 4, 2026. Senator PITTMAN. Madam President, I move that further reading of the Journal be dispensed with and that the Journal be approved. Will the Senate agree to the motion? The yeas and nays were required by Senator PITTMAN and were as follows, viz: HB 2024 (Pr. No. 2583) An Act amending Title 51 (Military Affairs) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in State Veterans' Commission and Deputy Adjutant General for Veterans' Affairs, further providing for accreditation. Senator MASTRIANO, from the Committee on Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness, reported the following resolution: SR 326 (Pr. No. 1743) A Resolution urging the members of the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives to review Major Richard D. Winters' actions at Heteren Crossroads in Holland in 1944 and to award him with the Congressional Medal of Honor. The resolution will be placed on the Calendar.

The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Allegheny, Senator Costa. Senator COSTA. Madam President, I request temporary Capitol leaves for Senator Muth, Senator Schwank, and Senator Lindsey Williams, and legislative leaves for Senator Cappelletti, Senator Pisciottano, and Senator Saval.

The Journal is approved.

The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Allegheny, Senator Robinson. Senator ROBINSON. Madam President, I would like to introduce two very special guests from a very special island, Deputy Consul Katie Daughen. Born and raised in Dublin, Katie joined Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in 2023. She is currently serving as Deputy Consul General of the Consulate General of Ireland in New York, having taken up the post in April 2025. Over the course of her foreign diplomatic career, Katie has served as deputy director for South Asia for the Department of Foreign Affairs [and Trade]; established the shared island unit in the Department of Taoiseach to harness the full potential of the Good Friday Agreement to enhance cooperation, connection, and mutual understanding on the island of Ireland; designed and coordinated public health messaging during the COVID-19 pandemic at the Department of Health; and led on Brexit policy for the British Irish Chamber of Commerce. Katie previously served in the Department of Foreign Affairs [and Trade] from 2015 to 2016 when she worked on Northern Ireland matters. And joining her is the Consul General of Ireland to the United States in New York, Gerald Angley. Born and raised in Dublin, Gerald joined Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs [and Trade] in 1999 after an initial period working in banking and insurance, including with Citibank North America. Over the course of his diplomatic career, Gerald has completed foreign postings in London as deputy ambassador and political counselor, Paris as economic EU and trade counselor and led as deputy ambassador in 2013 and 2014, and was in Brussels from 2000 to 2004 at the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the European Union. Gerald arrived in New York to take up his current posting as Consul General in August 2025. The Consulate General of Ireland in New York has the responsibility for the States of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, Ohio, and the great Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Please join me in welcoming the Consul General of Ireland and the Deputy Consul General here in the Capitol today. Thank you, Madam President.

The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Cambria, Senator Langerholc. Senator LANGERHOLC. Madam President, I rise today to introduce Tyler McCreery, who has been my job shadow for the day. Tyler is a recent graduate of Northern Cambria High School, where he was a 3-year letterman for football, a 2-year letterman for track and field, and alongside his impressive athletic achievements, he was also the president of the National Honor Society, a member of the National English Honor Society, and a member of the current events and varsity club. Also, for the past 10 years, he has been an altar server at Prince of Peace Catholic Church. Last month, Tyler was my guest for the ceremonial special Session in Philadelphia as he penned the winning essay in the competition we put out to those of the 35th Senatorial District. This summer, he is working with the road crew for Susquehanna Township, Cambria County, and is an umpire for the Northern Cambria Little League. Later this fall, he will be attending Slippery Rock University, where he will major in political science. Madam President, it is clear that Tyler's future is bright, and it is an honor for him to be here today. I would ask for a traditional warm Senate welcome.

Senator Baker has returned, and her temporary Capitol leave is cancelled.

Will the guests of Senator Pennycuick please rise and be welcomed by the Senate. [Applause.]

Will the guests of Senator Farry please rise and be welcomed by the Senate. [Applause.]

Would Senator Pittman's intern please rise and be welcomed by the Senate. [Applause.]

The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Allegheny, Senator Costa. Senator COSTA. Madam President, at the conclusion of the meeting of the Committee on Education, Senate Democrats will meet in the rear of the Chamber for a caucus.

The time of recess having expired, the Senate will come to order.

The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Indiana, Senator Pittman. Senator PITTMAN. Madam President, I request a temporary Capitol leave for Senator Robinson, and a legislative leave for Senator Mastriano.

The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Northampton, Senator Boscola. Senator BOSCOLA. Madam President, this legislation strengthens Pennsylvanians' response to the scourge of SNAP skimming, which has robbed vulnerable Pennsylvanians of taxpayer dollars meant to help put food on the table. As of May 2026, more than 1.7 million Pennsylvanians received SNAP benefits, including children, seniors, people with disabilities, and families trying to make ends meet. The scale of this theft is unacceptable. In 2024 alone, the Office of State Inspector General reported that [$]15 million in SNAP benefits was stolen through skimming, and, according to recent reports, Pennsylvania has already seen more than 5,100 EBT skimming cases from the start of this year through May, totaling approximately [$]2.5 million in stolen benefits. Every dollar stolen from a SNAP benefit recipient is a dollar stolen twice: first, from the family receiving and relying on those benefits for groceries and, second, from the taxpayers who fund these programs with the expectation that these dollars will reach the people in need. This bill was drafted in close consultation with the Office of State Inspector General and the Department of Human Services to make sure the language reflects how these crimes are actually being committed and prosecuted. It updates the law to better address scanning devices, reencoder, and the misuse of access device information. This is a needed bill that gives prosecutors clear tools to go after people stealing food assistance benefits from Pennsylvania families. Thank you, Madam President. And the question recurring, The yeas and nays were taken agreeably to the provisions of the Constitution and were as follows, viz: YEA-49 Argall Baker Bartolotta Boscola Brooks Brown Cappelletti Coleman Collett Comitta Costa Culver Dush Farry Flynn Fontana Gebhard Haywood Hughes Hutchinson Kane Kearney Keefer Kim Langerholc Laughlin Malone Martin Mastriano Miller Muth Pennycuick Phillips-Hill Picozzi Pisciottano Pittman Robinson Rothman Santarsiero Saval Schwank Stefano Street Tartaglione Vogel Ward, Judy Ward, Kim Williams, Lindsey Yaw NAY-0 A constitutional majority of all the Senators having voted "aye," the question was determined in the affirmative. Ordered, That the Secretary of the Senate present said bill to the House of Representatives for concurrence. SB 469 (Pr. No. 1832) -- The Senate proceeded to consideration of the bill, entitled: An Act amending Titles 30 (Fish) and 34 (Game) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in fishing licenses, providing for law enforcement; and, in hunting and furtaking licenses, further providing for resident license and fee exemptions and for license costs and fees. Will the Senate agree to the bill on third consideration? MALONE AMENDMENT A3885 Senator MALONE offered the following amendment No. A3885: (b) Officer outdoor wellness referral information.-(1) The commission, in consultation with the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Pennsylvania Game Commission, shall prepare or approve written or electronic information regarding confidential mental wellness, peer support and crisis referral resources available to officers. (2) The information under paragraph (1) shall include all of the following: (i) Contact information for confidential peer support services, crisis services and mental wellness resources available to officers. (ii) A statement that use of a resource identified under this subsection is voluntary. (iii) Information regarding outdoor recreation, conservation activities and other nonclinical wellness opportunities available through the commission, the Pennsylvania Game Commission or the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. (3) The commission or a county treasurer shall make the information under paragraph (1) available to an officer at the time a license is issued under this section. The information may be provided in paper or electronic form. (c) (d) (3) (i) The commission, in consultation with the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Fish and Boat Commission, shall prepare or approve written or electronic information regarding confidential mental wellness, peer support and crisis referral resources available to officers. (ii) The information under subparagraph (i) shall include all of the following: (A) Contact information for confidential peer support services, crisis services and mental wellness resources available to officers. (B) A statement that use of a resource identified under this paragraph is voluntary. (C) Information regarding outdoor recreation, conservation activities and other nonclinical wellness opportunities available through the commission, the Fish and Boat Commission or the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. (iii) The commission, county treasurer or issuing agent shall make the information under subparagraph (i) available to an officer at the time a license is issued under this subsection. The information may be provided in paper or electronic form. (4) Will the Senate agree to the amendment?

The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Cambria, Senator Langerholc. Senator LANGERHOLC. Madam President, this legislation, Senate Bill No. 469, establishes discounted fishing and hunting licenses for current and retired members of law enforcement. It is consistent with other license discounts. These discounts would cost $1, have no negative effect on Federal funding for either the Fish and Boat Commission or the Game Commission. I want to thank my former colleague, friend, constituent, retired sergeant Erin Kabler of Johnstown Police Department, who brought this idea to me many months ago, and we were able to craft this into the legislation and provide this. And the purpose of this is, in a small way, to offer a small token of appreciation for those brave JUNE 23, men and women who every day put on the badge, put themselves in harm's way, respond to unthinkable events all in the name of keeping us safe. Thank you, Madam President. I would ask for an affirmative vote. And the question recurring, The yeas and nays were taken agreeably to the provisions of the Constitution and were as follows, viz: YEA-49 Argall Baker Bartolotta Boscola Brooks Brown Cappelletti Coleman Collett Comitta Costa Culver Dush Farry Flynn Fontana Gebhard Haywood Hughes Hutchinson Kane Kearney Keefer Kim Langerholc Laughlin Malone Martin Mastriano Miller Muth Pennycuick Phillips-Hill Picozzi Pisciottano Pittman Robinson Rothman Santarsiero Saval Schwank Stefano Street Tartaglione Vogel Ward, Judy Ward, Kim Williams, Lindsey Yaw NAY-0 A constitutional majority of all the Senators having voted "aye," the question was determined in the affirmative. Ordered, That the Secretary of the Senate present said bill to the House of Representatives for concurrence. SB 535 and SB 536 -- Without objection, the bills were passed over in their order at the request of Senator PITTMAN. HB 538 (Pr. No. 2147) -- The Senate proceeded to consideration of the bill, entitled: An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in sexual violence, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking education, prevention and response at institutions of higher education and private licensed schools, further providing for scope of article, for definitions, for education program and for follow-up; and making an editorial change. Without objection, the bill was passed over in its order at the request of Senator PITTMAN. Pursuant to Senate Rule 9, the bill was laid on the table. SB 730 (Pr. No. 1799) -- The Senate proceeded to consideration of the bill, entitled: An Act amending Title 20 (Decedents, Estates and Fiduciaries) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in health care, further providing for applicability, for definitions, for criminal penalties, for emergency medical services, for definitions, for orders, bracelets and necklaces, for revocation, for absence of order, bracelet or necklace and for emergency medical services, repealing provisions relating to advisory committee and providing for discontinuance and for Pennsylvania orders for lifesustaining treatment. Will the Senate agree to the bill on third consideration? BOSCOLA AMENDMENT A3710 OFFERED Senator BOSCOLA offered the following amendment No. A3710: second time and inserting a comma and for end of life options; imposing duties on the Department of Health; and imposing penalties. and inserting: subchapters Subchapter G Sec. 5499. Definitions. 5499.1. Qualified patient requirements. 5499.2. Request for medication. 5499.3. Right and opportunity to rescind request. 5499.4. Form of written request. 5499.5. Waiting periods. 5499.6. Attending provider responsibilities. 5499.7. Confirmation of terminal illness. 5499.8. Counseling referral. 5499.9. Family notification. 5499.10. Medical record documentation requirements. 5499.11. Reporting requirements. 5499.12. Effect on construction of wills and contracts. 5499.13. Insurance or annuity policies. 5499.14. Disposal of unused medication. 5499.15. Health care provider participation, notification and permissible sanctions. 5499.16. Claims by governmental entity for costs incurred. 5499.17. Construction. 5499.18. Immunity. 5499.19. Liability. 5499.20. Prohibitions and penalties. § 5499. Definitions. The following words and phrases when used in this chapter shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise: "Attending provider." The provider who has primary responsibility for the care of a patient with a terminal illness and treatment of the patient's terminal illness. "Capable." The ability of a patient to make and communicate informed health care decisions without impaired judgment to health care providers, including communication through individuals familiar with the patient's manner of communicating, as determined by a court or a patient's attending provider, consulting provider, mental health care professional or clinical social worker. "Confirmation of terminal illness." A written confirmation from a consulting provider of a patient's terminal illness. "Consulting provider." A provider who is qualified by specialty or experience to make a professional diagnosis and prognosis regarding a patient's terminal illness. "Counseling." One or more consultations between a mental health care provider and a patient for the purpose of determining if the patient is capable. "Department." The Department of Health of the Commonwealth. "End-of-life medication." A medication determined and prescribed by an attending provider to a qualified patient, which the qualified patient may administer to end the qualified patient's life. "Health care facility." A health care facility as defined in section 802.1 of the act of July 19, 1979 (P.L.130, No.48), known as the Health Care Facilities Act. "Health care provider." A person licensed, certified or otherwise authorized or permitted by the laws of this Commonwealth to administer health care services or dispense medication in the ordinary course of business or practice of a profession. "Informed decision." A decision by a patient to request and obtain a prescription for end-of-life medication which is based on an appreciation of the relevant facts after being fully informed by the attending provider of the information required under section 5499.6 (relating to attending provider responsibilities). "Long-term care facility." A long-term care nursing facility as defined in section 802.1 of the Health Care Facilities Act. "Medical confirmation." The confirmation by a consulting provider who has examined the patient and the patient's relevant medical records that the patient has a terminal illness, is capable and is voluntarily making an informed decision. "Mental health care provider." A person who is licensed, certified or otherwise authorized by the laws of this Commonwealth to administer or provide mental health care in the ordinary course of business or practice of a profession. "Participate under this chapter." To perform the duties of an attending provider under section 5499.6, the consulting provider function under section 5499.7 (relating to confirmation of terminal illness) or the consultation function under section 5499.8 (relating to counseling referral). The term does not include: (1) making an initial determination that a patient has a terminal illness and informing the patient of the medical prognosis; (2) providing information about end-of-life medication and related information to a patient upon request; (3) providing, upon the request of the patient, a referral to another provider; or (4) contracting by a patient with the patient's attending provider and consulting provider to act outside of the course and scope of the health care provider's capacity as an employee or independent contractor of the sanctioning health care provider. "Patient." An individual who is: (1) eighteen years of age or older; and (2) under the care of an attending provider. "Provider." The following: (1) A doctor of medicine or osteopathy licensed to practice by the State Board of Medicine or State Board of Osteopathic Medicine. (2) An advanced practice registered nurse practitioner licensed to practice by the State Board of Nursing. "Qualified patient." A patient who meets the requirements of section 5499.1 (relating to qualified patient requirements). "Terminal illness." An incurable and irreversible illness that will, within reasonable medical judgment, produce death within six months. § 5499.1. Qualified patient requirements. To qualify to receive end-of-life medication under this chapter, a patient must: (1) Have a terminal illness, as determined by an attending provider and a consulting provider. (2) Be capable of making an informed decision, as determined under sections 5499.6 (relating to attending provider responsibilities) and 5499.7(3) (relating to confirmation of terminal illness). (3) Be a resident of this Commonwealth. § 5499.2. Request for medication. (a) Patient request.--A qualified patient may make a request under subsection (b) for end-of-life medication for the purpose of ending the qualified patient's life in a compassionate, humane and dignified manner under this chapter. (b) Request requirements.--In order to receive a prescription for end-of-life medication, a qualified patient must: (1) Make an oral request to the attending provider. (2) Except as provided for under section 5499.5 (relating to waiting periods), reiterate the oral request by making a second oral request to the attending provider no less than 15 days after making the initial oral request. (3) Make a written request to the attending provider in the form required under section 5499.4 (relating to form of written request). (c) Requester.--Oral and written requests for medication under this chapter must be made by a qualified patient and may not be made by any other individual, including a terminally ill individual's qualified power of attorney, attorney-in-fact for health care or via advance health care directive. § 5499.3. Right and opportunity to rescind request. (a) Rescission.--A qualified patient may rescind the request to end the qualified patient's life at any time and in any manner without regard to mental state. (b) Opportunity required.--At the time a qualified patient makes the qualified patient's second oral request, the attending provider must offer the qualified patient an opportunity to rescind the request. (c) Prohibition.--A prescription for end-of-life medication under this chapter may not be written without the attending provider offering the qualified patient an opportunity to rescind the request. § 5499.4. Form of written request. (a) Signature, date and attestation.--A valid request for end-of-life medication under this chapter shall be in substantially the form under subsection (e), signed and dated by the qualified patient and witnessed by at least two individuals who, in the presence of the qualified patient, attest that to the best of the witness's knowledge and belief the qualified patient is capable, acting voluntarily and not being coerced to sign the request. (b) Witness.--One of the witnesses shall be an individual who is not: (1) a relative of the qualified patient by blood, marriage or adoption; (2) someone with whom the qualified patient has had a significant relationship; (3) an individual who, at the time the request is signed, would be entitled to a portion of the estate of the qualified patient upon death under a will or by operation of law; or (4) an owner, operator or employee of a health care facility where the qualified patient is receiving medical treatment or is a resident. (c) Prohibition.--The qualified patient's attending provider, consulting provider or an individual who has conducted an evaluation of the qualified patient at the time the request is signed shall not be a witness. (d) Long-term care patient.--If the qualified patient is in a long-term care facility at the time the written request is made, one of the witnesses shall be an individual designated by the long-term care facility and who has the qualifications required by the department by rule. (e) Form.--A request for end-of-life medication as authorized under this chapter shall be in substantially the following form: I, , am an adult of sound mind. I am suffering from , which my attending provider has determined is a terminal illness and which has been medically confirmed by a consulting provider. I have been fully informed of my diagnosis and prognosis, the nature of medication to be prescribed and potential associated risks, the expected result and the feasible alternatives, including comfort care, hospice care, palliative care and pain control. I request that my attending provider prescribe medication that will end my life in a compassionate, humane and dignified manner. INITIAL ONE: ( ) I have informed my family or significant other of my decision and have taken their opinions into consideration. ( ) I have decided not to inform my family or significant other of my decision. ( ) I have no family or significant other to inform of my decision. I understand that I have the right to rescind this request at any time. I understand that this request will supersede any provision of an advance directive in conflict with the provisions of this request. I understand the full import of this request and I expect to die when I take the medication to be prescribed. I further understand that although JUNE 23, most deaths occur within three hours, my death may take longer and my provider has counseled me about this possibility. I am not being coerced by another individual to make this decision. I make this request voluntarily and without reservation, and I accept full moral responsibility for my actions. Signed: Dated: We declare that the person signing this request: (a) Is personally known to us or has provided proof of identity. (b) Signed this request in our presence on the date of the person's signature. (c) Appears to be of sound mind and not under duress, fraud or undue influence, such as being coerced by another individual. (d) Is not a patient for whom either of us is an attending provider. Date: Witness' printed name: Witness' signature: Number and Street: City, State and Zip Code: Date: Witness' printed name: Witness' signature: Number and Street: City, State and Zip Code: NOTE: One witness shall not be a relative by blood, marriage or adoption of the person signing this request, shall not be someone with whom the person has a significant relationship, shall not be entitled to any portion of the person's estate upon death and shall not own, operate or be employed at a health care facility where the person is receiving medical treatment or a resident. If the patient is an inpatient at a longterm care facility, one of the witnesses shall be a person designated by the facility. § 5499.5. Waiting periods. (a) Time frame.--Except as provided under subsection (b), the following apply: (1) At least 15 days shall elapse between the qualified patient's initial oral request and the writing of a prescription for end-of-life medication under this chapter. (2) At least 48 hours shall elapse between the qualified patient's written request and the writing of a prescription for end-of-life medication under this chapter. (b) Exceptions.-(1) If the qualified patient's attending provider has determined, and a medical confirmation is received under section 5499.7 (relating to confirmation of terminal illness), that the qualified patient will, within reasonable medical judgment, die within 15 days of making the initial oral request, the qualified patient may reiterate the second oral request to the attending provider at any time after making the initial oral request. (2) If the qualified patient's attending provider has determined, and a medical confirmation is received under section 5499.7, that the qualified patient will, within reasonable medical judgment, die before the expiration of at least one of the waiting periods described under subsection (a), the prescription for end-of-life medication under this chapter may be written at any time following the later of the qualified patient's written request or second oral request. § 5499.6. Attending provider responsibilities. (a) Responsibilities.--Upon request of a patient, an attending provider shall: (1) Determine if the patient has a terminal illness, is capable and has made the request for end-of-life medication voluntarily. (2) Ensure that the patient is making an informed decision and inform the patient of: (i) The patient's medical diagnosis. (ii) The patient's prognosis. (iii) The potential risks associated with taking the end-oflife medication to be prescribed. (iv) The probable result of taking the end-of-life medication to be prescribed. (v) The feasible alternatives, including comfort care, hospice care, palliative care and pain control. (3) Refer the patient to a consulting provider for medical confirmation of the diagnosis and for a determination that the patient is capable and acting voluntarily. (4) Refer the patient for counseling, if appropriate, under section 5499.8 (relating to counseling referral). (5) Recommend the patient notify next of kin or someone with whom the patient has a significant relationship. (6) Counsel the patient about the importance of: (i) having another individual present when the patient takes the end-of-life medication prescribed under this chapter; and (ii) not taking the end-of-life medication in a public place. (7) Inform the patient that the patient has an opportunity to rescind the request at any time and in any manner under section 5499.3 (relating to right and opportunity to rescind request) and offer the patient an opportunity to rescind at the end of the 15-day waiting period or at the time the patient makes the patient's second oral request under section 5499.5 (relating to waiting periods). (8) Immediately prior to writing a prescription for end-of-life medication under this chapter, verify the patient is making an informed decision. (9) Fulfill the medical record documentation requirements under section 5499.10 (relating to medical record documentation requirements). (10) If the patient fulfills all the requirements under this chapter, approve the qualified patient's request to receive end-of-life medication. (11) (i) Dispense end-of-life medications directly, including ancillary medications intended to facilitate the desired effect to minimize the qualified patient's discomfort if the attending provider is authorized to prescribe medications in this Commonwealth, has a current Drug Enforcement Administration certificate and complies with applicable administrative rules; or (ii) with the qualified patient's written consent: (A) contact a pharmacist and inform the pharmacist of the prescription; and (B) deliver the written prescription personally, electronically, by facsimile or by mail to the pharmacist, who shall dispense the end-of-life medications to the qualified patient, the attending provider or an expressly identified agent of the qualified patient. (b) Death certificate.--The attending provider may sign the qualified patient's death certificate. § 5499.7. Confirmation of terminal illness. A confirmation of terminal illness must be received before a patient is determined to be a qualified patient under this chapter. The consulting provider performing the confirmation of terminal illness shall physically examine a patient requesting end-of-life medication under section 5499.2 (relating to request for medication) and the patient's relevant medical records to confirm the attending provider's diagnosis that the patient is suffering from a terminal illness. The consulting provider must also verify the patient is: (1) Capable. (2) Acting voluntarily. (3) Making an informed decision. § 5499.8. Counseling referral. If the opinion of the attending provider or the consulting provider is that the patient may not be capable at the time a written request is made under section 5499.2 (relating to request for medication), either the attending provider or consulting provider shall refer the patient to a mental health care provider for counseling. End-of-life medication may not be prescribed until the mental health care provider performing the counseling determines that the patient is capable and able to make a voluntary informed decision without impaired judgment. § 5499.9. Family notification. The attending provider must recommend that the qualified patient notify the next of kin or an individual with whom the qualified patient has a significant relationship of the qualified patient's request for end-oflife medication under this chapter. An attending provider may not deny a request for end-of-life medication solely because a qualified patient declines or is unable to notify the next of kin or an individual with whom the qualified patient has a significant relationship. § 5499.10. Medical record documentation requirements. The following shall be documented or filed in the qualified patient's medical record: (1) All oral requests by a qualified patient for end-of-life medication. (2) All written requests by a qualified patient for end-of-life medication. (3) The attending provider's diagnosis of terminal illness and determination that the qualified patient is capable, acting voluntarily and making an informed decision. (4) All medical confirmations of terminal illness. (5) Documentation that the qualified patient is capable and acting voluntarily and has made an informed decision. (6) A report of the outcome and determinations made during counseling. (7) A certification of the imminence of the qualified patient's death. (8) Documentation of the attending provider's offer to the qualified patient to rescind the qualified patient's request at the time of the qualified patient's second oral request under section 5499.2 (relating to request for medication). (9) Documentation by the attending provider that the requirements under this chapter have been met and the steps taken to carry out the request, including a notation of the end-of-life medication prescribed. § 5499.11. Reporting requirements. (a) Review and rulemaking.--The department shall: (1) Annually review a sample of records maintained under this chapter. (2) Require a health care provider to file a copy of the prescription or the dispensing record with the department upon writing the prescription or dispensing end-of-life medication under this chapter. (3) Promulgate rules to facilitate the collection of information regarding compliance with this chapter. (b) Records.--Except as otherwise provided by law, the information collected is not a public record and may not be made available for inspection by the public. (c) Report.--The department shall generate and make available to the public, to the extent doing so would not be reasonably expected to violate the privacy of any person, an annual statistical report of information collected under subsection (a). § 5499.12. Effect on construction of wills and contracts. (a) Effect on existing agreements.--No provision in a contract, will or other agreement, whether written or oral, shall be valid to the extent that the provision would condition or restrict an individual's decision to make or rescind a request for end-of-life medication. (b) Obligations under an existing contract.--No obligation under an existing contract shall be affected by an individual's making or rescinding of a request for end-of-life medication. § 5499.13. Insurance or annuity policies. The sale, procurement or issuance of a life, health or accident insurance or annuity policy or the rate charged for a policy shall not be conditioned upon or affected by the making or rescinding of a request, by a qualified patient, for end-of-life medication. A qualified patient's act of ingesting end-of-life medication may not have an effect upon a life, health or accident insurance or an annuity policy. § 5499.14. Disposal of unused medication. An individual who has custody or control of medication prescribed and dispensed under this chapter that remains unused after the qualified patient's death shall dispose of the medication by lawful means in accordance with Federal and State guidelines. § 5499.15. Health care provider participation, notification and permissible sanctions. (a) Participation not required.--No health care provider may be under any duty, whether by contract, statute or other legal requirement, to prescribe or administer end-of-life medication to a qualified patient. If a health care provider is unable or unwilling to carry out a qualified patient's request under this chapter and the qualified patient transfers care to another health care provider, the prior health care provider shall transfer, upon request, a copy of the qualified patient's relevant medical records to the new health care provider. (b) Prohibiting participation.--A health care facility may prohibit a health care provider from participating under this chapter if the prohibiting health care facility has notified the health care provider of the prohibiting health care facility's policy regarding participation under this chapter. Nothing in this subsection prevents a health care provider from providing health care services to a patient that does not constitute participation under this chapter. (c) Notification requirement.--A health care facility shall give notice of the policy prohibiting participation under this chapter. A health care facility that fails to provide notice prohibiting participation under this chapter may not enforce sanctions against a health care provider under subsection (d). (d) Sanctions.--Notwithstanding subsection (a) or section 5499.18 (relating to immunity), a health care facility may subject a health care provider to the sanctions under this subsection if notification was provided as required under subsection (c). The available sanctions shall include: (1) Loss of privileges, loss of membership or other sanctions provided under the medical staff bylaws, policies and procedures if the health care provider is a member of the health care facility's medical staff and participates under this chapter while on the premises, which shall not include the private medical office of a provider or other health care provider. (2) Termination of lease or other property contract or other nonmonetary remedies provided by lease contract, not including loss or restriction of medical staff privileges or exclusion from the health care facility panel, if the health care provider participates under this chapter while on the premises of or on property that is owned by or under the direct control of the health care facility. (3) Termination of contract or other nonmonetary remedies provided by contract if the health care provider participates under this chapter while acting in the course and scope of the health care provider's capacity as an employee or independent contractor of the health care facility. Nothing in this paragraph may be construed to prevent: (i) a health care provider from participating under this chapter while acting outside the course and scope of the health care provider's capacity as an employee or independent contractor; or (ii) a patient from contracting with the patient's attending provider and consulting provider to act outside the course and scope of the health care provider's capacity as an employee or independent contractor of the health care facility. (e) Due process.--A health care facility that imposes sanctions under subsection (d) shall follow all due process and other procedures the health care facility may have that are related to the imposition of sanctions on a health care provider. (f) Unprofessional or dishonorable conduct reports.--Authorized action taken under section 5499.4 (relating to form of written request), 5499.6 (relating to attending provider responsibilities), 5499.7 (relating to confirmation of terminal illness) or 5499.8 (relating to counseling referral) may not be the sole basis for a report of unprofessional or dishonorable conduct to the State Board of Medicine or the State Board of Osteopathic Medicine. (g) Standard of care.--No provision of this chapter may be construed to allow a lower standard of care for patients in the community where the patient is treated or a similar community. (h) Definitions.--As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection unless the context clearly indicates otherwise: "Notify." A separate written statement to the health care provider which sanctions its participation in activities covered by this chapter before the participation occurs. § 5499.16. Claims by governmental entity for costs incurred. A governmental entity that incurs costs resulting from a qualified patient ending the qualified patient's life under this chapter in a public place shall have a claim against the estate of the individual to recover costs and reasonable attorney fees related to enforcing the claim. § 5499.17. Construction. Nothing under this chapter may be construed to authorize a provider or any other individual to end a patient's life by lethal injection, mercy killing or active euthanasia. Actions taken in accordance with this chapter shall not constitute suicide, assisted suicide, mercy killing or homicide under the law. § 5499.18. Immunity. Except as provided in section 5499.19 (relating to liability): JUNE 23, (1) An individual may not be subject to civil or criminal liability or professional disciplinary action for participating in good faith compliance with this chapter. This includes being present when a qualified patient takes the prescribed end-of-life medication. (2) A professional organization or association, health care facility or health care provider may not subject an individual to censure, discipline, suspension, loss of license, loss of privileges, loss of membership or other penalty for participating in good faith or refusing to participate under this chapter. (3) A request by a patient for or provision by an attending provider of end-of-life medication in good faith compliance with this chapter does not constitute negligence for any purpose of law or provide the sole basis for the appointment of a guardian or conservator. § 5499.19. Liability. (a) Mishandling instrument.--An individual who, without authorization of the patient, willfully alters or forges a request for end-of-life medication or conceals or destroys a rescission of that request with the intent or effect of causing the patient's death shall not be immune from criminal liability under section 5499.18 (relating to immunity). (b) Undue influence.--An individual, including an attending provider, who coerces or exerts undue influence on a patient to request endof-life medication for the purpose of ending the patient's life or to destroy a rescission of a request shall not be immune from criminal liability under section 5499.18. (c) Civil damages.--Nothing under this chapter limits liability for civil damages resulting from negligent or intentional misconduct or coercion by an individual, including an attending provider. § 5499.20. Prohibitions and penalties. (a) Intent to hasten death.--An individual who, without authorization of the patient, willfully alters, forges, conceals or destroys an instrument, the reinstatement or revocation of an instrument or any other evidence or document reflecting the patient's desires and interests with the intent and effect of causing a withholding or withdrawal of life-sustaining procedures or of artificially administered nutrition and hydration which hastens the death of the patient, commits a felony of the first degree. (b) Intent to affect health care decision.--Except as provided in subsection (a), an individual who, without authorization of the patient, willfully alters, forges, conceals or destroys an instrument, the reinstatement or revocation of an instrument or any other evidence or document reflecting the patient's desires and interests with the intent or effect of affecting a health care decision, commits a misdemeanor of the first degree. (2) The addition of 20 Pa.C.S. Ch. 54 Subch. G shall take effect in 120 days. (3) Will the Senate agree to the amendment?

The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Indiana, Senator Pittman. Senator PITTMAN. Madam President, I move the amendment be laid upon the table.

The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Allegheny, Senator Costa. Senator COSTA. Madam President, you know, given the very heartfelt remarks that we heard from our colleague, I ask for a negative vote on this tabling motion. Will the Senate agree to the motion?

Senator Costa requests a temporary Capitol leave for Senator Pisciottano. Without objection, the leave will be granted. And the question recurring, Will the Senate agree to the motion? YEA-28 Argall Baker Bartolotta Brooks Brown Coleman Culver Dush Farry Gebhard Hutchinson Keefer Langerholc Laughlin Malone Martin Mastriano Pennycuick Phillips-Hill Picozzi Pittman Robinson Rothman Stefano Vogel Ward, Judy Ward, Kim Yaw NAY-21 Boscola Cappelletti Collett Comitta Costa Flynn Fontana Haywood Hughes Kane Kearney Kim Miller Muth Pisciottano Santarsiero Saval Schwank Street Tartaglione Williams, Lindsey A majority of the Senators having voted "aye," the question was determined in the affirmative.

The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Lycoming, Senator Yaw. Senator YAW. Madam President, I rise today to support Senate Bill No. 730, which is legislation that codifies Pennsylvania orders for life-sustaining treatment, commonly known as POLST. This bill represents years of careful work; thoughtful discussion; collaboration among physicians, patient advocates, legal experts, emergency medical personnel; and efforts by others who share the common goal, which is ensuring Pennsylvanians have their healthcare wishes respected. POLST is a medical order completed after a conversation between a patient and a healthcare professional who spells out the specific treatment a seriously ill patient does or does not want in an emergency or at the end of life. Unlike general planning documents, POLST is designed for individuals whose serious or advanced illness--whose medical decisions may need to be followed immediately by doctors, nurses, and emergency personnel. It is important to note that POLST is different from an advance directive. Advance directives generally identify a surrogate decision-maker or provide broad guidance about future care preferences, often in situations that are not foreseeable. POLST translates a patient's current medical condition and treatment preferences into a physician- or clinician-signed medical order that must be followed immediately, ensuring care aligns with the patient's wishes in real time. The need for POLST was first brought to my attention by Dr. Alexander Nesbitt, a highly respected hospice and palliative care physician at Susquehanna Palliative Care in Williamsport. This was done about 10 years ago, and this bill has been in the process since then. Dr. Nesbitt's advocacy, expertise, and persistence have been invaluable throughout this whole process. The legislation before us today builds upon years of engagement and reflects a broad consensus among those most directly involved in end-oflife care. It contains strong safeguards and provides clear guidance for healthcare providers while preserving the rights, dignity, and autonomy of patients. I will state that this bill does not advocate, does not promote, and does not support suicide, assisted suicide, or euthanasia. I am grateful to Dr. Nesbitt and all of the healthcare professionals for their input during this process and also to Senator Michele Brooks and her committed staff to bringing everyone to the table to form a consensus on an issue and working with me toward a framework that puts patients first. Madam President, Senate Bill No. 730 is a product of collaboration, compromise, and a shared commitment to patient-centered care. This bill is supported by the Pennsylvania Medical Society, the Pennsylvania Homecare Association, the Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians, the Pennsylvania Association of Elder Law Attorneys, the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference, and the National POLST Collaborative. Senate Bill No. 730 will provide meaningful benefits for patients, families, and healthcare JUNE 23, providers across Pennsylvania. I respectfully ask my colleagues for an affirmative vote. Thank you, Madam President.

Senator Pittman requests a temporary Capitol leave for Senator Baker. Without objection, the leave will be granted. And the question recurring, The yeas and nays were taken agreeably to the provisions of the Constitution and were as follows, viz: YEA-49 Argall Baker Bartolotta Boscola Brooks Brown Cappelletti Coleman Collett Comitta Costa Culver Dush Farry Flynn Fontana Gebhard Haywood Hughes Hutchinson Kane Kearney Keefer Kim Langerholc Laughlin Malone Martin Mastriano Miller Muth Pennycuick Phillips-Hill Picozzi Pisciottano Pittman Robinson Rothman Santarsiero Saval Schwank Stefano Street Tartaglione Vogel Ward, Judy Ward, Kim Williams, Lindsey Yaw NAY-0 A constitutional majority of all the Senators having voted "aye," the question was determined in the affirmative. Ordered, That the Secretary of the Senate present said bill to the House of Representatives for concurrence. SB 743, HB 852, HB 853, SB 923 and SB 1182 -- Without objection, the bills were passed over in their order at the request of Senator PITTMAN. SB 1206 (Pr. No. 1554) -- The Senate proceeded to consideration of the bill, entitled: An act amending the act of December 14, 1992 (P.L.1116, No.145), known as the Wholesale Prescription Drug Distributors License Act, further providing for definitions and for license application. Will the Senate agree to the bill on third consideration? PENNYCUICK AMENDMENT A3772 ADOPTED Senator PENNYCUICK offered the following amendment No. A3772: and inserting: Amending the act of December 14, 1992 (P.L.1116, No.145), entitled "An act providing minimum standards, terms and conditions for the licensing of persons who engage in wholesale distributions in interstate commerce of prescription drugs; and making a repeal," further providing for definitions and for license application. page 3, lines 1 through 11; by striking out all of said lines on said pages and inserting: Section 1. The definition of "virtual manufacturer" in section 3 of the act of December 14, 1992 (P.L.1116, No.145), known as the Wholesale Prescription Drug Distributors License Act, added October 16, 2024 (P.L.988, No.101), is amended and the section is amended by adding a definition to read: Section 3. Definitions. The following words and phrases when used in this act shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise: "Temporary license." A license issued by the department to a manufacturer or a virtual manufacturer under section 5(a.2) for a drug or medical device that has not yet received final approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration. "Virtual manufacturer." A person with a place of business located in this Commonwealth in the business of manufacturing and distributing a drug or medical device that: [(1) Holds the drug or device approval and label code or is otherwise identified on the product label from the United States Food and Drug Administration.] (1) With respect to the drug or medical device: (i) holds the applicable approval, clearance, authorization or labeler code issued by the United States Food and Drug Administration or is otherwise identified on labeling approved, cleared or authorized by the United States Food and Drug Administration; or (ii) for purposes of a temporary license, has submitted to the United States Food and Drug Administration and has pending before the United States Food and Drug Administration an application, premarket notification, request or other submission seeking approval, clearance or authorization for the drug or medical device. (2) At no time takes physical possession of any drug or device in this Commonwealth. Section 2. Section 5 of the act is amended by adding a subsection to read: Section 5. License application. (a.2) Temporary license.-(1) If the applicant is a manufacturer of a prescription drug or a virtual manufacturer of a drug or medical device that has not yet received approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration, the department may issue a temporary license if the applicant submits all of the following: (i) Documentation demonstrating that an application for approval has been submitted to the United States Food and Drug Administration, including, where applicable: (A) a new drug application number; (B) an abbreviated new drug application number; (C) a biologics license application number; (D) a unique device identification number; (E) a 510(k) premarket notification; or (F) other documentation acceptable to the department demonstrating active review by the United States Food and Drug Administration. (ii) Documentation identifying any contract manufacturing organization or licensed manufacturing facility involved in the manufacture, packaging, labeling or distribution of the drug or medical device. (iii) Documentation demonstrating compliance with applicable requirements of 21 U.S.C. Ch. 9 Subch. V Pt. H (relating to pharmaceutical distribution supply chain). (2) A temporary license issued under paragraph (1): (i) shall expire one year after issuance unless renewed by the department; (ii) shall automatically expire upon denial, withdrawal or refusal of the applicant's approval application by the United States Food and Drug Administration; (iii) may not authorize commercial distribution of a drug or device unless otherwise permitted under Federal law; and (iv) does not create a property interest in the temporary license and may be suspended or revoked by the department for failure to maintain compliance with this act or applicable Federal law. (3) An applicant issued a temporary license under paragraph (1) shall notify the department within five business days of: (i) approval, denial, withdrawal or refusal of an application by the United States Food and Drug Administration; or (ii) any material change to the applicant's manufacturing or distribution arrangements. (4) Issuance of a temporary license or a license under this subsection may not be construed as approval, endorsement or authorization of a drug or medical device by the Commonwealth. (5) The department may promulgate regulations and develop monitoring, reporting and enforcement procedures necessary to implement this subsection. (6) Upon satisfactory proof provided by the temporary licensee to the department that all conditions for licensure have been met, the department shall convert the temporary license into a license within 30 days. (7) The department may not renew a temporary license more than once for the same applicant. Section 3. This act shall take effect in 60 days. Will the Senate agree to the amendment?

The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Blair, Senator Judy Ward. Senator J. WARD. Madam President, design best build value [design build best value] is an alternative procurement method to accelerate the delivery of complex projects, such as combining the design and construction phases. Every State determines its own procurement laws. The Commonwealth's purchasing laws limit design build to the lowest bidder and prohibit design build best value. The commission is subject to our procurement laws as well; however, the agency acts more like a business. The commission's operations are governed by a five-member board of commissioners who were nominated by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. The uniqueness of the Pennsylvania Turnpike--America's first superhighway--is primed for design build best value. Senate Bill No. 1377 is narrowly focused on delegating this authority to the [Pennsylvania] Turnpike Commission for a pilot program. The commission was awarded a $600 million grant from the Federal Highway Administration to deliver the Delaware River Bridge, estimated at over $1 billion. We must act swiftly to ensure the commission has the right tools to accomplish this complex project. Thank you, Madam President. And the question recurring, The yeas and nays were taken agreeably to the provisions of the Constitution and were as follows, viz: YEA-49 Argall Baker Bartolotta Boscola Brooks Brown Cappelletti Coleman Collett Comitta Costa Culver Dush Farry Flynn Fontana Gebhard Haywood Hughes Hutchinson Kane Kearney Keefer Kim Langerholc Laughlin Malone Martin Mastriano Miller Muth Pennycuick Phillips-Hill Picozzi Pisciottano Pittman Robinson Rothman Santarsiero Saval Schwank Stefano Street Tartaglione Vogel Ward, Judy Ward, Kim Williams, Lindsey Yaw NAY-0 A constitutional majority of all the Senators having voted "aye," the question was determined in the affirmative. Ordered, That the Secretary of the Senate present said bill to the House of Representatives for concurrence. HB 1442, HB 1646, HB 1830 and HB 1860 -- Without objection, the bills were passed over in their order at the request of Senator PITTMAN. HB 1862 (Pr. No. 3510) -- The Senate proceeded to consideration of the bill, entitled: An Act amending Titles 35 (Health and Safety), 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) and 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in general provisions, further providing for definitions; in licensing of drivers, further providing for chemical testing to determine amount of alcohol or controlled substance and repealing provisions relating to ignition interlock limited license; in driving after imbibing alcohol or utilizing drugs, further providing for definitions, for grading, for penalties and for ignition interlock, providing for ignition interlock driver's license, for ignition interlock driver's license issued during suspension period and for online services for ignition interlock driver's license and further providing for prior offenses, for the offense of illegally operating a motor vehicle not equipped with ignition interlock and for requirements for driving under influence offenders; and making editorial changes. Will the Senate agree to the bill on third consideration? J. WARD AMENDMENT A3765 ADOPTED Senator J. WARD offered the following amendment No. A3765: out all of said lines on said pages and inserting: (iii) A person may file a written complaint to the department on a form as determined by the department to report a vendor in violation of paragraph (4) or (5) and that fails to refund or cancel costs to the person. A person who voluntarily signs an attestation under paragraph (5) may not file a written complaint. Upon review of the validity of the written complaint, the department shall issue a warning notice to the vendor for failure to refund or cancel costs to the person. The department may impose an administrative penalty of up to $5,000 for each violation on a vendor for failure to comply within 45 business days of the date on the warning notice. The department may initiate the process to decertify the vendor's ignition interlock device for failure to comply within 90 business days of the date on the warning notice. (iv) The department's warning notice shall advise the vendor that the vendor may request an informal departmental hearing within 10 days of the date of the notice if the vendor wishes to contest the violation. The vendor may appeal the informal departmental determination by requesting, within 10 days of the date of the warning notice, a formal hearing as prescribed by departmental regulations. If an informal departmental hearing is requested within 10 days, the hearing shall be held within 15 days of the request. If, as a result of the hearing, the department determines that a violation occurred, the department may impose a penalty under subparagraph (iii). Will the Senate agree to the amendment?

Senator Muth has returned, and her temporary Capitol leave is cancelled. SB 127 (Pr. No. 76) -- The Senate proceeded to consideration of the bill, entitled: An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in terms and courses of study, repealing provisions relating to Holocaust, genocide and human rights violations instruction and providing for Holocaust, genocide and human rights violations instruction required. Considered the second time and agreed to, Ordered, To be printed on the Calendar for third consideration. 10:30 A.M. SB 142, SB 357, SB 406, SB 599, SB 720, SB 746, SB 857, SB 907, SB 1215, SB 1321, SB 1324, HB 1541, HB 1600 and HB 1972 -- Without objection, the bills were passed over in their order at the request of Senator PITTMAN. COMMUNICATIONS AND TECHNOLOGY Room 8E-B (to consider House Bill No. 78) East Wing (LIVE STREAMED) 10:30 A.M. Room 8E-A HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (to consider Senate Resolution No. 216; and House East Wing (LIVE Bills No. 69, 928, 1117, 1851 and 2540) STREAMED) D.R. 1 and D.R. 2 -- Pursuant to Senate Rule 9, the requisite time for action having expired, the discharge resolutions were removed from the Calendar and laid on the table. Senator CULVER, from the Committee on Education, reported the following bills: HB 681 (Pr. No. 1882) An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in school health services, further providing for health services, for reports and for interagency coordinating council for child health, nutrition and physical education; and, in terms and courses of study, further providing for physical education. HB 1505 (Pr. No. 1760) An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in early learning programs, further providing for definitions. Senator HUTCHINSON. Madam President, I move that the Senate do now proceed to consideration of all bills reported from committees for the first time at today's Session. The motion was agreed to by voice vote. The bills were as follows: SB 890, SB 1061, SB 1212, SB 1303, SB 1355, SB 1400, HB 681, HB 1102, HB 1505, HB 1667, HB 2024 and HB 2443. And said bills having been considered for the first time, Ordered, To be printed on the Calendar for second consideration. The following announcements were read by the Secretary of the Senate: WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2026 10:00 A.M. INNOVATION (to consider House Bill No. 1460) Room 8E-B East Wing (LIVE STREAMED) Off the Floor APPROPRIATIONS (to consider Senate Bills House Bill No. 2017) Rules Committee Conference Room Off the Floor RULES AND EXECUTIVE NOMINATIONS Rules Committee (to consider certain Executive Nominations) Conference Room

The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Allegheny, Senator Costa. Senator COSTA. Madam President, today I rise to share with my colleagues the fact that I had the pleasure of attending and participating earlier today in our Senate Democratic Policy Committee meeting on utility affordability. And I certainly want to thank our policy chairperson, Senator Nick Miller, but also Senator John Kane and Senator James Malone for bringing this very important topic to the committee and to our attention. Madam President, I think my colleagues would agree there are many policy errors dealing with our economy that we admittedly cannot make a huge difference by passing simply a piece of legislation. But I can share with my colleagues that a utility policy, and several utility policies, is one of those areas where we can make a substantial improvement in not only our economy, but the financial conditions of our constituents' everyday lives. Today's speakers included a number of members of the regulatory body overseeing utility matters: PUC vice chairperson Kim Barrow; Pennsylvania Consumer Advocate Darryl Lawrence; Andrew Tubbs, president of Energy Association [of Pennsylvania], a trade group of utility companies; and Liz Marx, the director of the Pennsylvania Utility [Law] Project, a consumer advocacy and legal assistance organization. Madam President, each of these participants brought important insight, important recommendations to light that I would like to talk a little bit about with my colleagues here today. First and foremost, we recognize the General Assembly has, within its power, the ability to save Pennsylvania electric ratepayers hundreds of millions of dollars, if not $1 billion per year in reduced utility bills. Let me repeat that. We have within our power the ability to save our ratepayers in excess of possibly $1 billion in reduced utility bill payments. That is $1 billion back in the hands of residents and businesses that would be better used to power our economy. Since 2020, the average electric bill has gone up 50 percent--50 percent. That is money taken out of households and sent to our utility companies that could be better used in homes and in our communities. Now, there are many reasons why that has occurred, and some are certainly out of our control, as I mentioned. But commodity prices, dysfunction in our generation wholesale market, unexpected expansion of the electric grid, and electric usage have all led to this sticker shock and this price shock. That said, we believe that there are steps we can take to stem the upward trajectory of our bills and save Pennsylvania's money. First and foremost, we should enact now Senate Bill No. 312, introduced by our colleague Senator John Kane. Senator Kane's Senate Bill No. 312 is a basic consumer protection that will prevent a utility customer from unknowingly being switched from one payment method to another, more expensive method. Pennsylvanians have the option to shop for their electric suppliers. With this option, currently, comes the risk that a customer will sign up for a plan that has a fixed price for a period of time. However, Madam President, as we know, when that billing period ends, the customer can then unknowingly, unknowingly, be shifted to more expensive billing methodology, drastically increasing their bill. One example given today was that a woman, a single mom with her daughter in hand, presented herself to the [Pennsylvania] Utility Law Project individual who talked about the fact that her bill had gone from 7.5 cents [per] kilowatt hour to 61 cents per kilowatt hour, almost a 10 times increase in terms of the rate costs simply because the plan was put into place. But what is particularly cruel about this, and that the tactics often prey upon the most vulnerable among us by trapping people with complicated contract language and service terms. We need to change that. Senate Bill No. 312 will prevent that by automatically entering a customer in a utility company flat default service plan. It is simple. Put them into the default plan, and they make significant changes and we are not making those exorbitant amounts. It is a simple change, and one change alone would have saved utility customers $350 million in 2025 alone. That is just not me saying that, that was the evidence that we saw earlier today; $350 million unnecessary electric costs were paid to utility companies because we did not have something like Senate Bill No. 312 in place. That is one thing. The second thing we need to talk about, we need to enact our own Pennsylvania LIHEAP program. LIHEAP is a tremendous program that helps folks in need, whether it be in crisis, whether it be with weatherization, or just simply customer assistance along those lines. We have provided this type of assistance for a number of years, emergency grants, and weatherization, as I mentioned, since 1981. But it is entirely funded by the Federal government here in Pennsylvania. We need to take our own steps to be able to fund it. Over half of our fellow States, half of our fellow States provide their own supplemental assistance to the LIHEAP program, and we need to join those States by increasing or JUNE 23, providing resources to the Commonwealth to provide LIHEAP to keep more people's heat on in the winter and the air conditioning going strong in the summer. Senate Bill No. 724, introduced by our colleague, Senator Lindsey Williams, provides these needed resources and expanded seasonal coverage, which is extremely important. That is something we must take advantage of. Third, Madam President, we must address data center energy usage. That seems to be the topic here in Pennsylvania. So, while that debate around what to do about data center development generally continues, I think we have to make one change urgently. Senate Bill No. 724, again, also offers a path forward in this space, as does House Bill No. 1834. These bills provide a very important bring-your-own-power policy solutions for data centers, something that we need to enact immediately. This policy means different things to different people, but we must come together and enact legislation that makes data centers pay for their own energy use and their infrastructure, something that must be done. Utility services are not designed to bring in hyperscale energy users like data centers en masse. We must act now to make data center developers pay for their own energy needs to protect everyday utility consumers. Fourth, Madam President, there are also a few other items that were established for good reason but have grown in cost over the years that now need to be readdressed. Merchant generators, and the Tier 2 APS generators, and the two separate concerns that are growing in costs over a year at substantial rates. These costs that could soon combine these costs to ratepayers to be over $1 billion according not to me, but to the PUC. Both issues require a delicate hand because they support needed energy resources, but we must find a way to mitigate the costs and reduce the general burden that is imposed on households. And, lastly, Madam President, we have to place more pressure on PJM to do its job to reduce prices. Many of us believe that PJM has failed to keep pace with our energy needs, and this has led to substantial price increases for energy generation development here in recent years in Pennsylvania. Our Governor has fought hard to place caps on those increases and saved billions of dollars for our Commonwealth residents, which I supported, but that was a short-term fix. One way we can help PJM and help Pennsylvania at the same time is by supporting the Governor's Lightning Plan. The Lightning Plan provides a means to invest in generation resources and to create jobs here in Pennsylvania. And if we do build more generation, we will create more jobs and reduce energy prices. It is basic supply and demand. In summary, Madam President, we have a lot on our plate here, especially right now in the month of June, but today's Senate Democrats hosted a forum to hear from experienced professionals in the field of energy and consumer protections, and they brought to us many good ideas today. I have laid out five examples here this afternoon that I believe are part of the solution, and I urge my colleagues from the other side of the aisle to help us bring these ideas to reality. We are ready to talk about how we want to help our constituents. I hope we can meet collectively to make this moment happen. Thank you, Madam President. The PRESIDENT pro tempore (Senator Kim L. Ward) in the presence of the Senate signed the following bill: HB 1877.