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SR 247

A Resolution honoring and expressing unwavering support from the Senate of Pennsylvania to the soldiers, airmen, marines and sailors of the United States Armed Forces serving in Operation Epic Fury and recognizing their courage, sacrifice and devotion to the defense of liberty.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lisa Baker and 12 co-sponsors

The bill designates March 2008 as National Developmental Disability Awareness Month in Pennsylvania and urges year-round support for inclusion and community-based services.

Referred to Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness
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Bill Summary · SR 247

Summary of Pennsylvania Senate Resolution SR 247 (Session 2025-2026)

Note: The bill text provided appears to correspond to a historical 2008 Senate Resolution (SR 247) recognizing National Developmental Disability Awareness Month. The request mentions a 2025-2026 session and Operation Epic Fury, but the available text and action history reflect a resolution about developmental disabilities. This summary focuses on the bill as provided: recognizing National Developmental Disability Awareness Month.

1) Purpose and Intent

  • Primary aim: Acknowledge March 2008 as “National Developmental Disability Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania.
  • Emphasizes the importance of public awareness and education to improve the lives of Pennsylvanians with developmental disabilities.
  • Expresses appreciation for Pennsylvanians who conducted outreach, education, and services during the month.
  • Urges continued year-round support for efforts enabling people with developmental disabilities to live full, productive lives with inclusion in communities.

Note: The “intent” centers on advocacy, awareness, inclusion, and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities, aligning with Olmstead-era emphasis on community-based services.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

  • Resolved Statement: The Senate recognizes the critical role of public awareness and education in improving outcomes for persons with developmental disabilities.
  • Formal Designation: Proclaims March 2008 as National Developmental Disability Awareness Month in Pennsylvania.
  • Recognition and Encouragement: Acknowledges and thanks Pennsylvanians who carried out outreach and services during March.
  • Call to Action: Urges Pennsylvanians to provide year-round support for services and inclusion efforts to help individuals with developmental disabilities participate in schools, neighborhoods, workplaces, and places of worship.

Notable Details from the Text

  • Data points cited within the resolution (for context, not new policy):
    • Approximately 46,000 Pennsylvanians received development disability services in the prior year.
    • Over 50,000 children received early intervention services.
    • About 22,000 individuals with developmental disabilities were waitlisted for services.
  • Purpose tied to rights and community-based services following the Olmstead decision (right to community-based care rather than institutional care).

3) Who or What Would Be Affected

  • Target Beneficiaries:
    • Individuals with developmental disabilities in Pennsylvania.
    • Families and caregivers, service providers, and educators involved in developmental disability supports.
  • Broad Audience:
    • The general public, state agencies, and community organizations encouraged to participate in awareness and inclusive practices.
  • No new funding, program mandates, or regulatory changes are specified. The measure operates as a commemorative and educational resolution.

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Type: Concurrent or joint bill designating awareness month through a Senate resolution.
  • Effective Date: Typically, proclamations take effect upon passage and signing as a resolution; no operative fiscal or regulatory changes are described.
  • Sponsor and Support: Original sponsors listed; as of the action history, the bill was referred to the Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness committee in 2026, with a list of co-sponsors (including several named Pennsylvania lawmakers).
  • Status Indication: The provided action history notes a 2026 referral, suggesting a potential reintroduction or revalidation of the concept in a modern session, though the text itself reflects the 2008 resolution.

Observations

  • The bill as provided is primarily ceremonial, recognizing awareness month and encouraging ongoing support, rather than creating enforceable obligations or funding.
  • It aligns with broader efforts to promote inclusion and access to community-based services for people with developmental disabilities, in line with Olmstead principles.

If you need a version tailored to the 2025-2026 session with a focus on Operation Epic Fury or potential veterans-related impacts, I can adapt the summary once the corresponding bill text and official title are provided.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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