HB 192 repeals outdated language requiring psychological services to be provided on school premises for nonpublic school students. It updates the definition of "professional employees" to explicitly include school social workers, counselors, psychologists, and nurses in Pennsylvania schools. The bill mandates that school social workers must hold a new educational specialist certificate issued by the Department of Education, which must be created within 60 days. Additionally, it adds rules requiring schools to share student health records when students transfer and to retain those records for at least two years after a student leaves.
SB 88 amends Pennsylvania's Insurance Company Law to require health insurance plans sold in the state to cover specific breast imaging services without cost-sharing for policyholders. It mandates annual mammograms for women 40+ and physician-recommended mammograms for women under 40, plus MRI and other breast imaging for those at average or higher risk of breast cancer due to factors like family history, genetic mutations, or dense breast tissue. The law specifies coverage for screening, supplemental, and diagnostic exams but does not require coverage for mastectomies or override standard deductibles/copays beyond the minimum required services. This replaces prior requirements that allowed cost-sharing and excluded MRI coverage.
SB 573 requires Pennsylvania public and nonpublic schools to integrate blood donation education into health classes for 11th and 12th graders. The curriculum must cover blood physiology, donation procedures and safety, blood usage in medical situations, and community benefits of donating. Students or parents may opt out for religious reasons without penalty, and schools must provide alternative learning during the unit.
HB 1285 prohibits Pennsylvania Commonwealth government entities, law enforcement agencies, peace officers, and political subdivisions from cooperating with out-of-state investigations related to abortion. These entities are forbidden from providing information or using resources to assist investigations that seek to impose civil or criminal liability for abortion services or related activities that are legal in Pennsylvania. This includes actions like providing, seeking, receiving, or assisting with abortion or related inquiries. The bill does not apply if the out-of-state investigation itself would violate Pennsylvania law.
HB 404 amends Pennsylvania's Insurance Company Law to extend health insurance coverage for children under family policies. It requires policies to cover dependent children up to age 26 (previously 19) and prohibits insurers from denying or restricting coverage based on a child's financial dependency, residency, marital status, school enrollment, or employment. The bill also allows group health plans to extend coverage for adult children up to age 29 if they meet specific conditions, such as not being married, having no dependents, and residing in Pennsylvania or attending school full-time. This affects all health insurance policies sold in Pennsylvania that provide dependent child coverage.
HR 150 is a Pennsylvania House resolution designating April 11-17, 2025, as "Black Maternal Health Week" to highlight the disproportionate maternal health disparities affecting Black women and birthing persons in the state. It references Pennsylvania data showing Black women face maternal mortality rates twice as high as White women (148 vs. 74 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2020) and higher morbidity rates. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but aims to raise public awareness about preventable maternal health outcomes. It specifically targets state-level attention to this crisis, citing local statistics from Philadelphia and Allegheny Counties. As a symbolic resolution, it has no binding effect but seeks to spur broader discussion and action.
This Pennsylvania House resolution designates March 2025 as "Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month" in the state. It does not create new laws or funding but aims to raise public awareness about colorectal cancer prevention, screening, and survival rates. The resolution highlights key statistics, such as colorectal cancer being the second deadliest cancer in Pennsylvania and the fact that 68% of deaths could be prevented with screening. It directly affects all Pennsylvanians by encouraging awareness and early detection efforts during the designated month.
Senate Resolution 105 recognizes May 2025 as "National Treatment Court Month" in Pennsylvania. This resolution aims to raise awareness about the effectiveness of various treatment courts, such as Drug Courts and Mental Health Courts, in addressing underlying issues contributing to criminal behavior and promoting recovery.
HB 1127 authorizes Pennsylvania to join the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, enabling dentists and dental hygienists licensed in Pennsylvania to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses. The bill establishes a "Compact Privilege" that allows qualified professionals to practice across state lines while maintaining each state's regulatory authority over scope of practice and disciplinary actions. Key mechanisms include streamlined licensure pathways, shared disciplinary information between states, and protection of public health standards. This affects licensed dental professionals seeking to work in multiple compact states, particularly addressing workforce mobility and access to care.
HB 1672 creates a $2,500 annual tax credit against individual income tax for active paid or volunteer firefighters and emergency medical service (EMS) providers in Pennsylvania. It directly affects qualifying professionals working in fire or EMS roles as defined by state law, including career responders and volunteers. The credit reduces tax owed on wages earned, applies for up to three years (the year they become qualified plus the next two), and requires proof of eligibility to the Department of Revenue. The credit expires for new applicants after 2028 and ends entirely by December 31, 2031.
