Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws to clarify how medical records can be obtained and the fees associated with them. It directly affects patients, their attorneys, and healthcare providers by setting specific prices for copying and retrieving medical charts. Under the new rules, patients and their representatives can access their own records without needing a subpoena, while other parties must pay a set fee for search, retrieval, and copying services. The act also establishes different rates for paper copies versus electronic records and requires these fees to be adjusted annually based on inflation.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's domestic relations laws to redefine marriage as a civil contract between two individuals, removing the previous legal requirement that it be between one man and one woman. It directly affects couples by eliminating state barriers to same-sex marriage and repeals the specific provision that declared such unions void within the Commonwealth. The legislation also updates the statutory definition of marriage to reflect this inclusive language while removing the section that stated it was public policy to restrict marriage to opposite-sex couples.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Pennsylvania hospitals to publish their standard prices for medical items and services on their websites and provide these lists to the public upon request. The law mandates that hospitals display both a comprehensive list of all charges and a simplified, consumer-friendly version for specific services that patients can schedule in advance. Additionally, the bill prohibits hospitals from taking debt collection actions against patients if the hospital fails to comply with these price transparency requirements. By enforcing these rules, the legislation aims to increase clarity on healthcare costs for patients while holding hospitals accountable for maintaining accurate pricing information.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill creates a new Alzheimer's, Dementia and Related Disorders Office within the Department of Aging to coordinate state efforts for people affected by these conditions. The office will oversee existing programs, identify service gaps, manage grants, and update the state's strategic plan every five years based on expert advice. To support this work, the law also establishes a large advisory committee made up of government officials, healthcare providers, researchers, and individuals with personal experience caring for those with dementia. This committee will guide the office's activities, review progress, and ensure that the state's approach remains current and effective.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to update how medical assistance is handled for individuals who are incarcerated. It requires the state to temporarily suspend health coverage when a recipient is sent to a correctional facility and to automatically restore it upon their release, provided they still meet standard eligibility rules. Starting in January 2026, the law allows counties to voluntarily join a new reentry program that offers substance use disorder treatment before release and a 30-day medication supply after release. Counties must formally apply and demonstrate the capacity to support these services before participating, while the state department retains the authority to approve or deny requests based on program readiness.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes an independent Office of Child Advocate within Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to protect the interests of children. The Governor will appoint a Child Advocate who must have at least six years of relevant experience and a bachelor's degree, and the office will operate independently of the department regarding decision-making. The Advocate and their staff are required to complete specific trainings on topics like trauma-informed care and crisis intervention, and they are designated as mandated reporters for suspected child abuse. Additionally, the bill defines the scope of child health, safety, and well-being programs, which include preventing abuse, providing foster care, and offering early intervention services.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all Pennsylvania public and private schools to have automated external defibrillators (AEDs) available at every interscholastic athletic event, including practices. It mandates that schools create a written emergency action plan for sudden cardiac events, which must include a list of trained staff and detailed steps for responding to a medical emergency. The legislation also updates teacher certification requirements to include CPR and AED training, replacing previous rules that focused on CPR instruction alone.

Maddy summaryHB 2491 amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to exempt sales and use taxes on building materials, supplies, and services purchased by construction contractors for affordable housing projects. This change directly affects contractors working on projects that meet the state's legal definition of affordable housing, allowing them to avoid paying sales tax on these specific items. The bill does not alter tax rates or create new taxes but instead clarifies and expands existing exclusions to support the construction and maintenance of designated affordable housing.

Maddy summaryHB 2492 amends Pennsylvania's Election Code to clarify how county boards of elections manage their operations and handle election results. The bill requires county commissioners to provide suitable offices for these boards and mandates that primary and general election expenses be paid by the county. It also establishes specific procedures for counting votes, including public notice of meeting times and places, the preparation of official forms, and the requirement that all assistants be sworn in before performing their duties. Finally, the legislation sets a timeline for completing vote counts, requiring boards to begin the process by 9 a.m. on the third day after an election and continue until finished.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws to require public utilities to give customers at least 60 days' notice before changing their rates. Under the new rules, companies must send clear, plain-language notices to customers and other interested parties, highlighting proposed changes on the outside of mailings. The bill also mandates that utilities file updated rate schedules with the state commission and allows the commission to grant exceptions to the notice period for good cause.