Rep. Jeanne McNeill

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a fee program for certain nonemergency medical services provided to inmates in Pennsylvania prisons, with fees capped at $1 per service when requested by the inmate. It requires the Department of Corrections to create regulations specifying which medical services incur fees, their amounts, and payment procedures while exempting medical emergencies, chronic care, and preexisting conditions from fees. The legislation also mandates that inmates pay for medical services related to injuries they caused to themselves or other inmates. The Department of Corrections must update existing rules to align with these changes within 180 days of the bill's effective date, which is set to occur 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Pharmacy Audit Integrity and Transparency Act to update definitions for "specialty drug" and "spread pricing" while establishing a new role for a State pharmacy benefits manager. The updated definitions clarify which prescription medications qualify as specialty drugs based on cost, handling requirements, and patient needs, while defining spread pricing as when a pharmacy benefits manager charges more than it pays pharmacists. The bill requires the Department of Human Services to select a single third-party administrator to manage all pharmacy benefits for Medicaid recipients by July 2026, ensuring all managed care organizations contract with this designated manager. The procurement process mandates competitive selection with strict conflict-of-interest disclosures to prevent conflicts between the manager and other healthcare entities like pharmacies, drug distributors, or managed care organizations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 31, 2026, as Transgender Day of Visibility in Pennsylvania to honor the contributions and lives of transgender individuals. The measure does not change laws or policies but serves as a symbolic recognition of the date, which is already observed nationally to celebrate transgender accomplishments and raise awareness about challenges the community faces. It is sponsored by multiple representatives and referred to the Committee on State Government for consideration. The resolution highlights the importance of transgender visibility and acknowledges the ongoing discrimination and violence the community experiences.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new Boards of Prison Inspectors at each Pennsylvania State correctional institution to oversee facility conditions and operations. The boards will consist of 18 members including medical professionals, educators, law enforcement officers, county officials, and community representatives, with at least one member being a former inmate or family member of an inmate. Each board will conduct unannounced inspections at least twice annually, review inmate complaints and officer misconduct records, and submit public reports on their findings. Board members serve three-year terms without pay but receive expense reimbursement, and they are prohibited from being current employees of the correctional system.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution formally recognizes June 2026 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month in Pennsylvania to honor the state's LGBTQ+ history and community contributions. The bill does not create new laws or change government operations, but instead serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of Pride Month within the Commonwealth. Sponsored by multiple representatives, the resolution highlights Pennsylvania's historical role in LGBTQ+ civil rights, including early Pride demonstrations and legislative actions. This measure is a commemorative gesture that affirms support for LGBTQ+ inclusion without altering any existing policies or programs.

Maddy summaryHB 2255 amends Pennsylvania's Telemarketer Registration Act to regulate the use of artificial intelligence in telemarketing. The bill defines key terms like "artificial intelligence" and "synthetic content," then prohibits telemarketers from using AI to make calls, mimic human voices, select phone numbers, disguise call origins, or interact with consumers during calls. Violations carry civil penalties of up to $100,000 per offense, with escalating fines for repeat violations. Individuals who receive a prohibited call may also sue the telemarketer in court. This bill directly affects telemarketing companies operating in Pennsylvania that use AI for solicitation calls.

Maddy summaryHB 2253 requires Pennsylvania public high schools to hire school life support coaches to provide daily nonclinical emotional support to students. High-need schools (defined by factors like poverty rates, attendance issues, or dropout risk) must employ one coach for every 300 students, while other schools must have one for every 500 students. Coaches must hold specific educational qualifications (e.g., bachelor's degree with two years of experience), complete training in trauma-informed care and crisis response, and focus on mentorship and resource connection without providing therapy or diagnosis. The Department of Education will guide districts on equitable compensation, and coaches must refer students needing clinical services to licensed staff.

Maddy summaryHB 2247 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to require school districts spanning multiple counties or municipalities to set uniform tax rates across their entire district. The bill provides four methods for achieving this, including calculating rates based on market values (not exceeding 75% of property value) or using a single tax rate if jurisdictions share consistent assessment standards. This change directly affects multi-jurisdictional school districts, reducing disparities in how property taxes are applied across county or municipal lines. The bill standardizes tax collection without altering overall tax burdens on property owners.

Maddy summaryHB 660 establishes minimum energy and water efficiency standards for specific products sold in Pennsylvania, directly affecting businesses that sell or install these items. The bill covers commercial equipment like dishwashers, fryers, and ovens, as well as residential products including faucets, showerheads, and water coolers. It requires these products to meet defined efficiency levels to reduce energy/water waste, save consumers money, and lower environmental impact, with fines for non-compliance. The law updates existing rules but excludes products sold outside Pennsylvania, used items, and certain installations like mobile homes.

Maddy summaryHB 1923 establishes new workplace safety requirements for meat packing and food processing facilities by mandating facility health and safety committees. It creates a dedicated workers' rights coordinator position within the Department of Labor and Industry to oversee compliance and address concerns. The bill also adds specific public health emergency protections for workers during outbreaks or crises, requiring employers to follow state health guidelines. These changes directly affect workers and employers in the meat and food processing industry across the state.