Rep. Jeanne McNeill

Maddy summaryHB 1785 amends Pennsylvania's Workers' Compensation Act to expand coverage for certain cancers diagnosed in workers. It directly affects employees who develop cancer linked to job-related exposures, such as hazardous chemicals or radiation, that were previously not covered under the act. The key provision adds specific cancers to the list of occupational illnesses eligible for compensation, removing the need for workers to prove direct causation beyond standard workplace hazards. The bill is currently pending in the Labor & Industry committee after being referred on August 10, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1774 modifies Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to allow the Department of Revenue to review refund requests for overpaid taxes submitted more than three years after payment. It directly affects taxpayers who paid excess taxes years ago and seek refunds beyond the standard three-year window. The key provision grants the Department discretion to approve refunds for "the number of years of overpayment as the department deems necessary." This changes the process by giving the Department authority to grant refunds for older overpayments, rather than automatically denying them after three years. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1766 amends Pennsylvania's Workers' Compensation Act to require employers to reimburse qualifying patients for medical marijuana costs under the state's Medical Marijuana Act. It mandates dollar-for-dollar reimbursement for eligible medical marijuana purchases, capped at $250 per month or $3,000 annually, with patients covering costs exceeding $250 monthly. Employers must establish a system for quarterly reimbursements and cover identification card fees for patients. This directly affects workers certified to use medical marijuana under Pennsylvania law who receive workers' compensation benefits. The provision applies specifically to reimbursement through workers' compensation claims, not to changes in medical marijuana eligibility or access.

Maddy summaryHB 1754 amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code of 1971 to update the definition of "compensation" for personal income tax purposes. It specifically clarifies that "compensation" includes salaries, wages, bonuses, and certain deferred income payments under federal law, while explicitly excluding government benefits like Medicaid, SNAP (food stamps), TANF, and retirement payments. The bill does not change tax rates or create new taxes but provides clearer rules for what counts as taxable income under the state's tax code. This technical update primarily affects how Pennsylvania employers and taxpayers report income for state tax filing.

Maddy summaryHB 1299 amends Pennsylvania's Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law to regulate automatic renewal and continuous service offers. It requires businesses to clearly disclose renewal terms, pricing after trials, and cancellation options in a way consumers can retain, and to allow online cancellation. The law applies to most subscription-based goods/services but excludes health clubs, federally regulated utilities, natural gas/electricity contracts, and insurance entities. Violations would be treated as unfair trade practices under existing enforcement mechanisms.

Maddy summaryHB 564 updates Pennsylvania law to establish a new mental health crisis response system. It requires the Department of Human Services to create and operate this system, including training crisis responders and coordinating care. The bill directly affects individuals experiencing mental health crises and the state agencies responsible for emergency mental health services. Key provisions mandate specific duties for DHS to ensure timely, accessible crisis support statewide. The bill passed final passage on July 14, 2025, and is now under review by the Health & Human Services committee.

Maddy summaryHB 1751 creates a new Office of Employee Ownership within the state's Department of Community and Economic Development to support employee-owned businesses. It establishes an Employee Ownership Advisory Board to guide the program and a Main Street Employee Ownership Grant Program to provide funding for these businesses. The bill also directs the state to offer technical and financial assistance to help employee-owned enterprises grow and operate. This bill directly affects employee-owned businesses seeking support, grants, and guidance through state programs.

Maddy summaryHB 1626 establishes a pilot program allowing career and technical centers (CTCs) and secondary schools in Pennsylvania to offer barber training under the State Board of Barber Examiners. The bill requires participating schools to report student and program data annually by June 30 through 2025. It specifies the pilot program expires three years after enactment (2025) but allows conversion to a permanent program without disrupting existing contracts or rules established during the pilot. This directly affects CTCs and schools participating in barber training, creating a structured pathway for students seeking barbering credentials.

Maddy summaryHB 1728 amends the Public School Code of 1949 to update provisions specifically for community colleges. It clarifies definitions and establishes mechanisms for financial programs and reimbursement of payments related to these institutions. The bill directly affects community colleges by modifying how they manage state funding and reimbursement processes. This summary focuses solely on the bill's stated purpose as described in its title and recent referral.

Maddy summaryHB 1730 amends Pennsylvania's public utilities law to establish rules for service contracts between residential customers and providers of telecommunications, cable, and internet services. It directly affects homeowners and renters who use these services by requiring clearer terms and preventing unfair contract practices. Key provisions include banning automatic renewals without explicit customer consent and mandating plain-language disclosures about fees and cancellation policies. The bill aims to increase transparency and consumer choice in residential service agreements.