Rep. Bob Freeman

Maddy summaryHB 578 sets a new maximum contaminant level of 10 parts per trillion for specific PFAS chemicals (including PFOA and PFOS) in public drinking water systems across Pennsylvania. This directly affects municipal water providers and the residents who rely on tap water, requiring them to meet this stricter standard. The bill establishes this limit unless federal or state agencies set a higher standard, in which case those standards would take precedence. Water systems must comply with this level, and the Department of Environmental Protection must publish any federal/state standards in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 574 amends Pennsylvania's Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act to update definitions and establish emergency water protections. It specifically adds PFAS chemicals (like PFOA and PFOS) to the definition of "hazardous substance" and creates a new designation for "special drinking water resource-impacted communities" when groundwater or surface water exceeds 10 parts per trillion of PFAS over a 12-month average or contains other pollutants threatening public water supplies. The bill grants the Governor authority to declare such communities and set immediate emergency water standards and cleanup requirements without waiting for full site remediation. This directly affects municipalities with contaminated water sources, particularly those dealing with PFAS contamination requiring urgent public health responses. The changes aim to streamline emergency actions for communities facing immediate drinking water risks from hazardous substances.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution (HR 76) urges the U.S. Congress to change Medicare reimbursement policies to cover blood transfusions for hospice patients with blood cancer. It highlights that current Medicare pays hospices a fixed daily rate ($34,465.34 annually per patient), which fails to cover the average $2,388 cost per red blood cell unit transfusion - needed twice weekly by most patients. The resolution states this reimbursement gap prevents access to palliative transfusions (used for comfort, not cancer treatment), leading patients to avoid hospice care. It specifically references a 2023 federal bill proposal that aimed to create a separate payment model for transfusions. The resolution has no legal effect but seeks to prompt federal policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds music therapy to Pennsylvania's existing licensing framework for mental health professionals. It creates a new "licensed professional music therapist" category and defines "practice of music therapy" to include clinically proven techniques like music improvisation, songwriting, and music-based assessments. The State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, Professional Counselors, and Professional Music Therapists will regulate this new license. It directly affects individuals who provide music therapy services independently, requiring them to hold this specific license while clarifying that existing healthcare providers (like hospitals or schools) aren't required to obtain it for their employment.

Maddy summaryHB 551, the "Support Through Loss Act," requires employers with five or more employees in Pennsylvania to provide 24 hours of paid leave annually for employees experiencing pregnancy loss or related reproductive health events. It covers specific situations like pregnancy loss, failed fertility treatments (including assisted reproductive technology), adoption issues, or fertility-related diagnoses, as well as leave to care for a spouse or domestic partner in these circumstances. Employers must post notices about the policy and are prohibited from retaliating against employees who use this leave or discriminating based on its use. The bill takes effect for all covered employers starting January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 552 creates three public alert systems in Pennsylvania: the Amber Alert for abducted children, the Missing Endangered Person Advisory System for missing individuals at special risk (e.g., due to health conditions), and the Green Alert for veterans-at-risk (veterans with service-related health conditions facing harm). The Pennsylvania State Police must establish and maintain these systems, coordinate with other jurisdictions, and use a $25 fee assessed on certain convictions (like kidnapping or unlawful restraint) to fund them. The bill also prohibits false alerts with a $5,000 civil penalty and ensures law enforcement can still independently notify the public. It directly affects the State Police, law enforcement agencies, and individuals convicted of specified crimes.

Maddy summaryHB 556 bans Pennsylvania public officials and employees from accepting free transportation, lodging, hospitality, cash, or gifts from people or organizations with business ties to their government role - such as contractors, lobbyists, or regulated entities. It directly affects state legislators, agency staff, and other public officials whose duties could be influenced by such gifts. Key provisions require officials to report certain exceptions (like academic awards or light refreshments at group events) while prohibiting gifts that could create conflicts of interest. The bill aims to strengthen ethics rules by clarifying what constitutes a prohibited gift under Pennsylvania's financial disclosure laws.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution (HR 65) establishes a task force to study social media platforms and websites that encourage suicide. The task force, chaired by the Attorney General and including health officials, legislative committee leaders, and appointed experts in psychology, cyberbullying, and suicide prevention, will examine how to address such content. It must issue a report within two years with recommendations for legislative or executive actions to prevent suicides linked to these online spaces. The resolution focuses on gathering evidence and advice to inform future policy, without creating new laws or regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 534 amends Pennsylvania's Election Code to provide braille absentee ballots for voters who are blind, visually impaired, or disabled. It requires these voters to submit a written request to their county board of elections at least 45 days before an election, including specific details like their address and a request for braille format. The Department of State will handle ballot preparation, distribution, and create accessible voting guides in multiple formats. This change directly affects eligible voters with visual or mobility disabilities, ensuring they can independently access absentee ballots.

Maddy summaryHB 512 amends Pennsylvania law to set a clear maximum for veterans' temporary financial assistance. The bill specifies that payments cannot exceed $2,500 or the veteran's documented need, whichever is less. This change directly affects Pennsylvania veterans eligible for temporary financial aid under Title 51. The key provision simplifies the existing rule by removing outdated language and establishing a fixed cap, ensuring assistance aligns with actual documented need.