Rep. Ben Sanchez

Maddy summaryHB 1707 establishes a 3-year pilot program providing $5,000 semester stipends to Pennsylvania residents enrolled in approved Master of Social Work (MSW) programs with a 3.0 GPA or higher who complete required internships at department-approved facilities. The Department of Human Services administers the program, awarding stipends subject to available funding and requiring interns to gain clinical training aligned with social work licensure standards. The program mandates a report within one year evaluating outcomes and expansion potential, with authority expiring three years after implementation. This directly supports social work students and aims to strengthen the behavioral health care workforce through structured education and training.

Maddy summaryHB 1572 modifies Pennsylvania's historic preservation tax credit program by setting new annual spending limits and allocation rules. It caps total annual tax credits at $20 million (excluding unused prior-year credits), limits credits to $1.5 million per project owner annually (up from $500,000), and requires equitable regional distribution of credits - reallocating unclaimed funds to other regions. The bill directly affects historic preservation project owners seeking tax credits for rehabilitation work. These changes apply to fiscal years starting July 1, 2025, and aim to manage program funding more systematically.

Maddy summaryHB 1234 amends Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to require public assistance programs to cover the cost of blood pressure monitors for eligible recipients. This change directly affects individuals enrolled in state public assistance programs who need blood pressure monitoring for health management. The bill adds blood pressure monitors to the list of covered medical equipment under the public assistance program, ensuring these devices are provided without cost to recipients. It does not change eligibility requirements but expands existing coverage to include this specific monitoring tool. The bill passed final passage on July 1, 2025, and was referred to the Health & Human Services committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's child custody law by requiring all custody orders to include notice of relocation obligations (replacing the repealed Section 5337). It repeals detailed existing relocation rules, including the 60-day notice requirement, specific information that must be included in relocation notices, and the 30-day objection window for non-relocating parents. The change directly affects parents or custodians seeking to relocate with children under existing custody arrangements. It simplifies the process by embedding relocation notice requirements into custody orders rather than maintaining separate procedural rules.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates September 2025 as "International Underground Railroad Month" in Pennsylvania. It is a commemorative measure with no binding legal effect, intended to honor the historical significance of the Underground Railroad network. The resolution does not create new programs, alter laws, or directly affect any individuals or entities. It was adopted by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives on July 7, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1694 creates a tax amnesty program under Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code for fiscal year 2025-2026, allowing eligible taxpayers to settle past tax debts without penalties or interest. The program applies to unpaid taxes (including interest and fees) delinquent between 2020-2024, specifically for taxpayers who filed returns but underreported, failed to file, or have unknown liabilities. Taxpayers must file required returns and pay the full tax amount during a 90-day amnesty period ending June 30, 2026, and cannot participate in future amnesty programs. Excluded are taxpayers under criminal investigation or prosecution for tax-related offenses. This bill directly affects individuals and businesses with overdue tax obligations from 2020-2024.

Maddy summaryHB 799 requires businesses with more than 50 full-time employees (working 40+ hours weekly) in Pennsylvania to display or provide online a standardized workplace posting about veteran resources. The posting must include contact information for state and federal veteran benefits, the VA Crisis Line, and local county veterans affairs offices. Employers can meet this requirement by placing the posting in a visible location or on an employee-accessible company website. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry will create and maintain this standardized posting on its public website. The law took effect on July 7, 2025, with specific provisions requiring the posting to be implemented within 180 days.

Maddy summaryHB 1696 updates Pennsylvania's Housing Finance Agency Law to create a new program enabling low-to-moderate income renters to purchase homes through a lease-with-guaranteed-purchase-option model. The program allows tenants to lease a home for a set period, after which they have the right to buy it at a predetermined price. A dedicated "Pennsylvania Lease with Guaranteed Purchase Option Home Ownership Program Fund" will provide financial support to facilitate this initiative. This bill directly affects eligible renters seeking homeownership opportunities and aims to expand access to affordable housing through this specific lease-to-own mechanism.

Maddy summaryHB 309 amends Pennsylvania's Osteopathic Medical Practice Act (1978) to update licensing rules for osteopathic physicians and related healthcare providers. It changes registration requirements from annual to biennial (every two years), clarifies rules for visiting team physicians at sports events, and adjusts continuing medical education requirements. The bill directly affects licensed osteopathic physicians, nonresident practitioners, medical students, and healthcare facilities employing osteopathic staff. Signed into law on July 7, 2025 (Act No. 29), it streamlines administrative processes without creating new licensing barriers.

Maddy summaryHB 865 amends Pennsylvania's military education benefit programs to clarify definitions, eligibility rules, and procedures for recovering funds. It directly affects Pennsylvania military service members and their families who use the Educational Assistance Program and Military Family Education Program for education expenses. Key changes include updating eligibility criteria and establishing clearer processes for recouping grant payments if recipients no longer meet requirements. The bill, now Act No. 32 of 2025, was signed into law on July 7, 2025.