Rep. Ben Sanchez

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates September 2026 as "ITP Awareness Month" to highlight Immune thrombocytopenia, a rare autoimmune condition that lowers platelet counts and increases bleeding risks. The bill aims to encourage research and support for the more than 50,000 people in the United States living with the disease, which affects women aged 30 to 60 more frequently than others. By officially recognizing the month, the resolution seeks to educate the public about the challenges of diagnosing and managing ITP, which often requires specialized medical treatments like blood transfusions or spleen removal. This measure does not change laws or allocate funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to raise visibility for patients and their families.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution officially designates September 2026 as Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month within the state. The bill does not create new laws, allocate funding, or change existing regulations; instead, it serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight the importance of thyroid health. By recognizing this specific month, the resolution aims to encourage public awareness and education regarding thyroid conditions and cancer prevention.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution designates May 17, 2026, as "World Neurofibromatosis Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania to raise public awareness about this rare genetic condition. The bill does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight the importance of education and support for individuals affected by neurofibromatosis. Sponsored by nine representatives, the resolution acknowledges the condition's impact on health and the ongoing efforts of organizations like the Children's Tumor Foundation to advance research and patient care.

Maddy summaryHB 1700 would amend Pennsylvania's vehicle laws to allow driver's licenses to include a "communication impairment designation" for individuals with conditions affecting speech or hearing, such as hearing loss or speech disorders. This designation would help drivers communicate more effectively with law enforcement during traffic stops by indicating they may need alternative communication methods. The bill also specifies penalties for violations related to this designation, such as failing to accommodate it during stops. It directly affects drivers with communication disabilities and law enforcement officers interacting with them.

Maddy summaryHB 928 amends Pennsylvania law to expand access to epinephrine auto-injectors for severe allergic reactions. It adds schools, sports organizations, and other public venues to the list of "authorized entities" allowed to store these devices and train staff. The bill clarifies who can access the injectors during emergencies and specifies training requirements for personnel. This directly affects schools, youth programs, and public facilities serving individuals at risk of anaphylaxis.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution asks the U.S. Congress to officially recognize the Green Star Service Banner as a national symbol for families of military members and veterans who died by suicide. The bill also directs Pennsylvania state agencies and local governments to allow the voluntary display of this banner at appropriate locations. By doing so, the resolution aims to honor these families and shift the focus from statistics to personal acknowledgment of their loss.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the week of May 16 through 22, 2026, as "National Safe Boating Week" in Pennsylvania to highlight the importance of safety on the state's waterways. It directly affects all boaters, including those using powerboats and personal watercraft, by encouraging them to review safety rules such as wearing life jackets and avoiding alcohol. The resolution does not change any laws or create new requirements but serves as a symbolic reminder of existing safety standards and available educational resources. By promoting these practices, the bill aims to raise public awareness about the risks of boating and the steps needed to prevent accidents.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans in Pennsylvania to cover specific preventive services without charging patients any deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance. The list of covered services is primarily based on recommendations from federal health organizations, such as the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, and is managed by the state Department of Health. While most standard health plans must comply with these requirements, the law explicitly excludes "grandfathered" plans that existed before the bill takes effect. The legislation also establishes a process for the state to add new preventive services or remove existing ones based on current medical evidence and expert recommendations.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the week of January 24 through 30, 2027, as "Medicolegal Death Investigation Professionals Week" throughout Pennsylvania. The resolution aims to honor the work of these professionals, who are trained to investigate unexpected, unexplained, or suspicious deaths and assist law enforcement and medical examiners. By officially recognizing this specific time period, the legislation seeks to highlight the importance of this workforce to public health and safety without altering any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill establishes a temporary program allowing businesses to receive tax credits for donations to scholarship and educational improvement organizations. The legislation sets specific annual spending limits for these credits, which are available only for fiscal years before 2027-2028, and creates a new restricted account to track the funds. It also defines various terms related to the program, including assessments and business firms, while assigning oversight duties to several state departments.