Rep. Kristine Howard

Maddy summaryHB 305 requires health insurance policies to cover insulin, directly affecting people with diabetes who rely on this medication. It amends the 1921 Insurance Company Law to mandate that casualty insurance plans include insulin coverage without excessive cost-sharing. The key provision eliminates gaps where insulin might previously have been excluded or subject to high out-of-pocket costs. This policy change applies to all insurers offering casualty coverage under the amended law. The bill is currently pending before the Insurance committee.

Maddy summaryHB 157 creates state grants to help healthcare entities in rural counties or designated medically underserved areas cover the student loan debt of their employed healthcare practitioners. The grants would be paid directly to the healthcare facilities (like clinics or hospitals), not to individual providers, to offset the cost of practitioners' education debt. This aims to support recruitment and retention of healthcare workers in areas with limited access to medical services. The program would be funded through state appropriations, targeting facilities serving communities with significant healthcare access challenges.

Maddy summaryHB 1417 creates a state grant fund to help community organizations provide diapers, briefs, and incontinence supplies to people in need, primarily affecting seniors and individuals with disabilities who rely on these products. It directs the Department of Aging to establish a program improving access to these supplies and assigns specific duties to the Department of Human Services for program implementation. Key provisions include setting up the grant fund, requiring the Aging Department to develop the access program, and outlining the Human Services Department’s role in managing it. The bill proposes concrete policy changes by creating a new funding mechanism and defining agency responsibilities to address supply access gaps.

Maddy summaryHB 1971 amends Pennsylvania's public utilities law to restructure the electric utility industry and establish a legal framework for portable solar generation systems. The bill would directly affect electric utility companies and consumers who use or wish to install portable solar systems, including residential and small commercial users. Key provisions involve updating definitions within the public utilities code and creating new regulatory pathways for portable solar systems, though specific implementation details are not provided in the context. Without the full bill text, the exact mechanisms of the restructuring or solar system regulations cannot be detailed.

Maddy summaryHB 608 amends Pennsylvania's animal cruelty law (Title 18) to adjust penalties based on the severity of harm caused to animals. It classifies most cruelty violations as summary offenses, but raises penalties to a second-degree misdemeanor if the act causes bodily injury or imminent serious injury to an animal. The bill specifically increases penalties for unauthorized ear cropping (cutting ears without a licensed vet), making it a second-degree misdemeanor for a first offense and a first-degree misdemeanor for repeat violations. This directly affects individuals who mistreat animals, particularly those performing prohibited ear cropping procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 1822 would protect personal data (like home addresses and phone numbers) of Pennsylvania public servants - such as police officers, teachers, and government workers - from being sold or misused by data brokers. It requires data brokers to delete this information upon request and follow new rules when collecting or sharing it. The bill also creates a civil enforcement mechanism, allowing affected individuals to sue companies that violate these protections. Currently, the bill is stalled in the House after being amended and reported by the Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 1933 amends Pennsylvania's criminal code to require certain professionals (like animal control officers or veterinarians) to report suspected severe animal abuse as part of their existing duties. The bill specifically adds "aggravated cruelty to animals" to the list of offenses that must be reported, similar to how other serious crimes are handled. This change directly affects those who work with animals and have legal obligations to report abuse, making the reporting requirement more explicit for this specific violation. The bill is currently pending in committee after being referred to the Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates November 1, 2025, as "Tylenol Day" in Pennsylvania to honor the history of Tylenol (acetaminophen) in the state. It is a ceremonial resolution with no binding legal effect or policy changes. The bill was referred to the Health committee, reflecting its connection to pharmaceutical history but not impacting regulations or constituents.

Maddy summaryHR 357 establishes a legislative Hunger Task Force to study hunger, food insecurity, and access to healthy food within the Commonwealth. The task force will analyze these issues and develop findings and recommendations for state policymakers. This resolution affects state-level planning and future policy decisions but does not create new laws or programs. It is a procedural step to guide potential future legislative action on food access.

Maddy summaryHB 664 amends Pennsylvania's State Highway Law to require local authorities responsible for road maintenance to adopt a Road Salt Management Best Practices Guide. The bill directly affects municipalities and county road departments that apply salt to roads during winter weather. Key provisions mandate the creation and implementation of a standardized guide focused on reducing environmental harm from road salt use, such as protecting waterways and infrastructure. This policy change shifts responsibility to local entities to follow scientifically supported practices for salt application, without altering funding or enforcement mechanisms. The bill passed in October 2025 and now awaits referral to the Transportation committee for implementation oversight.