Rep. Kristine Howard

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1469 amends the Health Care Facilities Act to establish requirements for hospital price transparency. It mandates that hospitals publish a comprehensive list of their standard charges for all items and services on their public websites in a readable digital format. This list must include gross charges, discounted cash prices, and various negotiated rates with third-party payors. The bill also provides for a prohibition on debt collection action against patients by hospitals that do not comply with these requirements, aiming to give patients clearer access to pricing information.

Maddy summaryHB 1463, known as the Smoke Alarm Responsibility Act, regulates smoke alarms in rented dwelling units across Pennsylvania. It requires owners to install specific types of smoke alarms, such as those with a 10-year battery or electrical power, and ensure they are operational for new tenants. Tenants are responsible for maintaining and annually testing these smoke alarms, and must notify owners in writing of any deficiencies. Owners must then address reported issues within 96 hours. Violations of this act may result in a fine of up to $50.

Maddy summaryHR 93 is a resolution directing Pennsylvania's Joint State Government Commission to study JROTC programs in public schools. It requires the Commission to analyze the programs' overall health, enrollment trends, and factors affecting their availability across the state, including why some schools lack them. The study must be completed within 18 months, with a final report and legislative recommendations submitted to the General Assembly. This resolution does not change existing JROTC programs but seeks to gather data to inform future decisions. It directly affects school districts operating or considering JROTC programs by requesting a formal assessment of their status.

Maddy summaryHB 1447 requires Pennsylvania schools to create written policies allowing students to carry and self-administer asthma inhalers, epinephrine auto-injectors, and adrenal insufficiency medications. Schools must verify students' ability to use these medications safely, store them securely, and notify staff after use - while ensuring students with medical needs can access treatment without disrupting classes. The bill also mandates training for school staff to administer adrenal insufficiency medication during emergencies and directs the state health and education departments to provide resources on proper medication use. This directly affects students with asthma, severe allergies, or adrenal insufficiency, as well as school districts and staff responsible for health protocols.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1456 establishes a statewide, toll-free telephone number for reporting suspected animal abuse or neglect in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) will operate this 24/7 hotline and maintain a database of all reported cases. The PSP will refer these reports to local law enforcement or humane society police officers for investigation. Additionally, the bill mandates that convicted animal abuse offenders pay an extra fine, with these funds going towards maintaining the reporting telephone number.

Maddy summaryHR 225 is a resolution that officially designates May 13, 2025, as "Cancer Action Day" in Pennsylvania. It aims to raise awareness about the impact of cancer on Pennsylvanians and encourages the advancement of legislation supporting cancer prevention, detection, and treatment across the Commonwealth.

Maddy summaryHB 813 amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code of 1971 to exempt certain student loan discharges and employer educational assistance from personal income tax. Specifically, it excludes from taxation: (1) the discharge of eligible student loans under qualified federal forgiveness programs, and (2) employer-paid educational assistance that meets federal exclusion rules under Section 127 of the Internal Revenue Code. These exemptions apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025. The bill directly affects Pennsylvania taxpayers who qualify for these specific student loan forgiveness or employer education benefits under federal programs.

Maddy summaryHB 1435 directs the Department of Human Services to seek federal approval to allow payments for specific personal care services. These services would be provided by legally responsible relatives to individuals who receive Medical Assistance. The bill specifies that these payments can only be implemented if the federal government grants a waiver. Additionally, the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee is required to study the costs of implementing any approved waiver and report its findings within three years.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 187) is a ceremonial recognition, not a policy change. It formally designates May 10, 2025, as "National Train Day" in Pennsylvania to honor the historical significance of rail travel. The resolution encourages Pennsylvania residents to learn about train history and the benefits of rail transportation, such as reducing road congestion and supporting environmental goals. It does not create new laws, impose requirements, or directly affect specific groups.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution designates March 2025 as "Music in Our Schools Month" in Pennsylvania. It recognizes the value of music education in developing students' creativity, problem-solving skills, and cultural understanding, while commending music educators across the state. The resolution does not create new laws, allocate funding, or impose requirements - its sole purpose is to formally acknowledge and support existing music education efforts in Pennsylvania schools during March 2025. It directly affects Pennsylvania public schools and music educators by highlighting their work through a symbolic designation.