Rep. Kristine Howard

Maddy summaryHB 1244 requires health insurance policies and government health programs in Pennsylvania to cover pelvic floor therapy and related treatments for pelvic floor dysfunction. This includes services like biofeedback, trigger point therapy, electrical stimulation, and postoperative care for prostatectomies, hysterectomies, and postpartum assessments. The coverage applies to policies issued or renewed after the bill's effective date, though insurers may still apply medical necessity standards and cost-sharing requirements. The bill directly affects all health insurance companies and government health programs (such as Medicaid) operating under Pennsylvania's insurance law.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Medicaid programs and private health insurance plans to cover bone density screenings, preventive care, and treatments for osteoporosis specifically linked to menopause. It directly affects postmenopausal women, particularly those with low income who rely on Medicaid, by ensuring access to these services without cost barriers. The key provision mandates that both public medical assistance programs and private insurers include these osteoporosis-related services in standard coverage. This expands existing coverage to explicitly address menopause-related bone health needs.

Maddy summaryHB 2028 amends Pennsylvania law to establish permitted uses for public spaces (like parks or sidewalks) and clarifies when local governments can be sued for actions affecting the public. It directly affects local governments (cities, counties) and individuals or groups seeking to use public areas for events or activities. The key provision creates specific exceptions to government "sovereign immunity," meaning governments can be held liable in court for certain actions under defined circumstances. This changes how public space access is regulated and sets clearer rules for when government entities face legal accountability.

Maddy summaryHB 2377 requires Pennsylvania retail food facilities to clearly label any beverage containing 80 milligrams or more of caffeine per serving as 'high caffeine' on their menus. This labeling must appear directly next to the drink's name and can use approved text, icons, or symbols. If a business fails to comply after receiving a written warning, it may face penalties under existing food protection laws. The bill applies to both permanent and temporary menu items offered for sale.

Maddy summaryHB 2184 amends Pennsylvania's public utilities law to define "public interest" and require the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to consider eight specific factors when making utility decisions. These factors include residential rate affordability, energy strategy (renewables, distributed generation, energy efficiency), grid modernization, environmental protection, economic growth (jobs, tax revenue), reliability, and environmental justice. The bill updates existing provisions about "just and reasonable" rates (Section 1301), mandatory 60-day notice for rate changes (Section 1308), and complaint-based rate investigations (Section 1309). It directly affects all utility companies operating in Pennsylvania and the PUC, which must now document how decisions align with these public interest factors. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 550, the BPA-free Container Products for Infants Act, prohibits the manufacture, sale, or distribution of infant food and beverage containers containing bisphenol A (BPA) above 0.1 parts per billion. It requires manufacturers to use the least toxic alternative when replacing BPA and bans substitutions with EPA-identified carcinogens or reproductive toxicants. The law applies to all containers intended for infants under one year old and will take effect 60 days after enactment. Violations would be enforced under Pennsylvania's Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law, subjecting offenders to civil penalties and private lawsuits.

Maddy summaryHB 507, the Baby Food Protection Act, requires Pennsylvania's Department of Health to test all baby food batches for toxic heavy metals like lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury. It sets strict limits: baby food cannot exceed 10 parts per billion (ppb) of arsenic, 5 ppb for lead or cadmium, or 2 ppb for mercury. All tested baby food must display labels showing the exact metal levels found in the batch. The bill also directs the Department to adopt lower federal limits if set by the FDA and expires if federal law matches its requirements.

Maddy summaryThis resolution directs Pennsylvania's Joint State Government Commission to study how private equity ownership affects child care services. The study will examine impacts on costs, quality, and access for families, then propose recommendations to limit negative effects. It directly affects child care providers operating under private equity ownership and families using these services. The Commission must complete this work and report findings to the legislature.

Maddy summaryHB 462 amends Pennsylvania law to extend time limits for filing lawsuits involving minors, individuals with mental incapacity, or those imprisoned. It also clarifies when government units (like cities or counties) can be sued by specifying exceptions to sovereign immunity. The bill directly affects citizens seeking legal action against government entities and the government units themselves, by changing deadlines and liability rules. Key provisions include updating filing deadlines for specific vulnerable groups and defining clearer scenarios where governments lose immunity from lawsuits. This is a substantive policy change to court procedures, not a procedural or commemorative measure.

Maddy summaryHB 464 is a constitutional amendment proposal that would ensure Pennsylvania courts remain open for lawsuits against the state government (the "Commonwealth"). It directly affects residents, businesses, and local governments who may need to sue the state for issues like contract disputes or government actions. The key provision would amend the state constitution to guarantee access to courts for such cases, removing potential barriers to filing suit. This is a procedural change to constitutional access, not a new law with specific funding or regulations.