Rep. Kristine Howard

Co-sponsor HB 2097

Passed · Pennsylvania House · Co-sponsor

An Act amending the act of June 13, 1967 (P.L.31, No.21), known as the Human Services Code, in public assistance, providing for coverage for blood pressure monitors.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs government health programs to cover the cost of medically necessary home blood pressure monitors for pregnant and postpartum individuals. The measure specifically defines "enrollees" as those receiving government-sponsored health care and limits the coverage to devices validated for clinical accuracy. It applies to programs such as the Children's Health Insurance Program and extends the postpartum period to one year following delivery. The changes will become effective 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Passed May 17, 2024 1 co-sponsor Track

Primary HB 2290

In committee · Pennsylvania House · Lead sponsor

An Act amending the act of June 23, 1993 (P.L.128, No.29), known as the Plain Language Consumer Contract Act, further providing for definitions and providing for enforceability of standardized terms in form contracts.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Plain Language Consumer Contract Act to clarify definitions and strengthen protections for consumers signing standardized form contracts. It establishes that specific terms in these contracts are unenforceable if they would materially alter a consumer's legal rights or obligations, such as waiving intellectual property rights, limiting liability, or forcing exclusive use of a merchant's services. Courts will evaluate factors like consumer awareness and the nature of the transaction to determine if a term is unfair, while also noting that simply signing a document does not prove a consumer understood these standardized clauses. The changes apply to all new consumer contracts in the state, whether signed on paper or electronically, taking effect 60 days after enactment.

In committee May 14, 2024 0 co-sponsors Track

Co-sponsor HB 2275

In committee · Pennsylvania House · Co-sponsor

An Act establishing the Pennsylvania Climate Emissions Reduction Program; imposing powers and duties on the Environmental Quality Board, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission and the Department of Environmental Protection; and establishing the Consumer Protection Account, the Pennsylvania Energy Transformation Account, the Workforce Enhancement Fund, the Workforce Enhancement Fund Board and the Low-income Support Account.

In committee May 8, 2024 1 co-sponsor Track

Co-sponsor HB 2277

In committee · Pennsylvania House · Co-sponsor

An Act amending the act of November 30, 2004 (P.L.1672, No.213), known as the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act, further providing for definitions; providing for force majeure; further providing for alternative energy portfolio standards, for portfolio requirements in other states, for health and safety standards and for interagency responsibilities; providing for zero emission credits; and making editorial changes.

In committee May 8, 2024 1 co-sponsor Track

Co-sponsor HR 409

Passed · Pennsylvania House · Co-sponsor

A Resolution designating the month of May 2024 as "Fitness Month" in Pennsylvania.

Passed May 8, 2024 1 co-sponsor Track

Primary HB 2272

In committee · Pennsylvania House · Lead sponsor

An Act establishing the Social Worker Educational Enrollment and Training Program; and providing for authorization of internships, for award of internships and for funding of SWEET Program.

In committee May 7, 2024 0 co-sponsors Track

Co-sponsor HB 335

Failed · Pennsylvania House · Co-sponsor

An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in inchoate crimes, further providing for prohibited offensive weapons.

Failed May 7, 2024 1 co-sponsor Track

Co-sponsor HR 414

Passed · Pennsylvania House · Co-sponsor

A Resolution designating May 7, 2024, as "Cancer Action Day" in Pennsylvania to identify the burden of cancer and urge the advancement of legislation in support of cancer prevention, detection and treatment throughout this Commonwealth.

Passed May 7, 2024 1 co-sponsor Track

Co-sponsor HR 424

In committee · Pennsylvania House · Co-sponsor

A Resolution recognizing the month of April 2024 as "National School Library Month" in Pennsylvania.

In committee May 6, 2024 1 co-sponsor Track

Co-sponsor HR 230

In committee · Pennsylvania House · Co-sponsor

A Resolution directing the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a study on the cost and effectiveness of current and ongoing Housing First programs across the United States and the potential effectiveness of Housing First programs in this Commonwealth.

In committee May 6, 2024 1 co-sponsor Track