Rep. Lisa Borowski

Maddy summaryHB 1641 prohibits Pennsylvania medical liability insurers from taking adverse actions against healthcare providers who offer legal reproductive health services, including abortion care via telemedicine, to out-of-state patients. It specifically bans insurers from refusing coverage renewals, raising premiums, or reporting providers solely for providing such services that comply with Pennsylvania law. The law applies to providers prescribing medication to terminate pregnancies for out-of-state patients using telemedicine. This directly affects insurers and healthcare providers serving patients in states with stricter abortion laws, preventing insurance penalties for legal telemedicine care.

Maddy summaryHB 1640 protects patient privacy for reproductive health care records in Pennsylvania. It requires healthcare providers (covered entities) to obtain written permission from patients before sharing records related to permitted reproductive services - such as pregnancy care, contraception, or abortion - except in limited circumstances like court orders, abuse investigations, or legal defense needs. The law explicitly preserves existing confidentiality protections under other state laws, including those for mental health and domestic violence services. It applies directly to patients seeking reproductive health care and the healthcare providers handling their records.

Maddy summaryHB 2005 would amend Pennsylvania's abortion-related statutes to require specific medical consultations and informed consent procedures before an abortion can be performed. The bill would mandate that healthcare providers discuss certain medical details and ensure patients understand the procedure and potential risks. This applies directly to licensed physicians and clinics providing abortion services in Pennsylvania. The bill is currently pending in the Judiciary Committee after recent committee actions, but has not yet been voted on by the full legislature.

Maddy summaryHB 670 would protect access to abortion clinics in Pennsylvania by creating a legal right for people to enter reproductive health services facilities and allowing lawsuits against individuals or entities that block access. It amends criminal and judicial statutes to define "blocking access" as a violation and imposes penalties for such actions. The bill directly affects patients seeking abortion care, clinic staff, and anyone attempting to obstruct facility access. Key provisions include enabling civil lawsuits for damages and establishing specific criminal penalties for interference with facility access.

Maddy summaryHB 2191 expands workers' compensation for firefighters diagnosed with cancer by creating a new presumption that the cancer is work-related if the firefighter: (1) served at least four years continuously in firefighting, (2) provides proof of direct exposure to listed carcinogens (via Pennsylvania Fire Information Reporting System for volunteers), and (3) had no cancer at the time of a pre-employment physical exam. It extends the claim window from 300 to 600 weeks after last employment for cancer claims, though the presumption only applies within the first 300 weeks of that extended period. The bill directly affects career and volunteer firefighters in Pennsylvania who develop cancer linked to their job. This change simplifies claims for firefighters with documented occupational exposure while requiring specific evidence to establish eligibility.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally recognizes January 27, 2026, as "International Holocaust Remembrance Day" within Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or affect specific groups; it is a ceremonial observance acknowledging the historical significance of the Holocaust and the UN-established date. The resolution cites the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau on January 27, 1945, and the UN's 2005 designation of this date for global remembrance. Pennsylvania's recognition aligns with the UN resolution's purpose of honoring Holocaust victims and promoting human rights education.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Human Relations Act to allow individuals who have been subject to or witnessed civil rights violations by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents or cooperating federal/state/local law enforcement during immigration enforcement to file complaints with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission. The Commission can then refer these complaints to the state Attorney General or the relevant county district attorney. It directly affects Pennsylvanians experiencing or witnessing such violations within the state. The change expands the Commission's authority to address immigration-related enforcement issues under state law.

Maddy summaryHB 2181 amends Pennsylvania's Controlled Substance Act to define "opioid antagonist" as drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for emergency reversal of opioid overdoses, including naloxone hydrochloride and similar FDA-approved medications. The bill specifically adds these examples to the legal definition within the existing law. This change directly affects healthcare providers, emergency responders, and pharmacists who administer these medications during opioid overdose emergencies by clarifying the legal scope of approved treatments.

Maddy summaryHB 2182 amends Pennsylvania's Controlled Substance Act to allow emergency medical services (EMS) providers to administer opioid overdose medications, specifically naloxone and nalmefene, as part of their standard practice. The bill requires the Department of Health to update EMS provider regulations to include these medications within their scope of practice. This change directly affects EMS personnel by enabling them to respond to opioid overdoses more effectively without needing additional authorization during emergencies. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 348 amends Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to require the state human services department to notify medical assistance applicants about their right to legal representation during application or eligibility reviews. This change directly affects individuals applying for medical assistance programs (like Medicaid) and the department responsible for processing these applications. The key provision mandates that applicants receive written notice detailing their option to seek legal help, which the department must provide before finalizing eligibility decisions. The bill focuses on improving transparency in the application process without altering eligibility criteria or benefit amounts.