Rep. Joe Hohenstein

Maddy summaryHB 1381 amends Pennsylvania's juvenile justice definitions by raising the minimum age for a "delinquent child" from 10 to 13 years old. This change directly affects children aged 10-12 who previously could be classified as delinquent under the law; they will no longer be considered "delinquent children" under this definition. The bill modifies Section 6302 of Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) to specify that a "delinquent child" must be 13 or older, with the court finding they committed a delinquent act requiring treatment or rehabilitation. The amendment applies to juvenile proceedings beginning on or after its effective date, 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 2033 would amend Pennsylvania's food protection laws under Title 3 (Agriculture) to establish new requirements for correctional institutions. It would require the Department of Agriculture to create specific regulations and carry out new duties related to food safety standards in prisons and detention facilities. This bill directly affects correctional facilities by mandating updated food safety protocols and the Department of Agriculture through new regulatory responsibilities. The bill was referred to the Judiciary committee on November 17, 2025, for further review.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows cities and municipalities in Pennsylvania to install automated speed cameras on specific highways after passing a local ordinance. To use the system, local governments must first propose a corridor based on speed and accident data, conduct a traffic investigation, and hold a public comment period. Once approved, the system will record speed violations, and the vehicle owner will be liable for the fine unless they prove otherwise in court. The bill sets a base fine of $150 for violations, which can be adjusted annually by the state department to match inflation.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution honors the life of Pennsylvania State Police Corporal Timothy J. O'Connor, Jr., who died in the line of duty in March 2026, and extends condolences to his family. The document details his 15-year career, numerous awards, and community service, while formally recognizing his sacrifice as the 105th state police officer to die in service. It directs that a copy of the resolution be presented to his wife, Casey O'Connor, as a gesture of respect and support.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates June 2026 as "Gun Violence Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania to highlight the public safety issue of firearm-related harm. It does not create new laws or change regulations but serves as a symbolic resolution to acknowledge the impact of gun violence and honor those who have died from it. The measure affects the state legislature and the public by officially recognizing the month for awareness purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates June 15, 2026, as 'Elora Joyce Khan Pediatric Brain Cancer Awareness Day' in Pennsylvania to honor a young resident and raise public attention to pediatric brain cancer. The resolution aims to promote education, compassion, and research into the disease while recognizing the Elora J. Khan Foundation's work supporting affected families. It does not change laws or allocate funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight the importance of awareness and advocacy for children battling brain tumors.

Maddy summaryHB 1905 amends Pennsylvania law to expand the offense of assault to explicitly include "ethnic intimidation" under Title 18, making bias-motivated harassment a specific criminal charge. It also strengthens protections under Title 42 by prohibiting civil rights violations related to discriminatory conduct. The bill directly affects victims of bias-based crimes and law enforcement handling such cases, requiring specific legal procedures for these offenses. Key provisions clarify that assault charges can now be filed when harassment targets a person's ethnicity, religion, or other protected characteristics. The bill remains pending before the Judiciary committee after its referral on September 30, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1902 updates Pennsylvania law to specifically address hate-based harassment by adding "ethnic intimidation" as a distinct criminal offense under assault laws. It expands civil rights protections for victims of hate crimes by clarifying violations related to bias against race, ethnicity, or national origin. The bill requires municipal employees to complete annual training on recognizing and responding to hate-based intimidation. These changes directly affect law enforcement, municipal staff, and individuals experiencing bias-motivated violence or discrimination in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates September 2026 as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in Pennsylvania to highlight the importance of screening and education for men. The resolution includes background information on prostate cancer statistics, symptoms, and recommended screening ages based on risk factors. It does not change laws or allocate funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to encourage awareness and early detection.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania law to allow the Governor to permit the voluntary display of the Green Star Service Banner on state-owned property. The banner is intended to honor the surviving families of military members and veterans who died by suicide during specific observances. This change adds a new provision to an existing statute that currently gives the Governor authority over how the U.S. flag is displayed on public grounds. The new rule requires that any display of the banner follows existing security and policy guidelines for state property.