Rep. Joe Hohenstein

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates July 15, 2026, as "Court Appointed Special Advocates Day" in Pennsylvania to honor the work of the state's Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program. The bill directly affects CASA volunteers and staff who provide free advocacy for abused and neglected children within the court system. By officially recognizing the date of the program's incorporation, the measure aims to highlight the contributions of these trained volunteers who help ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable youth. The resolution serves as a commemorative gesture rather than establishing new laws or funding requirements.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution designates July 4, 2026, as "Valley Forge National Historical Park Day" to celebrate the park's 50th anniversary. The bill directly affects the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Valley Forge National Historical Park by officially recognizing the date for commemorative purposes. It does not create new laws or change existing policies, but rather serves as a symbolic designation to honor the site's historical significance during its half-century milestone.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution that formally recognizes May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Pennsylvania. It does not change laws or allocate funding, but instead encourages government agencies, schools, businesses, and residents to increase awareness and understanding of mental illness. The resolution calls for communities to promote accessible mental health services and reduce stigma around mental health conditions. It is a symbolic measure intended to highlight the importance of mental health without implementing new policy requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 84 amends Pennsylvania's Solid Waste Management Act to prohibit the road spreading and land application of oil and gas wastewater (including "tophole water" and "production water") for purposes like dust suppression, road deicing, or road bed stabilization. The bill directly affects oil and gas operators and municipalities handling this wastewater by banning these specific disposal methods, except for limited well-site applications under existing regulations. Key provisions include banning wastewater from being spread on roads or applied to land (except for well-site use per 25 Pa. Code § 78.60/78a.60) and prohibiting vehicles equipped to spread such wastewater. The law also clarifies that wastewater used for these purposes cannot be classified as a "coproduct" under department regulations. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1611 revises Pennsylvania's Older Adults Protective Services Act to create a uniform statewide system for reporting and investigating abuse, neglect, exploitation, or abandonment of older adults. It directly affects vulnerable elderly Pennsylvanians and their caregivers by establishing mandatory reporting protocols and prohibiting financial exploitation. Key provisions include requiring local agencies to use a standardized reporting system, clarifying definitions of abuse and exploitation, and ensuring protective services are available to those at risk. The bill also updates funding mechanisms and penalties for violations, aiming to improve coordination and response across all counties.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania law to explicitly prohibit the state from interfering with the use or provision of medically appropriate contraception and fertility treatments. It defines fertility treatment broadly to include services such as egg and sperm preservation, artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization, embryo genetic testing, and related medications. By codifying this protection in the state's criminal code, the legislation ensures that government entities cannot restrict access to these reproductive health services. The changes are set to take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the RECLAIM Program in Pennsylvania to help juvenile courts improve care and services for young people involved in the justice system. It requires the Department of Human Services to set up an application process where courts can request funding for operational costs related to diagnosis, treatment, and alternative placement facilities. The legislation also mandates that each county establish its own delinquent youth care and custody fund to support these initiatives. Additionally, the bill establishes a RECLAIM Advisory Committee and requires that funded programs ensure equal access for minority youth.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill regulates wearable recording devices, such as smartwatches and glasses, by requiring them to have a visible light that indicates when they are recording audio or video. It mandates that retailers provide customers with clear written notices about how these devices must be operated and prohibits the sale or use of devices that lack this visual indicator or have it disabled. Under the new rules, individuals must obtain explicit consent from anyone they record in private areas, and they cannot record others without their knowledge if the device's visual indicator is missing or turned off. Manufacturers face escalating financial penalties for selling non-compliant devices, while retailers who fail to provide proper notices may incur fines after repeated violations. Law enforcement officers and correctional facility personnel are exempt from these requirements when conducting investigations or ensuring security.

Maddy summaryHB 2254 adds Chapter 14 to Pennsylvania's Medical Marijuana Act, allowing terminally ill patients to use medical marijuana within specific care facilities (like hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living residences) under strict conditions. Facilities must create written guidelines within 180 days covering safe storage, patient safety, allowed forms of marijuana, and documentation. The bill imposes a $500 daily civil penalty for noncompliance, with penalties deposited into the Medical Marijuana Program Fund. It does not require facilities to provide certifications, administer marijuana, or permit use in emergency departments. This directly affects terminally ill patients seeking access in regulated care settings and facilities operating under the existing medical marijuana program.

Maddy summaryHB 306 amends Pennsylvania's Public Utility Confidential Security Information Disclosure Protection Act to require public utilities to share specific emergency response plans and safety records with state or federal agencies (including the National Transportation Safety Board) when a safety risk is suspected, such as potential harm to people or mass destruction. This exception overrides standard confidentiality protections, meaning agencies receiving the information are not bound by usual rules, and disclosures do not make the information public under the Right-to-Know Law. The bill directly affects public utilities and government agencies by streamlining safety-related information sharing during emergencies. It creates a clear process for mandatory disclosure in safety-critical situations while preserving confidentiality safeguards for other uses.