Rep. Joe Hohenstein

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to add cruelty to animals as a new criminal offense in Pennsylvania's Title 18. It would make it illegal to intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly illtreat, overload, beat, abandon, or abuse any animal. Additionally, the law would specifically prohibit using animals to pull carriages for business or money in cities with populations of 100,000 or more. If passed, these changes would take effect 60 days after the bill becomes law.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that designates June 12, 2026, as "Women Veterans Day" in Pennsylvania to honor the contributions of female military service members. The measure does not create new laws or change any government policies; instead, it serves to formally acknowledge the state's approximately 70,000 women veterans and highlight their growing presence in the armed forces. The text includes background information on the history of women in the military and notes specific challenges they face, such as higher rates of military sexual trauma and lower utilization of veteran benefits. Ultimately, the resolution aims to raise awareness about these issues rather than implementing concrete programs or funding changes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally recognizes July 25, 2026, as "World IVF Day" throughout Pennsylvania. It highlights the importance of in vitro fertilization for helping individuals and couples overcome infertility and acknowledges the critical role embryologists play in the process. The bill does not change any laws or policies; instead, it serves as a symbolic gesture to celebrate advancements in fertility medicine and the millions of babies born via IVF worldwide.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance policies in Pennsylvania to cover at least two epinephrine delivery systems, such as EpiPens, for an annual maximum cost of $35 regardless of deductibles or copayments. It applies to standard medical insurance plans but excludes limited coverage types like dental-only or accident policies. Additionally, the state Insurance Department must investigate manufacturer pricing practices and submit a public report with recommendations to control costs within one year. Insurance companies are also permitted to offer lower out-of-pocket costs than the $35 cap if they choose.

Maddy summaryHB 1851 updates Pennsylvania's requirements for death and fetal death certificates under the 1953 Vital Statistics Law. It changes the specific information that must be recorded on these official documents, affecting hospitals, medical examiners, and vital records offices. The bill focuses on standardizing or adding details required for certification purposes. This procedural change aims to modernize record-keeping for public health data collection.

Maddy summaryHB 482 authorizes Pennsylvania to join the Interstate Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, enabling licensed occupational therapists and assistants from Pennsylvania to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses. The bill establishes mechanisms for mutual recognition of licenses, sharing of disciplinary and investigative data between states, and accountability for practitioners providing services across state lines. It directly affects occupational therapists, assistants, and patients seeking services in multiple states, particularly supporting military spouses relocating and expanding telehealth access. Key provisions include requiring states to participate in a shared data system, defining terms like "Compact Privilege," and preserving each state’s regulatory authority over local practice standards. This is a procedural bill enabling Pennsylvania’s participation in an existing interstate framework, not creating new licensing requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1860 updates Pennsylvania's motor vehicle finance laws to allow dealers and lenders to process vehicle financing applications remotely, such as through digital platforms. It directly affects auto dealers, lenders, and consumers who apply for vehicle loans in Pennsylvania. The key provision removes previous restrictions requiring in-person application processing for motor vehicle sales finance transactions. This change streamlines the loan approval process while maintaining regulatory oversight under the state's commerce statutes.

Maddy summaryHB 1862 updates Pennsylvania's laws regarding driving under the influence (DUI) and related offenses. It revises definitions for DUI, modifies chemical testing procedures for drivers, and changes requirements for ignition interlock devices (which prevent a car from starting if alcohol is detected). The bill repeals outdated provisions about ignition interlock limited licenses, adds online services for managing interlock requirements, and specifies penalties for driving without an interlock device. This directly affects drivers convicted of DUI or driving under the influence of drugs, particularly those with prior offenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires corporations and unincorporated associations in Pennsylvania to report the number of single-family or low-density residential properties they own in their annual filings. It establishes a new chapter in state law that restricts certain entities from owning residential real estate and mandates a waiting period for purchases by covered investors. The legislation allows the Department of State to dissolve or cancel the registration of an entity that violates these property ownership rules at least 10 times within a three-year period. Additionally, the bill grants municipalities specific powers to enforce these restrictions and creates a private right of action for individuals to sue entities that violate the new ownership prohibitions.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's existing Assistance and Service Animal Integrity Act to create a formal identification system for trained service dogs. It requires these dogs to wear a specific card issued by the Department of Health and mandates the creation of a state database to track registered animals. The legislation allows public accommodations to verify a dog's status through this card while also establishing a new crime for fraudulently misrepresenting a pet as a service dog. Additionally, the bill includes provisions to protect individuals from liability when acting in good faith to enforce these new identification rules.