Rep. Joe Hohenstein

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 2192 establishes the Commonwealth Housing Council to coordinate housing policies across Pennsylvania state agencies and local governments. The council will include 15 members: state agency secretaries, legislative appointees, mayors of major cities, county executives, and housing experts appointed by the Governor and legislative leaders. It requires the council to meet quarterly and coordinate housing strategies to improve policy implementation. This bill creates a new coordination body without altering existing housing laws or funding.

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 is a symbolic resolution, not a law, recognizing February 27, 2026, as "Dominican Republic Independence Day" in Pennsylvania. It has no policy impact or effect on any specific group; it is purely a ceremonial acknowledgment. The resolution cites the Dominican Republic's independence from Haiti in 1844 and the state's Dominican-American community as context. It does not create new requirements, change existing laws, or allocate funding.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates January 23, 2026, as "Maternal Health Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically recognizes women who die from pregnancy or childbirth complications, drawing attention to maternal mortality rates in the state. The resolution does not create new laws or allocate funding but aims to increase public and professional awareness of maternal health issues, particularly highlighting disparities affecting Black women.

Maddy summaryThis resolution directs the Joint State Government Commission to study workplace policies related to perimenopause and menopause offered by public and private employers in the state. It does not create new laws but requires the Commission to research existing policies and issue a report on findings. The study will focus on how employers support employees during these health transitions, directly affecting both public and private employers. The resolution is procedural, aiming to inform future policy decisions through a formal report.

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 2164 would create a program allowing family members of Pennsylvania medical assistance recipients to become certified complex care assistants. These family members would provide specific medical services at home - such as feeding, catheter care, and medication administration - under a registered nurse's supervision after completing 75 hours of training and passing a competency evaluation. The program targets recipients under 21, those eligible for private duty nursing, or those needing both services for medical reasons, with home health agencies reimbursed at a minimum of $45 per hour. It explicitly requires the services to supplement, not replace, existing private duty nursing under the medical assistance program.