Rep. Joe Hohenstein

Maddy summaryHB 2025 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to address financial strain on school districts during budget disputes with the state. It requires the Commonwealth to reimburse school districts for costs incurred when borrowing money to cover operating expenses during a budget impasse. The bill establishes a new "School District Impasse Recovery Fund" to manage these reimbursements. This directly affects school districts facing funding delays and the state budget office responsible for disbursing funds. The provision creates a concrete mechanism for financial relief during budget standoffs, without altering existing funding formulas.

Maddy summaryHR 365 designates December 16, 2025, as "Charles Blockson Day" in Pennsylvania to honor Charles Blockson, a notable figure in the state. This is a symbolic resolution with no policy changes or funding impacts, solely recognizing an individual's contributions. It directly affects Pennsylvania residents through commemorative recognition on that date. The bill was referred to the Tourism, Recreation & Economic Development committee for consideration.

Maddy summaryHB 2009 would amend Pennsylvania law to establish rules for utility reconnection fees charged by municipal authorities. The bill requires that fees for reconnecting electricity, water, or gas services after disconnection be reasonable and prohibits excessive or unfair charges. It directly affects residents and businesses that have had utility services disconnected, as well as municipal authorities managing those services. The key provision creates a clear standard to prevent municipalities from imposing unreasonable fees during reconnection.

Maddy summaryHB 2007 mandates a specific $62 million transfer from Pennsylvania's Budget Stabilization Reserve Fund by November 1, 2025, to address the loss of federal SNAP benefits. The funds are allocated as follows: $50 million to the Department of Agriculture for food bank grants under existing state food programs, $10 million to the Department of Human Services for senior meal assistance, and $2 million for administration and outreach. This bill directly affects food banks, senior assistance organizations, and state agencies managing these programs. It requires the transfer to occur regardless of the usual emergency funding process outlined in Section 1703-A(b), which typically requires a two-thirds legislative vote for reserve fund appropriations. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1512 requires manufacturers of digital electronic devices (like smartphones and computers) to provide owners and independent repair shops with necessary repair documentation, parts, and tools on fair and reasonable terms. The bill mandates that manufacturers make this information accessible to enable repairs outside of official channels. It also imposes penalties for manufacturers who fail to comply with these requirements. This directly affects device manufacturers and expands repair options for consumers and small repair businesses. The bill passed final passage in the legislature on October 27, 2025, and now awaits review by the Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure committee.

Maddy summaryHB 1828 requires health insurance plans in Pennsylvania to cover all recommended vaccines without requiring patients to pay out-of-pocket costs like copays or deductibles. It directly affects insurance companies by mandating this coverage and patients who rely on insurance for routine immunizations (e.g., childhood vaccines, flu shots). The bill adds penalties for insurers that fail to comply with the coverage requirement. This policy change ensures broader access to vaccines by removing financial barriers under insurance plans.

Maddy summaryHB 2004 creates a special account to hold emergency funds for SNAP benefits, which provide food assistance to low-income residents. The bill requires the Department of Human Services, the Secretary of the Budget, and the State Treasurer to transfer these funds to pay SNAP recipients. This establishes a dedicated funding mechanism specifically for emergency SNAP benefit payments. The bill directly affects SNAP recipients by ensuring a streamlined process for receiving benefits during emergencies.

Maddy summaryHR 279 is a non-binding resolution recognizing October 2025 as "Domestic Violence Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It formally acknowledges domestic violence as a significant issue affecting Pennsylvanians, highlighting existing support resources like those provided by the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV). The resolution does not create new laws, funding, or programs but serves as a symbolic commitment to raising public awareness about the issue and available victim support services. It aligns with Pennsylvania's ongoing efforts to address domestic violence through established community resources.

Maddy summaryHR 140 is a symbolic resolution designating October 2025 as "Polish American Heritage Month" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or policies, but formally recognizes the cultural contributions of Polish Americans within the state. The resolution was adopted by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives on October 29, 2025, following committee review. This type of resolution serves to honor a community's heritage without imposing any legal obligations or funding changes.

Maddy summaryHB 2001 amends Pennsylvania's education laws to establish educational opportunities for students incarcerated in state facilities. It directly affects incarcerated individuals in Pennsylvania prisons by requiring educational programming access. The bill removes an existing regulation (abrogating it) to enable this change, though specific program details aren't outlined in the title. This focuses on policy changes to integrate incarcerated students into the state's education framework.