Rep. Joe Hohenstein

Maddy summaryHB 1721 adds medical assistance coverage under public assistance programs for peer recovery support services. This means individuals receiving state-funded public assistance (like Medicaid) would now have access to coverage for services provided by trained peers who have lived experience with recovery. The bill directly affects people seeking substance use disorder treatment through public assistance programs. It amends the Human Services Code to require coverage for these specific peer services, expanding available treatment options without changing existing eligibility rules. The bill is currently in the Human Services committee for review.

Maddy summaryHB 1733 adds art therapy to Pennsylvania's regulated health professions by creating specific licensure requirements for "licensed professional art therapists" and "licensed associate art therapists." It defines "art therapy" as a clinical practice using art-based techniques to address mental health needs, requiring therapists to meet education standards from accredited institutions. The bill restricts the use of the title "licensed professional art therapist" to those holding a valid license, while "licensed associate art therapists" must work under supervision and cannot practice independently. This directly affects art therapists seeking to legally use the title or provide services in Pennsylvania, establishing new standards for training, supervision, and scope of practice.

Maddy summaryHR 285 is a resolution directing the Joint State Government Commission to study whether creating a registry for individuals who abuse vulnerable populations (such as seniors, people with disabilities, or those in care facilities) would be practical. The study would examine how such a registry might function, including potential benefits and implementation challenges. This resolution does not establish a registry but would inform future legislative decisions about one. It directly affects vulnerable populations by potentially leading to new safeguards if the study recommends action.

Maddy summaryHB 20 legalizes adult cannabis use in Pennsylvania for individuals aged 21 and older, replacing current medical-only rules with a new regulatory system. It creates the Keystone Cannabis Authority to license businesses, enforce rules for product safety and advertising, and establish the Community Opportunity Fund to support equity programs in communities disproportionately impacted by past cannabis enforcement. The bill imposes new sales and excise taxes on cannabis products and creates a Cannabis Regulation Fund to manage revenue. It also includes provisions for expunging certain past cannabis convictions ("Cannabis clean slate") and consolidates medical and recreational cannabis regulations under the new authority.

Maddy summaryHB 1358 updates Pennsylvania's lodging laws to directly protect hotel employees. It requires hotels to safeguard workers from retaliation for reporting safety issues or violations, replacing vague existing rules with specific protections. The bill imposes fines on hotels that violate these new safeguards, targeting employers who fail to prevent retaliation. This law affects all Pennsylvania hotels and lodging businesses, focusing on concrete changes to employee safety and enforcement.

Maddy summaryHB 1712 updates Pennsylvania's emergency communication rules under Title 35 (Health and Safety). It requires the state emergency management agency to maintain a single integrated system for weather advisories, disaster warnings, and coordination with local agencies, police, and the National Weather Service. The bill mandates two new statewide phone numbers: one for the public and emergency personnel to report hazardous materials or disasters, and another for the legislative branch to directly communicate with the agency during weather emergencies. These changes directly affect county/municipal emergency responders, state agencies (including the State Police), and legislative offices. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week of September 15-19, 2025, as "Clean Energy Week" in Pennsylvania. It is a ceremonial designation with no new policies, funding, or direct impact on residents or businesses. The resolution highlights Pennsylvania’s existing clean energy sector - including solar, wind, and geothermal resources - and notes the state’s growth in clean energy jobs and production. It does not alter laws or create new obligations; it solely aims to recognize ongoing efforts in the clean energy field.

Maddy summaryHR 253 is a resolution directing Pennsylvania's Joint State Government Commission to create a task force and advisory committee focused on improving access to drug and alcohol treatment for people with substance use disorders. The task force, composed of four legislative members appointed by leadership, will work with an advisory committee of 26 stakeholders - including health officials, treatment providers, law enforcement, recovery advocates, and individuals in recovery - to examine barriers to treatment, review existing policies, and gather input from families and communities. The committee will analyze prevention services, recovery support, and quality care factors, then submit recommendations to the legislature within one year. This resolution does not change current law but establishes a process to inform future policy decisions on substance use disorder treatment access.

Maddy summaryHB 1710 updates Pennsylvania's vehicle registration and title system under Title 75. It repeals temporary registration cards and permits, requiring standard registration instead, and updates procedures for transferring registration and issuing plates. The bill also adds a road user charge for electric vehicles and clarifies fees for electronic registration plates. These changes directly affect vehicle owners, dealers, and state agencies handling registrations. The bill focuses on modernizing administrative processes and adding new fee structures for electric vehicles.

Maddy summaryHB 1709 amends the Public School Code of 1949 to require institutions of higher education to provide employment certification for adjunct and part-time faculty. This bill directly affects part-time and adjunct professors at colleges and universities, who often lack formal job security documentation. The key provision mandates that schools issue written certification confirming employment terms, such as hours and contract duration, for these faculty members. The bill aims to create clearer employment records for part-time educators under the state's higher education framework. It was referred to the Education committee on July 9, 2025.