Rep. Joe Hohenstein

Maddy summaryHB 1234 amends Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to require public assistance programs to cover the cost of blood pressure monitors for eligible recipients. This change directly affects individuals enrolled in state public assistance programs who need blood pressure monitoring for health management. The bill adds blood pressure monitors to the list of covered medical equipment under the public assistance program, ensuring these devices are provided without cost to recipients. It does not change eligibility requirements but expands existing coverage to include this specific monitoring tool. The bill passed final passage on July 1, 2025, and was referred to the Health & Human Services committee.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates September 2025 as "International Underground Railroad Month" in Pennsylvania. It is a commemorative measure with no binding legal effect, intended to honor the historical significance of the Underground Railroad network. The resolution does not create new programs, alter laws, or directly affect any individuals or entities. It was adopted by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives on July 7, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1694 creates a tax amnesty program under Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code for fiscal year 2025-2026, allowing eligible taxpayers to settle past tax debts without penalties or interest. The program applies to unpaid taxes (including interest and fees) delinquent between 2020-2024, specifically for taxpayers who filed returns but underreported, failed to file, or have unknown liabilities. Taxpayers must file required returns and pay the full tax amount during a 90-day amnesty period ending June 30, 2026, and cannot participate in future amnesty programs. Excluded are taxpayers under criminal investigation or prosecution for tax-related offenses. This bill directly affects individuals and businesses with overdue tax obligations from 2020-2024.

Maddy summaryHB 865 amends Pennsylvania's military education benefit programs to clarify definitions, eligibility rules, and procedures for recovering funds. It directly affects Pennsylvania military service members and their families who use the Educational Assistance Program and Military Family Education Program for education expenses. Key changes include updating eligibility criteria and establishing clearer processes for recouping grant payments if recipients no longer meet requirements. The bill, now Act No. 32 of 2025, was signed into law on July 7, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 103 amends Pennsylvania's fish and boat laws to address unsecured, abandoned, or derelict vessels in waterways, directly affecting boat owners and operators who leave vessels unattended. The bill requires owners to properly secure boats to prevent abandonment and establishes a process for reporting derelict vessels to local authorities. It imposes fines for violations, including failure to secure a boat or leaving it unattended in a way that creates a hazard. This law becomes effective upon the governor's approval, as signed into law on July 7, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1590 removes specific regulatory requirements that clinics must meet to receive payment for services provided within their own facilities under public assistance programs like Medicaid. This change directly affects clinics offering on-site care covered by these programs, simplifying their billing process. The bill amends the Human Services Code to eliminate the need for clinics to comply with certain prior payment rules when services occur inside their physical premises. It focuses solely on modifying reimbursement procedures without altering eligibility or funding levels.

Maddy summaryHB 1674 would add Election Day to Pennsylvania's list of legal holidays under Title 38, requiring state offices to close and state employees to have the day off. The bill includes a penalty for failure to observe the holiday as mandated, likely applying to state agencies or entities required to comply. This change would directly impact state government operations and employee schedules on Election Day. The bill is currently pending in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives after being referred to the State Government committee.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates September 18, 2025, and September 18, 2026, as "State Grange Day" in Pennsylvania to celebrate the Pennsylvania State Grange's 152nd and 153rd anniversaries. It directly affects the Pennsylvania State Grange organization and its members by formally recognizing their anniversary through a state-level designation. The resolution is purely ceremonial, with no binding requirements or policy changes beyond this symbolic recognition, and it was adopted by the Pennsylvania House on June 30, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution designating September 2025 as "Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws, policies, or funding requirements. The resolution formally recognizes the importance of raising public awareness about thyroid cancer, its symptoms, and treatment options. It serves solely as a commemorative gesture to highlight thyroid cancer issues for Pennsylvania residents.

Maddy summaryHB 1677 prohibits Pennsylvania government entities from taking action against parents, legal custodians, or guardians who provide minors with medically accurate and medically appropriate information or evidence-based medical services. It specifically protects these adults from being deemed to have committed child abuse when acting in this manner. The bill defines key terms like "medically accurate" (supported by peer-reviewed research or major medical organizations) and "evidence-based" (using current best medical practices). This law applies broadly to all minors' healthcare decisions, not limited to specific identities, and takes effect immediately upon enactment.