Rep. Joe Hohenstein

Maddy summaryHB 1097 creates a new minor criminal offense in Pennsylvania for organizing or operating events where live pigeons are used as targets for shooting contests, either for amusement or skill testing. This applies to anyone who willfully runs such events at a designated location, including using mechanical aids to present pigeons to shooters. The bill explicitly excludes legal hunting under state game laws, dog training activities, or permitted special events. It takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1070 requires all health insurance policies covering maternity benefits in Pennsylvania to provide 24 additional hours of elective postpartum observation and care beyond the existing 48-96 hours of inpatient coverage, starting January 1, 2026. It also prohibits hospitals from involuntarily discharging postpartum patients or newborns between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m., with billing under "observation status" if discharge is refused. The bill directly affects mothers, newborns, hospitals, and health insurers by extending coverage duration and restricting nighttime discharges. The Department of Human Services must seek a federal waiver to extend government program coverage for this additional 24-hour period.

Maddy summaryHR 150 is a Pennsylvania House resolution designating April 11-17, 2025, as "Black Maternal Health Week" to highlight the disproportionate maternal health disparities affecting Black women and birthing persons in the state. It references Pennsylvania data showing Black women face maternal mortality rates twice as high as White women (148 vs. 74 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2020) and higher morbidity rates. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but aims to raise public awareness about preventable maternal health outcomes. It specifically targets state-level attention to this crisis, citing local statistics from Philadelphia and Allegheny Counties. As a symbolic resolution, it has no binding effect but seeks to spur broader discussion and action.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $100 tax credit for Pennsylvania taxpayers who adopt cats or dogs from animal shelters, humane societies, or rescue organizations. The credit applies to state income taxes, with a maximum annual benefit of $300 (covering up to three adopted animals). To claim the credit, taxpayers must submit proof of spaying/neutering and adoption during the tax year. The program directly affects individuals adopting shelter animals, aiming to incentivize pet adoption through tax relief.

Maddy summaryHB 1066 amends Pennsylvania's Medical Practice Act to create a pathway for temporary medical licensees who graduated from international medical schools to obtain full, unrestricted licenses. To qualify, these individuals must have practiced medicine for at least three years outside the U.S., demonstrated competency to the State Board of Medicine, maintained good standing for two years after their temporary license was issued, and secured a job offer from a Pennsylvania healthcare facility. This provision applies only to eligible temporary licensees meeting all specified criteria, without altering general temporary license rules. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1074 amends Pennsylvania's Dog Law to regulate contracts for the sale and lease of dogs and cats. It makes void any contract where ownership or repossession of the animal depends on future payments after the buyer takes possession (except for unsecured loans for the purchase), and voids leases offering an option to buy the animal at the end of the term. Consumers who enter such contracts are deemed the owners and can reclaim all payments made. The law applies to contracts entered into 60 days after the bill takes effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a grant program to provide free menstrual products (such as pads and tampons) in Pennsylvania public schools. Schools with 25% or more students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch programs can apply for grants to purchase these products and install dispensers or disposal units. Recipients must report annual spending on products and dispenser maintenance to the state. The program is funded by a state appropriation for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.

Maddy summaryHB 1065 creates a new felony offense for selling unmarked firearm components in Pennsylvania. It specifically targets the sale of firearm frames/receivers, silencer frames, split/modular frames, or partially complete frames without serial numbers registered to a federal firearms licensee. The bill defines "privately made firearm" as one assembled by non-licensed individuals without federal serial markings. This law directly affects sellers of homemade or unlicensed firearm parts, making such sales a third-degree felony. It does not change laws regarding firearm ownership or purchase, only penalizing the sale of unmarked components.

Maddy summaryHR 44 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing March 2025 as "National Social Work Month" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or allocate funding but formally acknowledges the social work profession's contributions to public well-being. The resolution highlights social workers' roles in supporting vulnerable populations, crisis response, mental health care, and community development, citing their growing numbers and impact. It urges Pennsylvanians to join the National Association of Social Workers in celebrating the profession during this month. This is a symbolic gesture with no direct policy or financial effect on residents or social workers.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 14, 2025, as "Parkland School Shooting Victims Remembrance Day" in Pennsylvania to honor the 17 victims of the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting. It does not create new laws or allocate funds but serves as a formal observance for Pennsylvanians to reflect on the tragedy. The resolution expresses condolences to victims' families and references Pennsylvania's existing school safety programs, such as Safe2Say Something and the Office for Safe Schools.