Rep. Joe Hohenstein

Maddy summaryHB 404 amends Pennsylvania's Insurance Company Law to extend health insurance coverage for children under family policies. It requires policies to cover dependent children up to age 26 (previously 19) and prohibits insurers from denying or restricting coverage based on a child's financial dependency, residency, marital status, school enrollment, or employment. The bill also allows group health plans to extend coverage for adult children up to age 29 if they meet specific conditions, such as not being married, having no dependents, and residing in Pennsylvania or attending school full-time. This affects all health insurance policies sold in Pennsylvania that provide dependent child coverage.

Maddy summaryHB 410 allows certain Pennsylvanians with disabilities, 100% service-connected veterans, and active-duty military members or their dependents living abroad to renew driver's licenses using their most recent photo and signature on file instead of providing new photos. The bill applies to individuals who qualify under existing disability plate rules (Section 1338), have a 100% service-connected disability certification, or are active military personnel or their dependents. Renewal using existing records is prohibited if no current photo/signature exists, if record changes (like name or eye color) are needed, or if the photo is over 16 years old. The law takes effect 33 months after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 995 amends Pennsylvania law to require the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) to include provisions for protecting owned animals in the state's emergency management plan. The bill creates new funding for approved animal response teams to develop and maintain rescue capabilities, with PEMA allocating annual funds based on agency standards. It defines "owned animals" as pets, agricultural animals, or those under a Game Commission permit (excluding wildlife) and mandates that teams receiving funds maintain records for audit. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1003 establishes Pennsylvania's Veterans' Housing Assistance Program to provide rental assistance to homeless or at-risk veterans. It directly affects veterans who served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces and are identified as homeless or facing imminent homelessness by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. The program provides rental vouchers (financial assistance) to cover monthly rent and utilities, while the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency coordinates housing ombudsman services to negotiate leases and resolve credit issues, and the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs identifies eligible veterans and sets implementation guidelines. Veterans must apply through the Department or Agency and may be required to participate in supportive services like mental health counseling or job training to receive assistance.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Minimum Wage Act to establish new salary thresholds for employees classified as exempt in executive, administrative, or professional roles, affecting employers and workers in these positions. It defines "executive capacity" as requiring management duties, directing two or more employees, and having hiring/firing authority, with a minimum weekly salary starting at $844 (effective October 2027), rising to $1,128 by 2029, and then adjusting every three years based on Pennsylvania's 10th percentile wage for exempt workers. Employers may meet up to 10% of the salary requirement through nondiscretionary bonuses, incentives, or commissions paid annually. The bill does not alter minimum wage rates for non-exempt workers but clarifies exemption criteria for specific job classifications.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment allowing counties (of first and second class) to create special property tax exemptions for longtime owner-occupants in neighborhoods where home values have risen significantly due to renovations or new construction nearby. It would let local governments establish uniform tax rules for these homeowners without increasing overall property tax rates to fund the exemptions. The amendment requires approval by the General Assembly and then a vote by Pennsylvania voters before taking effect.

Maddy summaryHB 1029 amends Pennsylvania's 1937 Labor Relations Act to clarify worker protections and union election processes. It defines "employe" more broadly (excluding independent contractors) and bans agreements that prevent workers from joining class or collective lawsuits. Employers must post notices about labor rights and provide detailed voter lists for union elections within two business days of a board order. The bill also adds new unfair labor practices, including coercing workers to sign agreements that limit their right to pursue collective claims. These changes directly affect Pennsylvania workers, employers, and labor organizations involved in union representation efforts.

Maddy summaryHB 159 amends Pennsylvania law to strengthen penalties for illegally transporting, selling, importing, or releasing nonnative fish and wildlife. It directly affects individuals, businesses, or organizations handling nonnative species, including pet trade sellers, anglers, and conservation groups. The bill increases misdemeanor penalties: violations involving non-native fish become third-degree misdemeanors for negligence or first-degree for intentional acts, while violations with endangered/threatened species escalate to second-degree (negligent/intentional) misdemeanors. It clarifies that each animal, egg, or fish involved in a violation counts as a separate offense, intensifying consequences for repeated or large-scale violations. The changes aim to better protect Pennsylvania's ecosystems and native species from invasive threats.

Maddy summaryHB 438 amends Pennsylvania's Local Tax Collection Law to allow taxpayers to remove a deceased spouse's name from real estate tax bills. It directly affects homeowners who are now required to submit a written request and a death certificate to both their tax collector and county assessment office. The key provision, added as Section 6.1, creates a formal process for this removal without requiring court action. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution designates March 18, 2025, as "Natural Gas Utility Worker Appreciation Day" in Pennsylvania. It formally recognizes natural gas utility workers for their role in maintaining infrastructure that provides energy to homes and businesses, including their work during the pandemic and in hazardous conditions. The resolution is purely ceremonial with no new laws or funding, serving only to honor these workers. It aligns with the existing national observance of "National Natural Gas Utility Workers' Day."