Rep. Joe Hohenstein

Maddy summaryHB 899 requires Pennsylvania employers to provide workers with paid sick leave for their own health needs or to care for family members. Employees earn one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked, with a minimum annual accrual of 40 hours. The law prohibits employers from retaliating against workers who use this leave and mandates clear posting of rights. It covers most private-sector employees (excluding federal workers) and applies to all employers with 15+ employees in Pennsylvania, effective upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 18, 2025, as "National Transit Worker Appreciation Day" in Pennsylvania. It recognizes the work of approximately 16,800 public transit employees (including bus/train operators, drivers, and maintenance staff) who support over 237 million annual trips for Pennsylvania residents. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but encourages the public to thank transit workers for their role in connecting communities to jobs, healthcare, and education. It specifically highlights concerns about safety risks transit workers face, including recent incidents of violence. The resolution is symbolic and non-binding, limited to Pennsylvania's House of Representatives.

Maddy summaryHB 878 amends Pennsylvania's DUI laws to clarify that using medical marijuana legally under the Medical Marijuana Act is not a defense for driving under the influence, except for commercial drivers. It directly affects medical marijuana patients who drive non-commercial vehicles by allowing their legal medical use to be raised as a defense in DUI cases. The bill adds "medical marijuana" to statutory definitions and modifies Section 3802(h) to explicitly state this use is a defense, while Section 3810 confirms authorized medical use isn't a defense unless specified in the new exception. This change does not alter DUI laws for alcohol or other controlled substances, only clarifies the medical marijuana exception. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 833 proposes a constitutional amendment to add a 4% tax on Pennsylvania residents with annual taxable income exceeding $1 million. This tax would apply only to income above the $1 million threshold, directly affecting high-income earners in the state. The amendment includes an annual cost-of-living adjustment for the income threshold, aligning it with federal tax bracket methodology. This is a policy change to the state constitution, not an immediate law, requiring approval through the constitutional amendment process.

Maddy summaryHB 840 establishes the Targeted Industry Cluster Certificate Scholarship Program to provide financial assistance for Pennsylvania residents pursuing specific short-term education programs. The program, administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, offers grants for eligible students enrolled in approved courses that take two to four years to complete, including nursing, public health, and community health bachelor's degrees. The Department of Education and Department of Labor and Industry will collaborate to identify workforce-focused programs and approve eligible educational providers. This bill directly affects students seeking credentials in high-demand fields and requires the agency to set grant awards based on available funding.

Maddy summaryHB 845 creates a new administrative process for Pennsylvania residents to legally change their name, allowing applications to be submitted directly to the Department of Health (online or at driver's license centers) instead of requiring court petitions for most cases. It requires applicants to provide background information and a county-level criminal record check to confirm no outstanding judgments. The bill maintains court oversight for name changes involving minors when a parent or guardian does not consent, requiring additional documentation to demonstrate reasonable efforts to obtain consent. This change primarily affects individuals seeking name changes, streamlining the process for adults while preserving judicial review for minor-related cases.

Maddy summaryHB 838 creates a program allowing qualified health care facilities - such as hospitals, medical specialist centers, and physical therapy centers - to issue temporary disability parking placards valid for up to six months. Individuals seeking a temporary placard must apply directly to an enrolled facility and sign a statement confirming they meet the disability criteria. The facility then requires a health care provider to certify the disability and submit the application electronically to the state department to update records. This change streamlines access to temporary parking permits without requiring individuals to go through the state’s standard application process.

Maddy summaryHB 826 amends Pennsylvania's Human Relations Act to require public venues (like theaters, sports arenas, and events charging admission) to provide free admission for personal care attendants accompanying eligible individuals with disabilities. It defines "attendant care services" to include daily living support such as bathing, mobility assistance, and managing transportation, and specifies that "eligible individuals" are those needing such services due to a disability. The bill prohibits venues from charging personal care attendants for entry when their presence is necessary for the eligible individual to access the event. This directly affects people with disabilities who rely on attendants to participate in public activities and the venues hosting those events.

Maddy summaryHB 823 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to replace annual fire drills with "school security drills" in all public school buildings. It requires schools to conduct one security drill per year (after the first 90 days of school), with specific rules: drills must be age-appropriate, avoid violent simulations (like fake weapons or injuries), include mental health professionals, and require 7 days' advance notice to parents. Schools must also hold a debriefing period with mental health support immediately after each drill. This bill directly affects all Pennsylvania public schools and their students, shifting focus from fire safety to comprehensive security planning.

Maddy summaryHB 824 amends Pennsylvania's Conservation and Natural Resources Act to require the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to prioritize grant applications for playgrounds, playground equipment, and recreation areas that address accessibility for people with disabilities. The bill specifies that projects must include features like ramped play areas, accessible swings, wheelchair-friendly tables, and adaptations for blind or visually impaired individuals to receive priority. It mandates that the department favor universally designed recreation areas - where all equipment and the space itself are fully accessible - over projects with only partial accessibility. This change directly affects communities applying for state grants to build or improve local playgrounds, ensuring new facilities meet inclusive design standards from the start.