Rep. Joe Hohenstein

Maddy summaryHB 511 proposes a constitutional amendment to expand Pennsylvania's real estate tax exemption for veterans who served in a war or armed conflict, were honorably discharged, and have a disability rated at 100% by the U.S. Veterans Administration. It would exempt their primary residence from real property taxes if the State Veterans' Commission determines they need the exemption, and extend this benefit to the unmarried surviving spouse of an eligible veteran under the same conditions. This amendment requires approval by the General Assembly and a vote by Pennsylvania voters in a statewide election. The change would directly affect veterans with qualifying disabilities and their surviving spouses who own homes in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryHB 498 updates Pennsylvania's emergency protection order process for domestic abuse cases. It clarifies that temporary orders expire after one business day unless local court rules specify a 10-day limit or until a court hearing occurs. Hearing officers must now provide victims with information about local domestic violence resources, free legal aid, and how to report order violations. The bill also requires these orders to be entered into the statewide registry for tracking and mandates courts to schedule hearings to review orders until a final decision is made.

Maddy summaryHB 489 establishes Pennsylvania's Public Arts Grant Program and Public Arts Fund, administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development. The bill provides grants to community organizations and artists (based in Pennsylvania) to create free, publicly accessible public art - such as murals or sculptures - that depicts or benefits historically marginalized communities. Grants are capped at $100,000 per recipient, require a three-year completion timeline, and mandate that applications include details on accessibility, community impact, and required permits. The bill also transfers $10 million from the General Fund to the Public Arts Fund upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution (HR 39) is a symbolic tribute honoring former President Jimmy Carter following his death on December 29, 2024, at age 100. It commemorates his life, presidency, and humanitarian work - including the Camp David Accords, founding The Carter Center, and efforts to eradicate Guinea worm disease - through a series of historical "whereas" statements. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws, allocate funds, or directly affect any individuals or policies. The resolution serves only to formally extend the Pennsylvania General Assembly's condolences and recognize Carter's legacy. It is purely ceremonial, with no legislative or policy impact.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection to lease submerged lands in Lake Erie (Erie County) for utility-scale offshore wind, solar, or kinetic energy projects, with requirements to avoid nearshore areas, shipping lanes, and migratory pathways. It establishes the Lake Erie Large-Scale Energy System Development Fund to collect lease and royalty payments from these projects, with funds distributed for energy development and related purposes. The bill sets a lease size limit of 25 to 10,000 contiguous acres and mandates that designated areas be developed in consultation with conservation agencies.

Maddy summaryHB 496 requires Pennsylvania prison inmates to complete a voter registration form or a written declination form before release. This applies to all inmates in state correctional facilities who are eligible to vote. The bill mandates that the Department of Corrections, in collaboration with the Department of State, administers the process through specific forms and rules. It does not automatically register inmates but provides a structured method for them to register or decline registration prior to discharge. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 54 designates October 2025 as "William Penn Landing Site in Chester Month" in Pennsylvania. The resolution commemorates William Penn's landing in Chester on October 29, 1682, which is recognized as a significant historical event in Pennsylvania's founding. This is a symbolic commemorative measure with no new policy or legal requirements.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 2, 2025, as "Rheumatoid Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania to increase public understanding of rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic condition affecting joints and organs that impacts over 1.3 million Americans. It serves as a symbolic recognition with no legal or funding consequences, aiming to address gaps in awareness about the disease's symptoms and health risks. The resolution has no direct effect on legislation, healthcare policy, or individual residents' rights.

Maddy summaryHB 461, the Commonwealth Funding Safety and Transparency Act, requires nonprofits and their partners receiving state funds for pregnancy-related services (like counseling, testing, and postdelivery support) to provide truthful information and follow specific standards. It mandates compliance with existing transparency laws for funded advertising, adherence to medical safety standards from the AMA and ACOG, and inclusion of all FDA-approved contraceptive options in program materials. Nonprofits failing to meet these requirements lose eligibility for state funding or tax incentives. The law applies directly to organizations administering pregnancy services with Commonwealth funding.

Maddy summaryHB 485 creates a new Office of Information Technology within Pennsylvania's state government to establish and enforce digital accessibility standards. It requires all public entities (like counties, cities, and state agencies) to make their online services accessible to people with disabilities by developing implementation plans by July 2026 and fully complying by July 2028. Key provisions include adopting Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), mandating procurement standards for adaptive technologies, and requiring compatibility with accessibility tools. The law aligns with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act and applies to digital content, websites, and information systems used by the public.