Rep. Joe Hohenstein

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new special registration plate for vehicles in Pennsylvania that supports the arts. Vehicle owners can purchase this plate for an additional $41 fee, with $15 of that amount directed to a newly established Arts Promotion Fund. The money collected will be used to provide grants for arts programs through the state's Council on the Arts. The law also sets up specific rules for how the fund is managed and ensures that spending stays within approved estimates.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws regarding the handling of delinquent children by clarifying how courts can order restitution and limit the duration of institutional commitments. It allows judges to require minors to work in supervised programs to earn money for paying back victims, with up to 75% of those earnings going toward restitution while ensuring the child receives at least minimum wage. The legislation also mandates more frequent court reviews for children in out-of-home placements, requiring hearings every three months to assess their progress, safety risks, and educational needs. Additionally, the bill restricts when a child can be removed from their home and prohibits courts from issuing civil judgments against minors for unpaid restitution. These changes aim to balance community protection with the rehabilitation and welfare of the juvenile justice system.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution celebrates the 388th anniversary of the United States National Guard, which traces its origins to a militia organized in Boston in 1636. The document highlights the historical evolution of the National Guard, noting its dual role in serving both state and federal needs for disaster relief and defense. It specifically acknowledges the Pennsylvania National Guard's long history, dating back to 1747, and directs that a copy of the resolution be presented to the unit.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill creates a new Employee Misclassification Working Group to coordinate efforts among state agencies in identifying and addressing cases where workers are incorrectly classified as independent contractors rather than employees. The legislation mandates that the Department of Revenue share tax information with specific labor and unemployment offices to help investigate these misclassification issues and requires the use of federal identification numbers to streamline data matching. The working group itself will be led by a representative from the Department of Labor and Industry and will include members from the Department of Revenue and the Office of Attorney General, with optional participation from local prosecutors and labor enforcement officers. Meetings of the group are required to occur at least every three months to develop and oversee enforcement strategies.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's insurance laws to expand health coverage for adult children of policyholders. It requires health insurance policies to keep covering children up to age 26 without denying them based on factors like marital status, residency, or employment. Additionally, the law allows insurers to offer continued coverage until age 29 for unmarried adult children who are full-time students or residents, provided they meet specific eligibility requirements. These changes primarily affect individuals purchasing or renewing health insurance plans and the insurance companies that issue them.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill, known as the Health Insurance Protection Against Limitations Act, requires health insurers to remove annual and lifetime dollar limits on core medical benefits for both individual and group plans. The law specifically applies to policies that were first offered or issued in the state in 2024, ensuring that essential services are not capped over time. To enforce these rules, the Insurance Department is authorized to create regulations and impose penalties, including fines up to $500,000 for insurers, on companies that violate the coverage protections. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Insurance Commissioner notify the state legislature if federal laws protecting against such limits are repealed or invalidated.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Cosmetology Law to explicitly include natural hair braiders in its licensing requirements. It mandates that individuals performing natural hair braiding must obtain a cosmetology license and work only in licensed salons, while also prohibiting the rental of booths within those establishments. The legislation clarifies that these rules apply solely to those whose business is dedicated to braiding and does not affect emergency services, medical professionals, or licensed barbers. Additionally, the bill establishes specific eligibility criteria for taking the required examination and outlines the fees and renewal processes for these new licenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires healthcare providers, including physicians and midwives, to offer pregnant and postpartum patients a standardized screening tool for mood and anxiety disorders in their primary language. It mandates that providers share information about available support resources with patients and, with consent, with their accompanying individuals or designated contacts. The legislation also directs the Department of Health to create a public awareness campaign about perinatal mental health and to maintain an updated list of counseling and assistance services.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Construction Code Act to update regulations for parking access aisles reserved for individuals with disabilities. It requires the Department of Labor and Industry to set rules mandating that new access aisles be at least 96 inches wide. Additionally, the bill specifies that existing aisles narrower than 96 inches must be widened to that standard whenever the parking lot undergoes routine relining. These changes directly affect parking lot owners, municipalities, and contractors responsible for building and maintaining accessible parking spaces.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates September 1, 2024, as "Polish Resistance in World War II Commemoration Day" within the state of Pennsylvania. The legislation honors the bravery of Polish soldiers and civilians who fought against German forces during the war, particularly highlighting the Warsaw Uprising of 1944. It serves as a symbolic gesture to recognize the sacrifices made by Polish Americans and the broader Allied effort, noting that Luzerne County has a significant population with Polish heritage. As a commemorative resolution, the bill does not alter laws or allocate funding but instead establishes an official date for public remembrance.