Rep. Joe Hohenstein

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill prohibits the intentional addition of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS, to a wide range of consumer products including cookware, cosmetics, food packaging, and artificial turf. While the law generally bans these chemicals, it allows for their use in specific items if the Department of Environmental Protection determines that no safer alternative exists and the chemical is critical for the product's function. The Department of Environmental Protection is tasked with enforcing these restrictions, managing a public database of PFAS information, and imposing penalties for violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new grant program to help Pennsylvania school districts provide annual mental health screenings for students in grades six through twelve. Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, eligible school entities can apply for funding to hire staff, purchase materials, or partner with outside organizations to conduct these evidence-based screenings. The program requires applicants to submit detailed plans outlining how they will screen students, protect privacy, and connect those who need help with licensed mental health professionals or community resources. Additionally, the Department of Education will consult with national mental health experts and maintain a list of qualified vendors to assist participating schools.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill amends the Solid Waste Management Act to clarify definitions and restrict how oil and gas wastewater is handled. It explicitly adds various types of oil and gas wastewater, such as production water and brine, to the legal definition of "residual waste." The legislation prohibits spreading this wastewater on roads or applying it to land, with the sole exception of tophole water used at the specific well site where it was extracted. Additionally, the bill bans vehicles transporting this wastewater from having mechanisms that could facilitate the prohibited disposal or reuse methods. These changes aim to limit the environmental impact of oil and gas operations by preventing the use of wastewater for dust suppression, road deicing, or road stabilization.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws to allow online messengers to issue and renew motor carrier road tax identification markers, temporary permits, and related registration cards. To operate under these new rules, online messengers must post a financial bond and follow specific regulations set by the Department of Revenue. The legislation also establishes a $100 fine for online messengers who violate these provisions and clarifies the definition of an online messenger. Additionally, the bill expands tax refund eligibility for truck refrigeration units by increasing the allowable fuel purchase limit from 75 to 100 gallons per transaction.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution that asks the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to officially recognize June 2024 as "National Immigrant Heritage Month" within the state. It aims to honor the contributions of immigrants and their descendants by highlighting their roles in the economy, healthcare, military service, and innovation. The measure does not create new laws or change policies but instead serves as a symbolic gesture to celebrate diversity and acknowledge the historical and ongoing impact of immigrants on Pennsylvania's communities. After being referred to the Housing and Community Development committee, the bill was reported as committed and subsequently laid on the table, ending its immediate legislative process.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Pennsylvania's existing Freedom to Breastfeed Act by requiring all state-owned buildings to provide dedicated nursing rooms for employees and the public. Under the new rules, the Department of General Services must ensure these rooms meet specific standards, including a minimum size of 80 square feet, a lockable door, privacy features, and amenities like a sink, electrical outlet, and refrigerator where possible. The department is also tasked with creating a publicly available online list of these room locations and posting signage to guide visitors to them. These changes apply to any building under the control of the Department of General Services or administered by other executive agencies. The legislation will take effect one year after it is passed.

Maddy summaryHB 2500 legalizes the adult use of cannabis in Pennsylvania by establishing a regulatory framework for its possession, sale, and consumption. The bill designates the Department of Agriculture as the primary agency responsible for overseeing the industry, including licensing businesses and enforcing rules on advertising, packaging, and laboratory testing. It creates two new funds to support the industry and promote social equity, while also imposing specific sales and excise taxes on cannabis products. Additionally, the legislation consolidates existing medical cannabis provisions and transfers certain regulatory powers from the Department of Health to the Department of Agriculture.

Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates September 2024 as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month within the state of Pennsylvania. The measure highlights the importance of early detection and screening for men, noting that the disease primarily affects older males and can be asymptomatic for years. While the primary function is symbolic, the bill also includes a provision urging the U.S. Congress to pass legislation that would mandate health insurance coverage for prostate cancer screenings.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Maternal Care Access Program within the Pennsylvania Department of Health to improve maternal health outcomes by directing resources to underserved areas. The legislation defines specific terms like "maternity care desert" and "at-risk" zones based on the availability of obstetric care, birth centers, and medical providers. It authorizes the department to distribute funds to birth centers, obstetrician-gynecologists, certified nurse midwives, and hospitals located in designated zones that lack adequate care options. Additionally, the bill establishes criteria for identifying distressed hospitals and outlines various health and social indicators used to assess maternal vulnerability.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires correctional officers in Pennsylvania to use safety seat belts when transporting detained individuals or inmates in vehicles. It allows for exceptions if using a seat belt would endanger the officer or others, or if the person is being transported on a bus. The Department of Corrections must create specific regulations for seat belt use within 120 days, including rules for transporting pregnant individuals. The law applies to all peace officers and other authorized personnel who transport detainees under official detention.