Rep. Joe Hohenstein

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution urges the U.S. Congress to pass federal legislation that would raise the asset limits for Supplemental Security Income eligibility. Currently, individuals can only hold $2,000 in resources and couples can hold $3,000 without losing benefits, a limit that has not been adjusted for inflation since 1989. The proposed federal bill seeks to increase these limits to $10,000 for individuals and $20,000 for couples to help recipients save money and maintain financial stability. The resolution specifically calls for Congress to enact this change, noting that the current strict limits often force people to spend down their assets or face benefit termination.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a minimum hourly wage of $20 or a living wage for education support professionals in Pennsylvania public schools, effective for the 2024-2025 school year. It requires schools to pay overtime at 1.5 times the standard rate and mandates that salaried workers be paid based on their actual hours worked to meet this threshold. For employees currently covered by existing contracts with lower wages, the law requires schools to make supplemental payments to bridge the gap until the contract expires or is renewed. The Department of Labor and Industry is tasked with calculating and annually adjusting the living wage based on inflation data, while the state provides funding to school districts to cover the cost of these wage increases. Additionally, the legislation updates procedures for school boards, requiring a majority vote and proper recording for certain decisions.

Maddy summaryThis resolution directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to perform a financial comparison between state legal offices, such as the Office of Attorney General and district attorney offices, and private law firms. The primary goal is to assess whether current funding levels for these public agencies are adequate by analyzing their revenue and expenditures against those of corporate defense firms. To complete this study, the committee will request financial records from the relevant entities and must submit a final report with its findings and any recommendations to the House of Representatives within 180 days.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill establishes the Clean Hydrogen Production Act to regulate the development of clean hydrogen projects and create a state tax credit program to support them. It directs the Environmental Quality Board to oversee applications, conduct investigations, and set specific rules for these projects while requiring investor-owned utilities to report on their activities and federal funding. The legislation defines clean hydrogen based on low emissions standards and includes provisions to consider the impact on disproportionately impacted communities during the review process. Additionally, the bill creates a tax credit system that allows businesses to claim credits for qualifying clean hydrogen production, with options to carry forward, carry back, or sell these credits.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Health Care Facilities Act to change licensing requirements specifically for abortion facilities. It removes the mandate that these facilities must have transfer agreements with nearby hospitals and eliminates the requirement for physicians and medical staff working there to hold admitting privileges at a hospital. Additionally, the legislation repeals an existing state regulation related to these licensing standards. These changes directly impact how abortion clinics are regulated and the operational requirements for their medical staff.

Maddy summaryThis resolution directs the Joint State Government Commission to study how Pennsylvania can increase the use of sustainable building materials in both state-funded and private construction projects. The commission will investigate the feasibility of updating construction requirements to include eco-friendly options like recycled steel and low-carbon concrete, while also analyzing the potential cost impacts of such changes. The study aims to identify suitable materials for the state's infrastructure and project direct and indirect financial savings or increases if these requirements are adopted. The commission is required to submit its findings to several House committees within 180 days of the resolution's passage.

Maddy summaryThis resolution directs the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a study estimating the projected costs of climate change adaptation and resilience measures for Pennsylvania. The study will analyze potential financial impacts on public health, natural resources, built infrastructure, and social environments under different future climate scenarios. It specifically requires examining how these costs vary across different demographics and geographic areas while considering hazards like flooding, heat, and wildfires. The findings aim to help state officials better prepare for and mitigate the effects of climate-related events on the Commonwealth.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's Public Utility Confidential Security Information Disclosure Protection Act to create a specific exception for government agencies. It requires public utilities to share emergency response plans and other records with federal or state authorities, such as the National Transportation Safety Board, when there is a reasonable belief of a safety risk or potential harm. The legislation ensures that agencies receiving this information can use it without fear of violating confidentiality rules or triggering public record requests under the Right-to-Know Law. The changes apply to all public utilities in the state and take effect 60 days after the bill is passed.

Maddy summaryThis resolution directs the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a study on improving Home and Community-Based Services waivers for individuals with disabilities in Pennsylvania. The investigation will examine how these programs, managed by the Office of Long-Term Living and the Office of Developmental Programs, can better meet medical needs, reduce barriers to community living, and enhance employment opportunities. Specifically, the study will compare service menus and pay rates between the two offices, analyze administrative processes, and review how other states have addressed similar challenges. Ultimately, the commission is tasked with issuing a report containing recommendations to improve eligibility, access to care, and support services for this population.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies state laws regarding student attendance to protect children from being removed from school when their guardians live outside the district or provide false residency information. It requires schools to offer a formal hearing and an opportunity to appeal before disenrolling any affected student, ensuring parents or guardians are informed of their rights under federal homeless student protections. The legislation also mandates that schools provide clear, understandable information about these rights and allows a court order to be the only other reason for immediate removal. Overall, the measure aims to ensure due process for families facing potential school enrollment issues while maintaining compliance with federal guidelines.