Rep. Ben Waxman

Maddy summaryHB 1641 prohibits Pennsylvania medical liability insurers from taking adverse actions against healthcare providers who offer legal reproductive health services, including abortion care via telemedicine, to out-of-state patients. It specifically bans insurers from refusing coverage renewals, raising premiums, or reporting providers solely for providing such services that comply with Pennsylvania law. The law applies to providers prescribing medication to terminate pregnancies for out-of-state patients using telemedicine. This directly affects insurers and healthcare providers serving patients in states with stricter abortion laws, preventing insurance penalties for legal telemedicine care.

Maddy summaryHB 1640 protects patient privacy for reproductive health care records in Pennsylvania. It requires healthcare providers (covered entities) to obtain written permission from patients before sharing records related to permitted reproductive services - such as pregnancy care, contraception, or abortion - except in limited circumstances like court orders, abuse investigations, or legal defense needs. The law explicitly preserves existing confidentiality protections under other state laws, including those for mental health and domestic violence services. It applies directly to patients seeking reproductive health care and the healthcare providers handling their records.

Maddy summaryHB 2005 would amend Pennsylvania's abortion-related statutes to require specific medical consultations and informed consent procedures before an abortion can be performed. The bill would mandate that healthcare providers discuss certain medical details and ensure patients understand the procedure and potential risks. This applies directly to licensed physicians and clinics providing abortion services in Pennsylvania. The bill is currently pending in the Judiciary Committee after recent committee actions, but has not yet been voted on by the full legislature.

Maddy summaryHB 670 would protect access to abortion clinics in Pennsylvania by creating a legal right for people to enter reproductive health services facilities and allowing lawsuits against individuals or entities that block access. It amends criminal and judicial statutes to define "blocking access" as a violation and imposes penalties for such actions. The bill directly affects patients seeking abortion care, clinic staff, and anyone attempting to obstruct facility access. Key provisions include enabling civil lawsuits for damages and establishing specific criminal penalties for interference with facility access.

Maddy summaryHB 2192 establishes the Commonwealth Housing Council to coordinate housing policies across Pennsylvania state agencies and local governments. The council will include 15 members: state agency secretaries, legislative appointees, mayors of major cities, county executives, and housing experts appointed by the Governor and legislative leaders. It requires the council to meet quarterly and coordinate housing strategies to improve policy implementation. This bill creates a new coordination body without altering existing housing laws or funding.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally recognizes January 27, 2026, as "International Holocaust Remembrance Day" within Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or affect specific groups; it is a ceremonial observance acknowledging the historical significance of the Holocaust and the UN-established date. The resolution cites the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau on January 27, 1945, and the UN's 2005 designation of this date for global remembrance. Pennsylvania's recognition aligns with the UN resolution's purpose of honoring Holocaust victims and promoting human rights education.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates January 23, 2026, as "Maternal Health Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically recognizes women who die from pregnancy or childbirth complications, drawing attention to maternal mortality rates in the state. The resolution does not create new laws or allocate funding but aims to increase public and professional awareness of maternal health issues, particularly highlighting disparities affecting Black women.

Maddy summaryHB 1806 would establish "6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion Day" as an official observance in Pennsylvania, recognizing the service of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion - a unit of African American women in the Women's Army Corps during World War II. The bill amends Pennsylvania's statutes to include this day in the state's list of recognized holidays and observances. It directly affects Pennsylvanians by creating a designated day for educational and commemorative activities honoring this historic military unit. The measure is procedural, focusing solely on formal recognition without altering existing laws or policies.

Maddy summaryHB 2185 requires Pennsylvania municipalities with populations over 5,000 (or high-density areas) to allow duplex, triplex, and quadplex housing as a permitted use by right where single-family homes are allowed, without requiring additional approvals. It prohibits municipalities from applying stricter zoning, subdivision, or design rules to these multi-unit housing types than to single-family homes. Developers must demonstrate that existing infrastructure (water, sewer, roads, and emergency services) can support new developments before permits are issued. The requirements apply differently based on municipality size: duplexes for 5,000+ residents, duplexes/triplexes for 10,000+, and all three housing types for 20,000+ residents.

Maddy summaryHB 2023 amends Pennsylvania's Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 to update eviction procedures. It directly affects tenants facing eviction and landlords seeking to regain property by requiring courts to hold hearings before eviction judgments, setting specific deadlines for issuing writs of possession, and clarifying how tenants must pay rent during the legal process. The bill adds new procedural requirements for each step in eviction cases, including detailed rules for rent payments to prevent or resolve disputes. These changes aim to standardize and clarify the eviction process without altering core tenant or landlord rights. The bill is currently referred to the Housing & Community Development committee.