Rep. Ben Waxman

Maddy summaryHB 1376 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to establish standards for school-based health centers in public, private, and parochial schools. It requires these centers to provide accessible care without denying services based on payment ability, insurance status, or health conditions, while coordinating with students' existing primary care providers. Centers must offer a full range of services with proper parental consent, minimize barriers to care, and maintain confidentiality per federal law. The bill also creates a statewide advisory council and a department liaison to oversee implementation and ensure centers align with student needs like age, demographics, and community resources.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 4-10, 2025, as "Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania. It aims to raise public and medical awareness about tardive dyskinesia (TD), an involuntary movement disorder linked to long-term use of certain medications (like antipsychotics) for mental health or gastrointestinal conditions. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but encourages greater recognition of TD, which affects an estimated 800,000 people in the U.S. and often goes undiagnosed. It directly supports individuals living with TD and healthcare providers monitoring for symptoms.

Maddy summaryHB 684 requires Pennsylvania public schools to adopt evidence-based reading curricula and implement annual reading screenings for kindergarten through third-grade students starting in the 2026-2027 school year. Schools must identify reading deficiencies using approved screeners, notify parents in writing about deficiencies, and provide individualized reading intervention plans for affected students. The bill mandates that educators complete approved professional development training by the 2028-2029 school year to support these requirements. It directly affects K-3 students, their families, and school staff, with specific deadlines for curriculum adoption, screening, and educator training. The law also establishes reporting and accountability measures for school entities to ensure compliance.

Maddy summaryThis resolution symbolically recognizes April 2025 as "Celebrate Diversity Month" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws, funding, or obligations - it solely serves as a formal acknowledgment by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. The resolution cites benefits of diversity in workplaces and society but does not implement any policy changes. It directly affects Pennsylvania's official state recognition for that month, with no impact on individuals or organizations. As a procedural resolution, it has no legal force or practical effect beyond the symbolic gesture.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution (HR 213) designates June 19, 2025, as "Juneteenth Independence Day" to commemorate June 19, 1865 - the date Union troops in Galveston, Texas, announced the end of slavery nationwide. It encourages Pennsylvania residents to observe the day through educational events and activities. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws or establish a paid holiday, but formally recognizes the historical significance of the date when slavery was finally abolished in all U.S. regions.

Maddy summaryHB 1345 would expand Pennsylvania's medical assistance program to cover FDA-approved treatments for menopause symptoms, including hormonal and non-hormonal drugs, devices, and behavioral therapy, for eligible low-income residents. The bill specifically requires coverage for all defined menopausal symptoms - such as hot flashes, bone density loss, and sleep disturbances - as well as treatments for menopause following a hysterectomy. It mandates that the state seek federal approval via a plan amendment or waiver to implement these changes. This policy directly affects enrolled medical assistance recipients experiencing menopausal symptoms, ensuring they receive covered care without additional out-of-pocket costs.

Maddy summaryHB 308 establishes new workplace health and safety standards specifically for public employees in Pennsylvania, including those working for the Commonwealth, counties, cities, schools, and public institutions. It creates the Pennsylvania Occupational Safety and Health Review Board, grants the Secretary of Labor new enforcement powers for workplace inspections, and requires public employers to meet safety standards comparable to those in the private sector under federal OSHA. The bill imposes penalties for violations, prohibits employer retaliation against employees reporting safety concerns, and mandates recordkeeping and reporting procedures. This legislation directly affects all public employees across Pennsylvania who previously lacked consistent state-level safety protections.

Maddy summaryHB 1313 amends Pennsylvania's 1953 Vital Statistics Law to prohibit identifying a child's sex on birth certificates or registration records filed after the law's effective date. This directly affects newborns and their families in Pennsylvania, as birth certificates issued under this law will no longer include sex designation. The bill specifically prohibits sex identification on state records but includes an exception for forms required by federal law. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1307 allows homeless minors aged 16 or older who are self-supporting without parental financial or physical support to legally enter contracts for housing, employment, medical care (including domestic violence services), bank accounts, and automobile insurance. It requires parental consent (expressed or implied through actions like barring the minor from home or refusing support) or provider verification that returning home would cause harm. Minors’ consent for these services is binding like an adult’s and cannot be disaffirmed later, with providers protected from liability if they follow the consent procedures. The bill directly affects vulnerable homeless youth in Pennsylvania seeking independent access to essential services.

Maddy summaryHB 1312 updates Pennsylvania's death certificate process to include a nonbinary gender option. It allows individuals to pre-select their gender identity (female, male, or nonbinary) for use on their death certificate, which must be recorded if specified. If no pre-selection is made, the certificate will reflect the decedent's gender based on their official documents (e.g., driver's license, birth certificate, or passport). Family members, spouses, or legal guardians can challenge the gender listed within 10 days by filing a court petition.