Rep. Tarik Khan

Maddy summaryHB 588 amends Pennsylvania's Professional Nursing Law to require registered nurses and licensed practical nurses to complete one hour of mandatory continuing education focused on older adult abuse recognition and reporting during each biennial license renewal period. This requirement applies to all license renewals (except initial licensure) and includes specific documentation rules, such as retaining certificates for five years and submitting them upon request. Failure to complete this hour may delay license renewal, trigger disciplinary action under existing penalties, or require remediation within six months. The bill directly affects nursing license holders in Pennsylvania seeking renewal, reinstatement, or reactivation of their licenses.

Maddy summaryHR 71 establishes a Pennsylvania State Flag Commission to study the current state flag and recommend potential changes. The commission will gather public input on new designs, aiming to create a flag that follows vexillological principles like simplicity, distinctiveness, and meaningful symbolism (as noted in the resolution's justification). It must complete its work and submit final recommendations to the legislature within 12 months. The commission consists of seven appointed members, including legislative leaders, a state arts council representative, and a vexillology expert, with expenses shared equally by both legislative chambers. This resolution is procedural and does not change the current flag; it only creates a process for future consideration.

Maddy summaryHB 578 sets a new maximum contaminant level of 10 parts per trillion for specific PFAS chemicals (including PFOA and PFOS) in public drinking water systems across Pennsylvania. This directly affects municipal water providers and the residents who rely on tap water, requiring them to meet this stricter standard. The bill establishes this limit unless federal or state agencies set a higher standard, in which case those standards would take precedence. Water systems must comply with this level, and the Department of Environmental Protection must publish any federal/state standards in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House Resolution (HR 76) urges the U.S. Congress to change Medicare reimbursement policies to cover blood transfusions for hospice patients with blood cancer. It highlights that current Medicare pays hospices a fixed daily rate ($34,465.34 annually per patient), which fails to cover the average $2,388 cost per red blood cell unit transfusion - needed twice weekly by most patients. The resolution states this reimbursement gap prevents access to palliative transfusions (used for comfort, not cancer treatment), leading patients to avoid hospice care. It specifically references a 2023 federal bill proposal that aimed to create a separate payment model for transfusions. The resolution has no legal effect but seeks to prompt federal policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 570 requires developers of new residential projects with 30 or more units to include affordable housing units. Specifically, projects must reserve 5% of units for very-low-income households (earning 50% or less of the area median income), 10% for low-income households (up to 80% of median income), and 10% for middle-income households (80-120% of median income). Developers must meet phased completion targets as market-rate units are finished - such as 10% affordable units when 25% of market units are complete - and municipalities may withhold certificates of occupancy if requirements aren’t met. The bill directly affects developers of qualifying new residential projects in Pennsylvania, aiming to increase housing options for lower-income residents.

Maddy summaryHB 605 creates a program where individuals on probation, parole, or post-release supervision in Pennsylvania can earn time off their supervision period by meeting specific requirements. For each month of compliance - including fulfilling their case plan, avoiding new arrests, and making scheduled payments for restitution or fines - they earn 15 days toward reducing their supervision term. Agencies must award these "earned compliance credits," place compliant individuals in nonactive status, and petition courts to shorten supervision when all financial obligations are met. Individuals facing financial hardship that prevents payments cannot be barred from earning credits if they meet other requirements. The bill requires agencies to publish forfeiture rules online for violations, limiting forfeited credits to those already earned.

Maddy summaryHB 568 establishes county-level "gun violence task forces" in Pennsylvania communities with high and increasing gun violence rates. These task forces, created upon a district attorney's written request to the Attorney General, investigate violations of firearm laws (sections 6105 and 6111 of Title 18) and recommend prosecutions. The task forces include local law enforcement, community stakeholders, faith leaders, and neighborhood representatives, operating under the Attorney General’s authority. The Attorney General gains authority to prosecute certain firearm offenses in these counties, considering factors like the severity of the offense and the offender’s criminal history, while local prosecutors may request prosecution for specific cases involving murder or violent crimes.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds music therapy to Pennsylvania's existing licensing framework for mental health professionals. It creates a new "licensed professional music therapist" category and defines "practice of music therapy" to include clinically proven techniques like music improvisation, songwriting, and music-based assessments. The State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, Professional Counselors, and Professional Music Therapists will regulate this new license. It directly affects individuals who provide music therapy services independently, requiring them to hold this specific license while clarifying that existing healthcare providers (like hospitals or schools) aren't required to obtain it for their employment.

Maddy summaryHB 552 creates three public alert systems in Pennsylvania: the Amber Alert for abducted children, the Missing Endangered Person Advisory System for missing individuals at special risk (e.g., due to health conditions), and the Green Alert for veterans-at-risk (veterans with service-related health conditions facing harm). The Pennsylvania State Police must establish and maintain these systems, coordinate with other jurisdictions, and use a $25 fee assessed on certain convictions (like kidnapping or unlawful restraint) to fund them. The bill also prohibits false alerts with a $5,000 civil penalty and ensures law enforcement can still independently notify the public. It directly affects the State Police, law enforcement agencies, and individuals convicted of specified crimes.

Maddy summaryHB 529 establishes a program allowing Pennsylvania municipalities to create "Smart Growth Zoning Districts" in areas with good transit access or existing development (like downtowns or near transit stations). It creates a "Smart Growth Zoning District Fund" that pays municipalities a one-time "density bonus payment" for each new housing unit built in these districts, specifically targeting "attainable housing" for residents earning up to 120% of the area's median income. Municipalities must submit detailed housing plans showing how they will meet local housing needs through these districts. The bill directly affects local governments, developers, and residents seeking affordable housing options in designated zones.