Rep. Tarik Khan

Maddy summaryHB 1736 amends Pennsylvania's vehicle registration rules to update the process for obtaining special "wild resource conservation" license plates. These plates allow vehicle owners to contribute additional fees directly to state wildlife conservation programs. The bill modifies specific registration procedures for these plates within the state's vehicle registration system. It directly affects drivers who choose these plates and the conservation programs funded by the extra fees.

Maddy summaryHB 1743 requires Pennsylvania public and charter schools to implement comprehensive school counseling plans developed by certified counselors. The bill mandates that school counselors spend at least 80% of their time on direct student services (like classroom instruction, individual counseling, and career planning) and indirect services (such as consultations with parents or staff). Each school entity must create an annual, K-12-aligned plan addressing academic, career, and social-emotional needs, including special populations like students with individualized education plans. These plans must be reviewed yearly and integrated with existing school strategic planning. The law applies directly to all Pennsylvania school districts, charter schools, and intermediate units.

Maddy summaryHB 1739 would create a statewide "All Payor Claims Database" under Pennsylvania's health laws, requiring healthcare providers and insurers to submit claims data to this centralized system. The Health Care Cost Containment Council would be responsible for managing the database and ensuring compliance, with penalties for failure to report data accurately. The bill includes funding ("makes an appropriation") to support the database's development and operation. This directly affects healthcare providers, insurers, and the Council, as they would be required to submit, manage, and use the claims data for oversight purposes.

Maddy summaryHB 1574 creates a new loan program and fund to help local redevelopment authorities start community renewal projects. It establishes a Redevelopment Authority Startup Fund to provide low-interest loans for initiatives like rebuilding neighborhoods or revitalizing downtown areas. This directly affects cities and towns with active redevelopment agencies, giving them a new way to finance early-stage projects. The bill amends the Fiscal Code to set up this funding mechanism, changing how these local agencies access capital for urban renewal efforts.

Maddy summaryHB 1721 adds medical assistance coverage under public assistance programs for peer recovery support services. This means individuals receiving state-funded public assistance (like Medicaid) would now have access to coverage for services provided by trained peers who have lived experience with recovery. The bill directly affects people seeking substance use disorder treatment through public assistance programs. It amends the Human Services Code to require coverage for these specific peer services, expanding available treatment options without changing existing eligibility rules. The bill is currently in the Human Services committee for review.

Maddy summaryHB 1733 adds art therapy to Pennsylvania's regulated health professions by creating specific licensure requirements for "licensed professional art therapists" and "licensed associate art therapists." It defines "art therapy" as a clinical practice using art-based techniques to address mental health needs, requiring therapists to meet education standards from accredited institutions. The bill restricts the use of the title "licensed professional art therapist" to those holding a valid license, while "licensed associate art therapists" must work under supervision and cannot practice independently. This directly affects art therapists seeking to legally use the title or provide services in Pennsylvania, establishing new standards for training, supervision, and scope of practice.

Maddy summaryHB 1730 amends Pennsylvania's public utilities law to establish rules for service contracts between residential customers and providers of telecommunications, cable, and internet services. It directly affects homeowners and renters who use these services by requiring clearer terms and preventing unfair contract practices. Key provisions include banning automatic renewals without explicit customer consent and mandating plain-language disclosures about fees and cancellation policies. The bill aims to increase transparency and consumer choice in residential service agreements.

Maddy summaryHB 1575 creates a new tax credit program to revitalize vacant industrial properties in Pennsylvania. It directly affects building owners of pre-1973 factories or mills that have been at least 75% vacant for 24 months and are designated by their municipality for rehabilitation. The bill establishes a credit equal to 20% of qualified renovation costs (like structural repairs or equipment upgrades) that meet specific value thresholds, applied against certain business taxes. To qualify, properties must be rehabilitated for mixed commercial/residential use, and the program is administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development.

Maddy summaryHB 1532 updates Pennsylvania's Municipalities Planning Code to allow municipalities to create more tailored "specific plans" for defined areas (like downtowns or industrial zones), beyond general comprehensive plans. It clarifies definitions, streamlines the process for local governments to develop these targeted plans, and improves coordination for shared planning between municipalities and counties. This directly affects Pennsylvania towns and cities managing land use and development, giving them greater flexibility in planning for specific neighborhoods or projects. The bill passed in July 2025 and is now law.

Maddy summaryHB 1358 updates Pennsylvania's lodging laws to directly protect hotel employees. It requires hotels to safeguard workers from retaliation for reporting safety issues or violations, replacing vague existing rules with specific protections. The bill imposes fines on hotels that violate these new safeguards, targeting employers who fail to prevent retaliation. This law affects all Pennsylvania hotels and lodging businesses, focusing on concrete changes to employee safety and enforcement.