Maddy summaryThis bill directs Pennsylvania's Human Services department to replace current Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program cards with new chip-enabled versions by January 1, 2028. The new cards will be provided free of charge to eligible recipients and will include security features like tap-to-pay technology to prevent benefit theft. The department must issue regular reports on the transition progress to state legislators and take steps to secure funding, including applying for federal grants.
Rep. Tarik Khan
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new framework for Pennsylvania public utilities to earn a return on their equity investments, directly affecting investor-owned electric, gas, and water companies regulated by the state commission. It creates a competitive auction process where utilities can bid to set their own return rates based on market conditions, while also providing a default rate of the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield plus 2 percent if no auction occurs. To support this system, the legislation requires utilities to separate their services into distinct legal entities and mandates annual reporting to ensure transparency. Ultimately, the law aims to determine how much profit these utility companies can make on their investments while maintaining oversight through the state commission.
Maddy summaryThis bill removes outdated Pennsylvania laws regarding insurance that are no longer in effect. It specifically repeals the Flood Insurance Education and Information Act of 1996 and certain sections of the Insurance Company Law of 1921. The changes take effect immediately upon passage, streamlining the state's insurance code by eliminating expired provisions.
Maddy summaryHB 2207 increases the maximum loan amount for small businesses in Pennsylvania seeking capital development loans (for land, buildings, machinery, and equipment) from $400,000 to $2,000,000, or 50% of total project costs, whichever is lower. It clarifies that costs incurred during the 12 months before applying are included in the total project costs calculation. The bill directly affects small businesses applying for these state-backed loans through Pennsylvania's capital development program. The changes take effect 60 days after enactment.
Maddy summaryHB 2234 creates a tax credit for Pennsylvania breweries that donate spent grain byproduct (leftover grain from brewing) to local farms. Breweries can claim a credit of $0.16 per pound of dry weight donated, up to $30,000 annually or their total tax liability, if the grain is delivered to farms within 100 miles. The credit applies to donations made to "eligible agricultural operations" engaged in normal farming activities under Pennsylvania law. Applications must be submitted by February 1 each year for the prior year's donations, with the Department of Revenue reviewing eligibility and coordinating with the Liquor Control Board. This directly benefits breweries and farms participating in the program by reducing brewery tax bills while repurposing brewing waste.
Maddy summaryHB 1127 authorizes Pennsylvania to join the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, enabling dentists and dental hygienists licensed in Pennsylvania to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses. The bill establishes a "Compact Privilege" that allows qualified professionals to practice across state lines while maintaining each state's regulatory authority over scope of practice and disciplinary actions. Key mechanisms include streamlined licensure pathways, shared disciplinary information between states, and protection of public health standards. This affects licensed dental professionals seeking to work in multiple compact states, particularly addressing workforce mobility and access to care.
Maddy summaryHB 69 amends Pennsylvania's Cancer Drug Repository Program to allow unused, unopened cancer prescription drugs to be redistributed to indigent patients through approved pharmacies. The bill updates definitions (e.g., clarifying "cancer drug" includes drugs treating cancer or its side effects), requires drugs to be in original sealed packaging with unexpired dates, and mandates the State Board of Pharmacy to maintain a list of approved participating pharmacies. It also adds requirements for annual reporting and establishes procedures for restocking and dispensing drugs while maintaining safety standards. This directly affects indigent cancer patients seeking affordable medication and pharmacies participating in the program.
Maddy summaryHB 138 amends Pennsylvania laws governing adoption proceedings and juvenile cases. It changes the legal grounds for ending parental rights before an adoption petition is filed and updates how courts handle children deemed dependent (in need of care). The bill specifically targets procedures in domestic relations (Title 23) and court processes (Title 42) related to these cases. No specific new provisions or changes are detailed in the provided context beyond the title's description of its scope. The bill is currently under review by the Children & Youth committee.
Maddy summaryHB 133 amends Pennsylvania's adoption laws to change how birth parents can legally give up parental rights before an adoption petition is filed. It creates an alternative process for relinquishment to adoptive adults and clarifies procedures for terminating parental rights involuntarily. The bill also adds a specific mechanism for parents to seek reinstatement of their rights after relinquishment. This directly affects birth parents, prospective adoptive parents, and children involved in adoption proceedings under Pennsylvania law.
Maddy summaryHB 1925 regulates how healthcare facilities, insurance companies, and Medicaid/CHIP managed care plans can use artificial intelligence. It requires the Department of Health, Insurance Department, and Department of Human Services to create rules for AI safety and transparency in these sectors. The bill imposes penalties for failing to comply with these new requirements. It directly affects providers and insurers operating in Pennsylvania's health and insurance systems.