Rep. Keith Harris

Maddy summaryHB 281 requires health insurance policies in Pennsylvania to cover prostate cancer screenings with no out-of-pocket costs for men aged 40+ who are at high risk. High-risk individuals include those with a family history of prostate cancer, genetic factors, or physician-determined medical need. The law mandates annual coverage for screenings like PSA tests and digital rectal exams, eliminating deductibles or copays. It applies to all health insurance policies issued or renewed 180 days after enactment, with full implementation in 60 days. This directly affects insurers, healthcare providers, and Pennsylvania residents meeting the specified risk criteria.

Maddy summaryHB 93 designates specific dates for Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha as official holiday observances in Pennsylvania, based on Jewish and Islamic calendars. The bill recognizes these dates without requiring employers to provide paid leave or treat them as legal holidays. It explicitly states that the designation does not alter existing employment policies for businesses or schools. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates how Pennsylvania Game Commission officers are classified and paid. It establishes that full-time officers responsible for enforcing game laws will be compensated in the same way as members of the Pennsylvania State Police. All other personnel, except the director, will continue to be hired and paid according to the state's standard classification and compensation plans. The changes apply to earnings starting from the bill's effective date, which is set to occur 60 days after it is passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws to protect the rights and health of pregnant and postpartum individuals in juvenile facilities and correctional institutions. It establishes new rules that limit the use of isolation, restrict invasive body cavity searches, and mandate specific training for staff working with these populations. The legislation also requires facilities to create reporting systems to track the status of pregnant detainees and includes provisions for menstrual hygiene products and postpartum recovery care. Additionally, the bill repeals older rules regarding Department of Human Services facilities to align with these updated standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands medical assistance coverage to include doula services for eligible recipients during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and for up to one year after childbirth. To oversee this expansion, the legislation requires the creation of a Doula Advisory Board composed of government officials, doula representatives, and community members to advise on best practices and address disparities in maternal health. The state must also seek federal approval or a waiver to implement these changes, with the new coverage provisions taking effect once approved. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for third-party liability and data matching to help prevent fraud and abuse within the program.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Pennsylvania-Ireland Trade Commission and creates a dedicated fund to cover its administrative costs. It assigns the Department of Community and Economic Development the responsibility of managing the commission and appointing its members, including six individuals selected by the Governor. The legislation also introduces the Entertainment Economic Enhancement Program and includes minor corrections to the text, such as fixing spelling errors and updating section numbering.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill, known as the Public Transportation Trust Fund Transfer and Increase Act, changes how money is collected and distributed to support local transit systems. It requires that 6.15% of funds collected under the state's Tax Reform Code be deposited into the Public Transportation Trust Fund each month, rather than following previous rules. Additionally, the bill allows the Secretary of Transportation to provide financial assistance to local transportation organizations that exceeds the prior year's allocation by more than 20% for five fiscal years starting in 2024-2025. These changes aim to increase the flow of money to local transit groups without altering the overall budget structure.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution designates the week of October 13 through 19, 2024, as "Credit Union Week" to recognize the role of credit unions in the state. The measure highlights how these financial cooperatives provide low-cost services and financial education to over 5.3 million members across Pennsylvania and New Jersey. By officially naming this time period, the resolution aims to raise awareness about credit unions' commitment to community service and member advancement. The text is a ceremonial designation that does not alter laws or create new regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania laws to update definitions and policies regarding utility customer protection programs for residential electricity, natural gas, and water services. It clarifies who qualifies as a customer or applicant for assistance, establishes specific income thresholds for determining financial hardship, and expands the scope of these protections to include water and sewer authorities in second-class cities. The legislation also standardizes terms related to complaints, payment arrangements, and service termination to ensure consistent application across different utility types.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution that officially recognizes September 2024 as "National Recovery Month" within the state of Pennsylvania. It directly affects the general public by encouraging them to participate in awareness activities and support individuals recovering from substance use disorders. The measure highlights the ongoing challenges of addiction and the state's existing network of licensed recovery houses, aiming to foster a supportive environment for prevention and treatment. By adopting this designation, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives aligns with a national observance to promote resources and encouragement for those seeking recovery.