Rep. Mandy Steele

Maddy summaryHB 966 amends Pennsylvania's Insurance Company Law of 1921 to strengthen consumer protections in health insurance. It requires insurance companies to pay penalties if over 50% of their denied health claims (excluding administrative denials) are later overturned through internal or external review processes. Penalties start at $50,000 for the first overturned claim and increase to $250,000 per claim for subsequent violations. Collected penalties must fund consumer protection activities, in addition to any other existing penalties. This directly affects health insurers operating in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryHB 422 creates a new tax deduction for Pennsylvania residents who donate human organs. It allows taxpayers to deduct up to $12,000 annually for unreimbursed expenses directly related to organ donation, including travel, lodging, lost wages, and medical costs. The deduction applies only to the year the transplantation occurred, may be claimed just once in a lifetime, and cannot reduce taxable income below zero. This provision affects organ donors who incur qualifying out-of-pocket costs while living. The change takes effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a law with policy changes. It officially recognizes March 9-15, 2025, as "Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania. The resolution highlights the impact of multiple sclerosis (affecting over 24,000 Pennsylvanians) and acknowledges the work of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. It has no binding effect or funding provisions - it simply encourages public awareness and support for the cause.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week of May 18-24, 2025, as "Emergency Medical Services Week" in Pennsylvania. It formally recognizes emergency medical services (EMS) providers - including paramedics, first responders, dispatchers, and volunteers - for their 24/7 lifesaving work. The resolution has no policy or funding changes; it is purely a ceremonial acknowledgment of EMS teams' contributions to public health and safety. It directly affects Pennsylvania EMS personnel by honoring their service during this designated week.

Maddy summaryHB 949 requires health insurance policies in Pennsylvania to cover habilitative and rehabilitative speech therapy for childhood stuttering and apraxia. This applies to all health insurance policies issued, renewed, or filed with the state within 180 days of the law's effective date. The bill defines "childhood stuttering" (ages 2-6) and "apraxia" (a neurological speech disorder), specifying coverage must follow standard policy terms like medical necessity and cost-sharing. It explicitly excludes school-based therapy covered solely through an individualized education program (IEP). The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates April 29, 2025, as "22nd Amendment Day" in Pennsylvania. It commemorates Pennsylvania's ratification of the 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution on April 29, 1947, which established presidential term limits. The resolution has no legal effect and serves only as a ceremonial observance. It does not alter any laws or impact any individuals or groups.

Maddy summaryHB 951 amends Pennsylvania's vehicle registration laws to replace the term "handicapped" with "accessible" in all state materials related to disability plates, placards, and parking regulations. It updates the exemption for nonprofit organizations serving individuals with disabilities to use the phrase "individuals with mental or physical disabilities" instead of outdated language. The bill also revises city parking regulations to require the use of "accessible" in signage, permit programs, and enforcement materials for cities of the first and second class. These changes apply directly to disabled individuals using state-issued plates, nonprofits serving them, and city parking authorities managing parking systems.

Maddy summaryHB 777 requires Pennsylvania public school districts to pay education support professionals (like aides and clerical staff) a minimum hourly wage of $20 or a living wage based on cost-of-living adjustments, starting in the 2025-2026 school year. School districts must make supplemental payments to cover wage gaps for existing contracts below this rate through 2029-2030, with the Department of Labor setting and annually adjusting the living wage using the Consumer Price Index. The Department of Education will reimburse districts for these supplemental payments, adding the reconciled amount to their annual funding allocation. This applies directly to over 500 school districts and their education support staff, ensuring wage standards align with inflation.

Maddy summaryHB 917 repeals Chapter 33 of Pennsylvania's Insurance Code, which previously required insurers offering plans through the state's health insurance exchange to follow specific federal health care law rules regarding abortion coverage. The repealed provisions included a ban on abortion coverage in most plans (except for complications or miscarriage treatment) and an opt-out option for abortion coverage. This bill directly affects insurers and health plans sold through Pennsylvania's health insurance exchange by removing these specific federal compliance requirements. The change eliminates the state's prior restrictions on abortion coverage within qualified health plans.

Maddy summaryHB 932 allows licensed businesses (manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, or retailers) to ship up to 768 ounces (6 cases) of beer or malt beverages monthly directly to Pennsylvania residents aged 21+ for personal use, not resale. It requires a $250 registration fee, proof of an out-of-state alcohol license, and a Pennsylvania sales tax license. Shippers must label packages with "CONTAINS ALCOHOL: SIGNATURE OF PERSON 21 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER REQUIRED" and use licensed delivery services. The bill also limits shipments to 96 ounces per brand annually and clarifies it doesn’t alter existing distributor agreements.