Rep. Liz Hanbidge

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Human Services Code to improve child welfare services and ensure they are available to all children regardless of their background. It requires the state department to conduct a triennial inventory of delinquency programs across the state and clearly defines the law's purpose as protecting children, preserving families, and prioritizing in-home care over institutional placements. The legislation also outlines specific payment percentages to counties for various services and mandates that the department refuse or revoke licenses for facilities that fail to meet safe and humane standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes tourism improvement districts and management associations to allow counties to create special zones for funding tourism-related projects. It outlines how these districts can be formed, how they operate, and how they can be dissolved, with a focus on ensuring transparency through open meeting laws and direct mail notifications to affected businesses. The legislation also details how special assessment fees are collected and used, requiring that these funds be spent on activities specified in an approved plan. Additionally, the bill clarifies the roles of counties and district management associations, including provisions for annual audits and reports.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's Election Code to clarify rules for primary elections, specifically regarding who can vote and how unaffiliated voters participate. It establishes that only voters registered with a political party can normally vote in that party's primary or hold party offices, while also creating a new process for unenrolled electors to temporarily join a party to cast a single primary ballot. The legislation defines "unenrolled electors," outlines procedures for them to select a party at the polls, and updates requirements for absentee and mail-in voting applications. Additionally, it clarifies how election returns are computed and certified by county boards and adjusts penalties for election officers who improperly deny a voter access to their preferred party's primary.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania laws regarding the handling of delinquent children by clarifying how courts can order restitution and limit the duration of institutional commitments. It allows judges to require minors to work in supervised programs to earn money for paying back victims, with up to 75% of those earnings going toward restitution while ensuring the child receives at least minimum wage. The legislation also mandates more frequent court reviews for children in out-of-home placements, requiring hearings every three months to assess their progress, safety risks, and educational needs. Additionally, the bill restricts when a child can be removed from their home and prohibits courts from issuing civil judgments against minors for unpaid restitution. These changes aim to balance community protection with the rehabilitation and welfare of the juvenile justice system.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Health Insurance Access Protection Act to prevent insurance companies from discriminating against people based on their health status, medical history, or preexisting conditions. It requires insurers to allow individuals and their dependents to enroll in or renew health plans without denying coverage or charging higher premiums due to these health factors. The law also limits how much insurance rates can vary based on age and tobacco use while giving the Insurance Department authority to set specific rating rules and enforce penalties for violations.

Maddy summaryHB 155 amends the Pennsylvania Health Care Facilities Act to update licensing requirements and strengthen consumer protections for residents of health care facilities. The bill includes a specific change to strike the phrase "or other" from the text, which alters how certain regulatory language is applied within the law. By modifying the existing statute and abrogating a specific regulation, the legislation aims to refine the legal framework governing health care facility operations. This measure directly impacts health care providers and facility administrators who must comply with the revised licensing standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Cosmetology Law to explicitly include natural hair braiders in its licensing requirements. It mandates that individuals performing natural hair braiding must obtain a cosmetology license and work only in licensed salons, while also prohibiting the rental of booths within those establishments. The legislation clarifies that these rules apply solely to those whose business is dedicated to braiding and does not affect emergency services, medical professionals, or licensed barbers. Additionally, the bill establishes specific eligibility criteria for taking the required examination and outlines the fees and renewal processes for these new licenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires healthcare providers, including physicians and midwives, to offer pregnant and postpartum patients a standardized screening tool for mood and anxiety disorders in their primary language. It mandates that providers share information about available support resources with patients and, with consent, with their accompanying individuals or designated contacts. The legislation also directs the Department of Health to create a public awareness campaign about perinatal mental health and to maintain an updated list of counseling and assistance services.

Maddy summaryHB 2561 amends Pennsylvania's laws to change how the State Horse Racing Commission creates and maintains rules for the race horse industry. Specifically, the bill sets a fixed expiration date of October 19, 2028, for any regulations the commission issues, meaning they will automatically end after that time unless renewed. Additionally, the law exempts these temporary regulations from standard state review processes that usually apply to new rules, allowing the commission to finalize regulations more quickly without waiting for additional approvals. This measure directly impacts the regulatory framework governing horse racing in Pennsylvania by streamlining how rules are established and managed.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health care facilities in Pennsylvania to install surgical smoke evacuation systems to protect workers from hazardous fumes generated during surgery. The law mandates that these safety measures be in place by January 1, 2025, or 90 days after the bill becomes effective, whichever date occurs later. By updating the state's Health Care Facilities Act, the legislation directly impacts hospitals and surgical centers to ensure they meet new equipment standards.