Rep. Dan Williams

Maddy summaryHB 1244 requires health insurance policies and government health programs in Pennsylvania to cover pelvic floor therapy and related treatments for pelvic floor dysfunction. This includes services like biofeedback, trigger point therapy, electrical stimulation, and postoperative care for prostatectomies, hysterectomies, and postpartum assessments. The coverage applies to policies issued or renewed after the bill's effective date, though insurers may still apply medical necessity standards and cost-sharing requirements. The bill directly affects all health insurance companies and government health programs (such as Medicaid) operating under Pennsylvania's insurance law.

Maddy summaryHB 1346 amends Pennsylvania's Insurance Company Law to mandate coverage for menopause treatments in health insurance policies. This bill requires health insurance policies offered or renewed in the Commonwealth to provide coverage for both hormonal and non-hormonal treatments for menopausal symptoms. The required coverage includes FDA-approved drugs, devices, behavioral therapy, and treatments for menopause induced by a hysterectomy. This ensures individuals in Pennsylvania experiencing menopause or related symptoms have access to covered treatments, subject to the standard terms and conditions of their health insurance policy.

Maddy summaryHB 2028 amends Pennsylvania law to establish permitted uses for public spaces (like parks or sidewalks) and clarifies when local governments can be sued for actions affecting the public. It directly affects local governments (cities, counties) and individuals or groups seeking to use public areas for events or activities. The key provision creates specific exceptions to government "sovereign immunity," meaning governments can be held liable in court for certain actions under defined circumstances. This changes how public space access is regulated and sets clearer rules for when government entities face legal accountability.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits licensed health insurers in Pennsylvania from increasing costs such as premiums, copayments, coinsurance, or deductibles for specific health care services that were already covered under a policy. The law applies to individual and group health insurance plans but excludes self-funded employer plans and other limited benefit policies. Insurers may still raise costs if a service was obtained through fraud or if the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issues a warning about safety or if a drug manufacturer announces a discontinuance. Violations of these rules would be treated as unfair trade practices and could result in a civil penalty of up to $1,000 for the insurer.

Maddy summaryHB 2184 amends Pennsylvania's public utilities law to define "public interest" and require the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to consider eight specific factors when making utility decisions. These factors include residential rate affordability, energy strategy (renewables, distributed generation, energy efficiency), grid modernization, environmental protection, economic growth (jobs, tax revenue), reliability, and environmental justice. The bill updates existing provisions about "just and reasonable" rates (Section 1301), mandatory 60-day notice for rate changes (Section 1308), and complaint-based rate investigations (Section 1309). It directly affects all utility companies operating in Pennsylvania and the PUC, which must now document how decisions align with these public interest factors. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1135 prohibits the use of paraquat, a specific chemical pesticide, within Pennsylvania. It defines paraquat by its chemical identifier (CAS number 4685-14-7) and includes related salts, making it unlawful for farmers, agricultural businesses, or any pesticide users to apply it in the state. The bill amends Pennsylvania's 1973 Pesticide Control Act to add this prohibition, effective one year after enactment, and overrides any conflicting existing regulations. This directly affects pesticide users and applicators operating in Pennsylvania.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes legal protections for music therapy by requiring anyone who identifies as a music therapist to hold a valid certification from the Certification Board for Music Therapists. It prohibits unlicensed individuals from claiming to be music therapists, using specific credentials like "MT-BC," or implying they are qualified to provide clinical music therapy services. While the law allows professionals to use music in their general work, it strictly forbids them from representing themselves as certified music therapists without the proper credential. Violations of these rules are classified as third-degree misdemeanors and are also treated as unfair trade practices under state consumer protection laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania law to clarify which vehicles and personnel qualify as "emergency vehicles" and outlines specific rules for how their drivers may operate on public roads. It expands the official definition to include a wide range of vehicles, such as those used by correctional institutions in first-class cities for internal emergencies or prisoner transport, as well as privately owned cars driven by specific high-ranking officials during emergencies. Additionally, the legislation sets clear conditions for when drivers of these vehicles can legally ignore red lights or stop signs, requiring them to first confirm they have the right-of-way before proceeding. The changes apply only to vehicles and drivers meeting the new criteria and will take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow Pennsylvania to regulate virtual currency kiosks by requiring most businesses to obtain a license from the Department of Banking and Securities, while exempting existing banks and credit unions. To operate legally, applicants must meet specific financial standards and use a centralized online system for registration, and the kiosks must provide clear information to customers about the exchange process. The legislation also creates a dedicated fund to support public education efforts regarding virtual currency and establishes penalties for operating without a license or violating other rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a regulatory framework for the sale of kratom products in Pennsylvania, requiring businesses to register with the Department of Health and prohibiting the sale of synthetic kratom varieties. It mandates that retailers verify customers are at least 21 years old using electronic ID scanners and strictly forbids sharing this data, while also enforcing specific labeling and child-resistant packaging requirements. Additionally, the legislation imposes a tax on natural kratom products and outlines penalties for violations, aiming to standardize oversight and protect public health.