Sen. Judy Schwank

Maddy summarySB 622 modifies Pennsylvania's Insurance Company Law of 1921 to change how non-network emergency medical services (EMS) agencies bill insurers and patients. It requires EMS agencies to submit an annual form by October 15 to receive direct payments from insurers, with the Department of Health maintaining a public registry of these agreements. The bill prohibits EMS agencies from billing patients directly when insurers pay at network rates (except for copayments/deductibles) and bans suggesting donations will avoid billing. These changes apply specifically to insurers covering emergency medical services under health insurance policies, excluding certain types like homeowner's or fixed indemnity insurance.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's drug and cosmetic law to require clearer labeling on oral medications. It adds specific definitions for common food allergens (like milk, eggs, peanuts, and soy) and gluten-containing grains (wheat, rye, barley, oats). The key change mandates that any oral drug containing ingredients derived from these allergens or gluten grains must label the specific ingredient and the source grain (e.g., "contains wheat"). This directly affects drug manufacturers and pharmacies in Pennsylvania, requiring updated labeling for affected products. The law takes effect two years after enactment.

Maddy summarySB 629 requires food manufacturers selling products in Pennsylvania to clearly label items containing gluten with specific content information and health warnings. It mandates that labels state the gluten content and include a warning about risks for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. The bill also establishes standards for "gluten-free" labeling, requiring products to contain less than 20 parts per million gluten or be processed to remove gluten. These rules apply to all food sold in Pennsylvania, supplementing existing federal labeling requirements.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates April 2025 as "Alcohol Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It recognizes the public health impact of alcohol use, citing statistics such as 140,000 annual alcohol-related deaths and 750,000 adolescents affected by alcohol use disorder. The resolution aims to inform Pennsylvanians about the dangers of alcohol use and abuse for both adults and children. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or obligations but aligns with the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence's annual observance.

Maddy summarySB 610 requires health insurers in Pennsylvania to protect the confidentiality of health care information for "protected enrolled dependents" (individuals covered under another person's insurance policy). It mandates insurers to provide a standardized form allowing dependents to request confidential communication methods - such as paper mail to a different address, electronic delivery to a new email, or withholding communications - covering specific items like explanations of benefits, appointment details, and claim denials. The bill also requires insurers to implement these requests within three business days and educates providers about dependents' rights. This law directly affects millions of people covered under family health insurance plans who seek privacy for their medical care.

Maddy summarySB 609 limits county fees for affordable housing programs to 100% of existing deed/mortgage recording fees and requires counties to report annually (starting July 2025) on how they use these funds. It establishes the Pennsylvania Affordable Housing Advisory Committee within the Housing Finance Agency, composed of 16 diverse members representing counties, housing advocates, developers, low-income communities, and related sectors. The committee will review county reports, recommend policy improvements, and ensure transparency through public posting of meeting agendas and minutes. This bill directly affects Pennsylvania counties collecting these fees and the Housing Finance Agency, which oversees reporting requirements and committee operations.

Maddy summarySB 594, the Complex Wheelchair Quality Assurance Act, requires health insurers and government programs (like Medicaid) to cover semiannual maintenance visits ("well-visits") for individuals using complex wheelchairs. These wheelchairs are defined as individually configured devices designed for specific medical needs, requiring specialized adjustments and evaluations. The bill mandates coverage for physical checks, adjustments, and telehealth options for these visits, along with annual notifications to users about their coverage. It also directs the Department of Human Services and Insurance Department to establish implementation rules within two years.

Maddy summarySB 602 requires labor brokers in Pennsylvania to register with the Department of Labor and Industry before supplying construction workers to employers. It directly affects entities that recruit and place workers for construction projects, excluding certain subcontractors who meet specific criteria. The bill establishes a public verification system on the department’s website showing registered brokers’ details, mandates registration numbers in contracts and ads, and imposes penalties for operating without registration. Key provisions include application requirements, annual fees, and enforcement mechanisms like fines or suspension for violations. The law aims to increase transparency and accountability in the labor brokerage industry.

Maddy summarySB 546 amends Pennsylvania's 1951 Landlord and Tenant Act to regulate rent increases for residential properties. It limits annual rent hikes to the greater of 10% or the county's annual area median income increase, requires landlords to disclose rent discounts separately, and prohibits more than one increase per year for the same tenant without agreement. The bill establishes a Rent Control Advisory Board (appointed with tenant, developer, housing, and government representatives) to monitor implementation, issue annual reports, and track county median income data. It directly affects all residential landlords and tenants in Pennsylvania by setting clear rent increase rules and creating oversight for enforcement. Violations require landlords to pay three months' rent plus damages to affected tenants.

Maddy summarySB 575 amends Pennsylvania law to expand the definition of hate-based intimidation under Title 18, specifically adding "ethnic" to the list of protected characteristics (alongside race, color, religion, national origin, and disability) for offenses involving assault or property damage. It creates a new civil remedy under Title 42, allowing victims injured by such acts to sue for damages, injunctions, or other relief in court. The bill directly affects individuals who experience hate-motivated crimes and the legal system handling these cases. The changes take effect 60 days after enactment.