Sen. Art Haywood

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 summaryThis resolution (SR 78) designates May 2025 as "Myositis Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It directly affects residents of Pennsylvania living with myositis, a rare autoimmune disease causing muscle inflammation and weakness. The resolution aims to raise public awareness and support for those impacted by this condition, which affects an estimated 75,000 people nationwide. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or funding but formally recognizes the disease through a symbolic designation.

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 summaryThis resolution recognizes April 13-19, 2025, as "National Public Safety Telecommunications Week" in Pennsylvania. It honors 911 dispatchers, emergency telecommunicators, and staff at public safety communication centers for their critical 24/7 work handling emergency calls and coordinating responses. The resolution acknowledges their role in saving lives, managing high-stress situations, and supporting first responders during crises. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic tribute to these workers' service.

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.

Maddy summarySB 579 adds music therapy as a licensed profession under Pennsylvania's existing Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Professional Counselors Act. It requires individuals practicing music therapy to obtain a license to use the title "licensed professional music therapist" and defines the scope of practice, including clinical music interventions like improvisation and songwriting for therapeutic goals. The bill directly affects music therapists seeking to legally represent their credentials in Pennsylvania, while excluding students, supervised practitioners, and those not claiming to be licensed therapists. Key provisions clarify what constitutes "practice of music therapy" and establish the State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Professional Music Therapists to oversee licensing. This bill does not change employment requirements for government or nonprofit agencies.

Maddy summarySB 592 establishes a new Office for Individuals with Disabilities within Pennsylvania's Office of the Governor and creates an Advisory Committee for Individuals with Disabilities. This bill directly affects people with disabilities, their families, and guardians by requiring the state to coordinate and improve access to community-based services and programs. Key provisions include the office's duty to identify service gaps, develop regulations for disability services, and collaborate with the Advisory Committee - composed of public officials and disability advocates - to ensure services promote independence and consumer control. The bill also mandates annual reporting to the Governor and General Assembly on service needs and funding requirements.