News Center

Ciresi’s bill to prevent confusion in insurance ambulance reimbursement

(Oct 03, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 3 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today introduced legislation (H.B. 2618) designed to prevent confusion when patients receive insurance reimbursement checks for ambulance services. According to Ciresi, many people receiving these payments from their insurance company in the mail misspend the funds, not realizing the money is to pay for an ambulance ride or other EMS services and are then liable for delayed or missed payments to the EMS provider, collection efforts, or even theft charges. Ciresi stressed that EMS providers are losing hundreds of thousands of dollars in needed revenue as a result of this confusion and are forced to divert resources to trying to collect that money. “My legislation would resolve this confusion by simply requiring a noticeable, red-colored letter to be included with any insurance reimbursement checks for EMS services sent directly to the patient,” Ciresi said. “The letter would clearly explain the purpose of the check and outline the patient’s responsibilities so that they don’t keep or spend it by mistake. At a time when our EMS agencies are already struggling with funding, they would greatly benefit from this simple solution to a chronic issue that is causing them financial distress.” Read more

 

Rabb lauds passage of consumer protection legislation tackling utility reconnection fees

(Oct 02, 2024) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

HARRISBURG, Oct. 2 – Legislation ( H.B. 675 ) introduced by state Rep. Chris Rabb, D-Phila., that would better protects consumers in danger of having their utilities shut off was included in a bill ( H.B. 1077 ) passed by the PA House today. The legislation would reauthorize Chapter 14 and protect consumers with lower incomes from public utility reconnection fees by prohibiting reconnection fees for customers below 250% of the federal poverty level and requiring a provision for fees paid by consumers between 250% and 400% of the federal poverty to be applied to any arrearage they have. “This win for consumers is a result of diligent work, tireless effort and constant communication with the House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee,” Rabb said. “It’s not perfect, but it will help a lot of folks. I am thrilled that legislation I’ve been continuously fighting for years for could play a part in getting this process underway.” The PA House-passed bill will now go to the state Senate for consideration. Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation applauds the work of the Stop and Go Legislative Task Force

(Oct 02, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

The Philadelphia House Delegation today applauded the efforts of the Stop and Go Legislative Task Force as they released their final report and recommendations. The task force was charged with suggesting remedies to quality-of-life issues in communities surrounding nuisance establishments. The group studied existing laws, toured impacted neighborhoods and establishments, and held public hearings to receive testimony to inform their work. Read more

 

Rabb highlights legislation to remedy wrongful convictions on International Wrongful Conviction Day

(Oct 02, 2024) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

HARRISBURG, Oct. 2 – On this International Wrongful Conviction Day, state Rep. Chris Rabb, D-Phila., highlighted legislation ( H.B. 987 ) that would compensate people who have been wrongfully convicted in Pennsylvania. “When the state unjustly takes a person’s liberty, it has a responsibility to help repair the damage,” Rabb said . “Pennsylvania, as one of 15 states that does not have a law to compensate the wrongfully convicted, is not upholding its responsibility to exonerees who have lost years of their lives to wrongful imprisonment.” This legislation would help exonerees re-enter society by: Providing monetary compensation to those wrongfully convicted and those wrongfully imprisoned. Providing additional monetary compensation to those wrongfully placed on the state sex offender registry, on parole or on death row. Establishing a mechanism for additional supports, including education, housing and reasonable reintegrative mental and physical health services. This legislation would also establish the Exoneree Community Trust Fund, a restricted fund housed in the Office of the State Treasurer. Staff would be responsible for creating an investment policy statement, managing these investments and reporting to members of the fund’s investment advisory board, some of whom may be exonerees themselves, Rabb said. “This bill is the result of extensive conversations with, Read more

 

Rabb ‘greenwashing’ legislation passes Pa. House Judiciary Committee

(Oct 02, 2024) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

HARRISBURG, Oct. 2 – Legislation, H.B. 2525 , introduced by state Rep. Chris Rabb, D-Phila., that would prohibit corporations from engaging in the deceitful and manipulative practice of “greenwashing” in the commonwealth passed out of the Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee today. This legislation would ensure that there is truth in marketing by amending the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law to explicitly prohibit deceptive environmental marketing claims. “For decades now, corporations have taken advantage of environmentally conscious consumers by intentionally marketing their products in a manner that makes them appear better for the planet than they really are. This devious and manipulative practice is known as ‘greenwashing.’ You often see it when companies use terms such as ‘net zero,’ ‘low carbon’ or ‘cleaner energy,’ even if those claims are not based in reality or are aspirational at best,” Rabb said . “As we increasingly experience the drastic effects of the climate crisis, such as more intense storms, floods, droughts and wildfires, the last thing Pennsylvania consumers need is to be lied to as they try to make informed purchasing decisions.” Rabb, a four-term lawmaker representing four neighborhoods in northwest Philadelphia, is a founding member of the PA Climate Caucus and serves on the Read more

 

House passes Matzie bills to keep important protections in place for consumers, workers

(Oct 02, 2024) Rep. Robert Matzie

HARRISBURG, Oct. 2 – The Pennsylvania House today passed two bills by state Rep. Rob Matzie that would reauthorize soon-to-expire laws protecting utility customers and safeguarding workers and underground utilities from excavation damage. Matzie’s H.B. 1077 would reauthorize Chapter 14 utility shutoff protections. “Our laws need to reflect people’s real-world needs, especially when they involve essential services,” said Matzie, who is majority chairman of the House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee. “Our utility shutoff law does this by providing customers with a range of payment plans, but the law is set to expire by the end of the year. My bill would reauthorize the law and strengthen it, so it provides more options to help folks keep the power on.” The House also passed Matzie’s H.B. 2189 , which would reauthorize the soon-to-expire PA One Call law that safeguards workers and prevents major damage to underground utility lines. “PA One Call – which requires anyone planning to do any digging to call 8-1-1 beforehand – has been keeping workers safe and preventing damage to underground lines for 50 years,” Matzie said. “The law is about to expire in a few short months, and we can’t afford to let these critical protections lapse. I was glad to see a strong, bipartisan majority pass my bill, and hope we can get Read more

 

House committee approves Probst bill to increase awareness of 988 hotline

(Oct 02, 2024) Rep. Tarah Probst

“I believe we need to create a public education campaign within the PA Department of Human Services to increase public understanding and engagement with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline," Probst said. Read more

 

House Commerce Committee approves Conklin resolution calling on PIAA to hold separate playoffs for public and private schools

(Oct 02, 2024) Rep. Scott Conklin

HARRISBURG, Oct. 2 – The Pennsylvania House Commerce Committee on Tuesday advanced a resolution by Majority Chairman Scott Conklin urging the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association to establish separate playoffs and championships for public schools and private/charter schools. Conklin said he introduced H.R. 443 to encourage the PIAA to reform a system that gives private school athletes an unfair advantage over their public school counterparts, both on the field and beyond. “Unlike public schools, which must recruit student athletes from within their district’s geographic boundaries, private and charter schools can hand-select the best athletes from anywhere they choose,” Conklin said. “The result is that they end up with all-star teams and a deeply unfair advantage over public schools. “The impact goes far beyond a win or a loss. It leaves public school athletes behind when it comes to important life opportunities like scholarships and recruitment for college and pro sports. Public school is supposed to be about opening doors for students and teaching them the importance of fair play, and PIAA needs to help reinforce those lessons. “The association has the authority to make this change. It’s my hope that this resolution will bring them closer to doing so.” The committee approved the resolution by a vote of 24-1. Read more

 

Venkat’s legislation to ease restrictions on physician assistants passes PA House unanimously

(Oct 02, 2024) Rep. Arvind Venkat

HARRISBURG, Oct. 1 – State Rep. Arvind Venkat’s bills that would enhance licensure flexibility for physician assistants related to their supervising physicians passed the Pennsylvania House unanimously today. House Bills 2294 and 2295 would amend the physician licensure acts in Pennsylvania and allow physician assistants to work with either classification of physician, a Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, without having to align with the physician’s license type. Current law requires that physician assistants and supervising physicians must be licensed by the same state medicine board. “Medical professionals want to help as many patients as possible, and my commonsense bills eliminate a circumstantial barrier to performing their sworn duty,” Venkat, D-Allegheny, said. “I want to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their affirmative votes and their personal investments in the health and livelihood of patients and health professionals alike.” Both bills now move to the state Senate for consideration. Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El and Hohenstein hold news conference to highlight legislation to create Office of New Pennsylvanians

(Oct 01, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 1 – State Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, and Joe Hohenstein, D-Phila., held a news conference to highlight their legislation, H.B. 1630 , that would create an Office of New Pennsylvanians to support, attract and retain immigrants in the commonwealth. “Generations of immigrants answered Pennsylvania’s welcoming call of opportunity and freedom, making our commonwealth into the powerhouse it is,” Smith-Wade-El said. “Right now, Pennsylvania is betraying its own values by scapegoating immigrant communities with punitive policies that are driving them out of the state although foreign-born workers comprise over 8% of our state’s workforce and pay $3.3 billion yearly in state and local taxes. As our population ages and many residents leave our state for other opportunities, we need skilled workers, entrepreneurs, consumers and community leaders to make sure that Pennsylvania continues to grow and thrive economically, culturally and socially. “Pennsylvania needs an Office of New Pennsylvanians to ensure that these new residents are able to flourish in the commonwealth,” Smith-Wade-El said. “They need to know we have their back.” “Pennsylvania is stronger when we welcome and celebrate immigration,” Hohenstein said. “Our collective ability to come together from all different backgrounds and perspectives for the betterment of the commonwealth is truly wonderful. Read more

 

Central PA Delegation calls on PA Senate to take action to end hair discrimination in the state by passing the Crown Act

(Oct 01, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 1 – After a recent incident where leaders of a Catholic School in Penbrook, Dauphin County, allegedly concluded that the hair length of a 5-year-old student violated the student conduct policies of the institution, members of the Central Pa Delegation today said episodes like this must force the PA Senate to take action and help end hair discrimination in the state by passing the Crown Act. Delegation Chair state Rep. Manuel Guzman Jr. explained that the group condemns any form of discrimination based on a person’s hair type, hair texture or hairstyle in the state and emphasized the need for the Senate to pass H.B. 1394 ( The Pennsylvania CROWN Act ), legislation that has been stuck in the Senate for more than a year and a half. The bill passed the PA House of Representatives on an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote of 182-21 on July 7, 2023. “ This incident exemplifies one of the million reasons why the Senate needs to stop the arbitrary delays, face the elephant in the room and provide hair discrimination protections in Pennsylvania. This is certainly one of many ways we can better the quality of life in our communities,” said Guzman about the act, which is modeled on and inspired by the National CROWN Coalition and its ongoing efforts to pass a federal CROWN Act. “Today we are talking about a 5-year-old student, but on a regular basis we also hear of stories of explicit and Read more

 

Salisbury joins health advocates at Capitol news conference to raise awareness about at-birth genetic testing, Gaucher disease

(Oct 01, 2024) Rep. Abigail Salisbury

HARRISBURG, Oct. 1 – State Rep. Abigail Salisbury joined health advocates and lawmakers today at a Capitol news conference to raise awareness that the state provides newborn screening for a wide range of genetic diseases and to urge that Gaucher disease be added to the list of screened diseases. “It’s important for parents to know that Pennsylvania already performs genetic screening for a wide range of listed genetic diseases right at birth,” Salisbury said. “As of now, Gaucher disease is not on that list, which means that hospitals and parents don’t automatically receive information on whether their newborn has the disease. “We’re here to raise awareness about that and to ask the state to reconsider adding Gaucher disease to the list so parents can know from the start whether their child needs treatment.” Also speaking at the event were Aviva Fisher Rosenberg, who is co-founder of the Gaucher Community Alliance; Majority House Health Committee Chairman Rep. Dan Frankel; and Rep. Tarik Khan, who is a member of the House Health Committee and the Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus. Gaucher disease is an inherited disorder that is most common in Jewish people of Eastern and Central European descent. The disease can impair organ function, weaken bones and damage bone marrow, resulting in multiple complications, including blood cancers. The disease can appear at any age. A rare Read more

 

PA Black Maternal Health Caucus celebrates progress on legislation

(Oct 01, 2024) PA Black Maternal Health Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 1 -- #MOMNIBUS update! Two of our MOMNIBUS bills were approved in the PA Senate Health and Human Services Committee today, putting them in position to be considered by the full Senate as early as next week! We’re so close to getting these important measures across the finish line! House Bill 1608 , introduced by PA Black Maternal Health Caucus co-chair Morgan Cephas , would extend Medicaid coverage to doula services while also creating a Doula Advisory Board. Under the bill, Medicaid would reimburse certified doulas for providing childbirth education and support services, including physical and emotional support, during pregnancy, labor and delivery and up to one year postpartum. House Bill 2127 , introduced by state Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler , PA Black Maternal Health Caucus co-chair Gina H. Curry and state Rep. Lisa Borowski , would empower the Department of Health to create a public awareness campaign about the symptoms and effects of postpartum depression and DOH to centralize access to organizations that provide counseling for PPD on their website and on fact sheets available in doctor’s offices. The bills now go to the full Senate for consideration. Read more

 

Conklin highlights bills at Capitol news conference to combat domestic violence

(Oct 01, 2024) Rep. Scott Conklin

HARRISBURG, Oct. 1 – As Pennsylvania and the nation begin observing Domestic Violence Awareness Month, state Rep. Scott Conklin held a Capitol news conference today to highlight legislation he has introduced to prevent domestic abuse and protect survivors. Conklin, D-Centre, discussed his bill that would allow electronic monitoring of domestic abusers and his newly introduced legislation that would bar convicted abusers from holding public office. “The statistics involving domestic violence are grim,” Conklin said. “According to the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one in three women, one in four men and nearly half of LGBTQ+ people will experience this abuse in their lifetime. Sometimes, that abuse will turn deadly. Worse still, the statistics have been moving in the wrong direction.” Conklin discussed how a friend’s murder prompted him to introduce H.B. 1982 , which would permit the use of electronic ankle bracelets to monitor the movements of someone with a protection from abuse order. “My long-time family friend – Traci Ann Raymond – was stalked and murdered by her estranged husband,” Conklin said. “If she had had more warning regarding his presence, Traci might still be alive today.” Conklin also discussed his newly introduced legislation – H.B. 2580 – that would prohibit those convicted of domestic violence from Read more

 

Venkat legislation to regulate use of artificial intelligence in processing health insurance claims discussed in committee

(Oct 01, 2024) Rep. Arvind Venkat

HARRISBURG, Oct. 1 – State Rep. Arvind Venkat’s bill that would provide greater oversight to the implementation of artificial intelligence by health insurance companies when determining the appropriateness of claims was the subject of an informational hearing today in the Pennsylvania House Insurance Committee. “The rapid growth in the use of artificial intelligence in the health industry may help improve the efficiency of processing insurance claims, but streamlining this process may deprive people of the human connection essential in doctor-patient relationships,” said Venkat, D-Allegheny. “My bill would not only keep that bond intact, but it would ensure that the deciding determination of claims is in the hands of qualified medical professionals and out of the hands of software programmed to make that call.” House Bill 1663 would place several requirements regarding AI that insurers must follow. They are: Disclosing to clinicians, subscribers and the public that claims evaluations use AI algorithms. Defining “algorithms used in claims review” as clinical review criteria and, therefore, ensuring they are subject to existing laws and regulations that such criteria is grounded in clinical evidence. Requiring specialized health care professionals who review claims for health insurance companies and rely on initial AI algorithms for such reviews to individually open each clinical record or clinical Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Oct 01, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic development organizations, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial development agencies, and for-profit organizations. Use: To develop competitive sites for businesses to relocate or expand within Pennsylvania. Funds: $400 million in funding is available. Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and approved on a quarterly basis More information: DCED Website Department of Transportation: Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) Who May Apply: Municipalities, councils of government, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agencies, ports and rail freight entities. Use: To improve transportation assets that enhance communities, pedestrian safety, and transit revitalization. Funds: The MTF requires a 30% match of the amount award. Awards are available for projects with a minimum cost of $100,000 and no more than $3,000,000. Application Deadline: November 5, 2024 More information: PennDOT website Office of the State Fire Commissioner: Unconventional Gas Well Fund Who May Apply: Volunteer and career fire, EMS, and rescue companies in counties where unconventional gas well drilling is permitted and counties that directly border permitted counties and respond to related emergencies. Use: Funds may be used for certification, equipment, and Read more

 

Warren named chair of House Human Services Committee

(Oct 01, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 1 – State Rep. Perry Warren has been appointed by House Speaker Joanna McClinton as majority chairman of the PA House of Representatives’ Human Services Committee. The House Human Services Committee addresses issues relating to Pennsylvania's social services, including behavioral health, intellectual disabilities and autism services, medical assistance, and more. It oversees the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs. “I am honored that Speaker McClinton has confidence in me and my ability to chair this important committee,” Warren said. “The Human Services Committee through legislation and action addresses important issues facing many Pennsylvania individuals and families.” Warren, D-Bucks, succeeds former Chairman Stephen Kinsey, who resigned from the House this summer to pursue other opportunities. “Representative Warren is a thoughtful leader and a proven collaborator,” McClinton said. “As a legislator he has worked alongside his colleagues and stakeholders to promote policies to keep Pennsylvanians healthy and safe, and his experience and leadership are assets that will make him an effective chairman of the Human Services Committee.” Serving in his fourth term in the House, Warren will continue to serve as vice chair of the House Insurance Read more

 

OPINION: Pennsylvania Needs to Properly Fund Its Transportation System

(Oct 01, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Pennsylvania has more roads and bridges than New York, New Jersey, and all the New England states combined. We have roads that we must police, plow and pave. Yet currently, PennDOT is facing an annual budget shortfall of $9.4 billion. This doesn’t include all the local roads and bridges that are maintained by local governments, which need relief as well. Act 89 of 2013 marked the last time the state legislature attempted to address transportation funding. It’s time to address it again – and make sure we include all aspects of transportation, especially public transit. The Pennsylvania House Transportation Committee just wrapped up a series of public hearings across the state to discuss how our transportation infrastructure impacts communities and what we need to address in the state legislature. This series of public meetings focused on many aspects of transportation. We spoke of ways to properly fund our infrastructure, workforce, public transit, and airports. All these areas have a great impact on Pennsylvania’s economy, and we must do everything as state legislators to keep Pennsylvanians connected. From Philadelphia’s busy streets to the quiet towns of central Pennsylvania, a reliable and well-funded transit system is crucial for keeping our state connected. A lack of reliable public transportation would have a devastating effect in all 67 counties of the commonwealth. Yet, despite its importance, public transit funding is Read more

 

Committee OKs Haddock bill to modernize PA sign language law

(Oct 01, 2024) Rep. Jim Haddock

"In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the state lost many ASL interpreters, and they are not being replaced with enough qualified incoming interpreters due to changes in the testing system for interpreters,” said Haddock. Read more

 

Harris sworn in, ready to get to work

(Sep 30, 2024) Rep. Keith S Harris

HARRISBURG, Sept. 30 – Today, state Rep. Keith S. Harris, D-Phila., was sworn in to serve as state representative for Pennsylvania’s 195th Legislative District, located in north Philadelphia and encompassing the neighborhoods of Stanton, Brewerytown, Girard and parts of Strawberry Mansion. Harris was elected to office when he won a special election on Sept. 17, and he now has officially taken office. “I am beyond humbled and grateful to my neighbors in the 195 th Legislative District for allowing me to represent them in Harrisburg. I will do everything in my power to earn their trust and ensure that their faith in me is well-founded,” Harris said. “Whether it is providing constituent services or passing legislation that addresses issues affecting our community and the state at large, I am ready to get to work.” Harris stated that his priorities include addressing criminal justice, mental health, education, workers’ rights and housing. Video from Harris’ swearing-in can be viewed here . Read more

 

Ciresi’s bill to prevent confusion in insurance ambulance reimbursement
Oct 03, 2024

Rabb lauds passage of consumer protection legislation tackling utility reconnection fees
Oct 02, 2024

Philadelphia House Delegation applauds the work of the Stop and Go Legislative Task Force
Oct 02, 2024

Rabb highlights legislation to remedy wrongful convictions on International Wrongful Conviction Day
Oct 02, 2024

Rabb ‘greenwashing’ legislation passes Pa. House Judiciary Committee
Oct 02, 2024

House passes Matzie bills to keep important protections in place for consumers, workers
Oct 02, 2024

House committee approves Probst bill to increase awareness of 988 hotline
Oct 02, 2024

House Commerce Committee approves Conklin resolution calling on PIAA to hold separate playoffs for public and private schools
Oct 02, 2024

Venkat’s legislation to ease restrictions on physician assistants passes PA House unanimously
Oct 02, 2024

Smith-Wade-El and Hohenstein hold news conference to highlight legislation to create Office of New Pennsylvanians
Oct 01, 2024

Central PA Delegation calls on PA Senate to take action to end hair discrimination in the state by passing the Crown Act
Oct 01, 2024

Salisbury joins health advocates at Capitol news conference to raise awareness about at-birth genetic testing, Gaucher disease
Oct 01, 2024

PA Black Maternal Health Caucus celebrates progress on legislation
Oct 01, 2024

Conklin highlights bills at Capitol news conference to combat domestic violence
Oct 01, 2024

Venkat legislation to regulate use of artificial intelligence in processing health insurance claims discussed in committee
Oct 01, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Oct 01, 2024

Warren named chair of House Human Services Committee
Oct 01, 2024

OPINION: Pennsylvania Needs to Properly Fund Its Transportation System
Oct 01, 2024

Committee OKs Haddock bill to modernize PA sign language law
Oct 01, 2024

Harris sworn in, ready to get to work
Sep 30, 2024