Healthcare

signed · Pennsylvania · Senate Jul 12, 2026

SB 146: An Act amending the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.343, No.176), known as The Fiscal Code, in emergency COVID-19 response, providing for extension of use of certain funds; in Child Care Staff Recruitment and Retention Program, further providing for Child Care Staff Recruitment and Retention Program; in cigarette sales and licensing, further providing for definitions and providing for allowable mode of operations for licensed cigarette stamping agents; in joint underwriting association, further providing for fund transfers; providing for food processing residuals; in financially distressed municipalities, further providing for financial recovery; in oil and gas wells, further providing for Oil and Gas Lease Fund and providing for deep wells and Utica Shale permits and for well plugging; providing for manufacturing and investment tax credit, for Innovate in PA 2.0 Tax Credit and for design build best value; in human services, further providing for medical assistance payments for institutional care, for resident care and related costs and for LIFE Program and providing for transition to chip-enabled access cards, for Medical Assistance Reentry Program, for Children's Trust Fund and for medical assistance pharmacy services; in additional keystone opportunity expansion zones, providing for additional zone for shipbuilding and for additional zones; providing for residential revitalization keystone opportunity zones and for violent incident clearance and technological investigative methods; in special funds, further providing for funding and for Pennsylvania Convention Center; in additional special funds and restricted accounts, providing for Veterans' Trust Fund Board and further providing for establishment of special fund and account, for use of fund and for distributions from Pennsylvania Race Horse Development Fund; in additional special funds and restricted accounts, further providing for deposits and providing for Professional Licensure Augmentation Account; in general budget implementation, further providing for Executive Offices, for Department of Agriculture, for Department of Corrections, for Department of Labor and Industry and for Department of Transportation, providing for Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and further providing for Commonwealth Financing Authority, for Federal and Commonwealth use of forest land, for Multimodal Transportation Fund, for School Safety and Security Fund, for State Gaming Fund, for State Employees' Retirement System Restricted Account and for Public School Employees' Retirement System Restricted Account; in retirement, providing for 2026 special ad hoc municipal police and firefighter postretirement adjustment, for supplemental annuities for public school employees commencing 2026, for supplemental annuities for State employees commencing 2026 and for payment of supplemental annuity and special ad hoc postretirement adjustment; in electricity load forecast accountability, providing for energy and water reporting and for advanced transmission technologies; in 2025-2026 budget implementation, further providing for Department of Agriculture, for Department of Human Services and for Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency; providing for 2026-2027 budget implementation and for 2026-2027 restrictions on appropriations for funds and accounts; in fiscal supplements to statutory programs, providing for amusement tax clarification, for situs for local sales tax for cities of the first class, for situs for local sales tax for counties of the second class, for net income and for housing; abrogating a regulation; making repeals; providing for suspension of pension actuarial notes; and making editorial changes.

SB 146 establishes a Veterans' Trust Fund Board to manage and oversee the State Veterans' Trust Fund under Pennsylvania law. The bill directly affects veterans' programs by creating a dedicated board to administer funds supporting veteran services, such as housing, healthcare, and employment initiatives. Key provisions include defining the board's structure, responsibilities, and governance for the Trust Fund, updating existing statutes to reflect these changes. The bill does not create new benefits but organizes the management of existing funding streams for veterans' support. (Note: As of the latest action, the bill was "Reported as amended" in committee and has not yet become law.)

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill establishes a Veterans' Trust Fund Board and allocates funds for various state programs, directly advancing fiscal management and funding essential services.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes a Veterans' Trust Fund Board to oversee funds for veteran healthcare and other services, directly supporting health access.75% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransEstablishes Veterans' Trust Fund Board to manage funds for veteran services including healthcare and employment, directly advancing veteran programs.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Healthcare

signed · Pennsylvania · Senate Jul 12, 2026

SB 604: An Act authorizing the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to join the Counseling Compact; and providing for the form of the compact.

SB 604 authorizes Pennsylvania to join the Counseling Compact, a multi-state agreement allowing licensed professional counselors to practice across participating states without obtaining separate licenses. This directly affects licensed counselors - especially those serving military families who relocate frequently - and their clients in member states. Key provisions include mutual recognition of licenses, standardized disciplinary processes, and support for telehealth services to improve access to counseling. The compact eliminates the need for counselors to hold multiple state licenses while ensuring accountability under each state’s practice laws where the client is located.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEnables cross-state practice for counselors, improving mental health access via mutual licensure and telehealth support95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Healthcare

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jul 1, 2026

HB 2378: An Act amending the act of July 15, 2004 (P.L.731, No.85), known as the Elderly Immunization Act, further providing for definitions, for vaccination offered to eligible persons and for responsibilities of department; and making editorial changes.

This bill updates Pennsylvania's Elderly Immunization Act to include individuals at higher risk of severe illness from flu and pneumonia. It expands eligibility by lowering the age requirement for influenza vaccines to 50 and clarifies that people aged 65 and older qualify for pneumococcal vaccines. The legislation also changes the official name of the law to the "Elderly and High Risk Immunization Act" to reflect these broader protections. These adjustments aim to ensure more older adults and vulnerable populations receive necessary preventative care.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands eligibility for flu and pneumonia vaccines to lower age groups and clarifies coverage, improving patient access to essential healthcare services.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Healthcare

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passed · Pennsylvania · House Jun 30, 2026

HB 1123: An Act amending the act of May 17, 1921 (P.L.682, No.284), known as The Insurance Company Law of 1921, in casualty insurance, further providing for coverage for colorectal cancer screening.

HB 1123 updates Pennsylvania's 1921 Insurance Company Law to require casualty insurance policies to cover colorectal cancer screening without cost-sharing. This affects insured residents in Pennsylvania who need preventive screenings, ensuring they face no copays or deductibles for this specific health service. The key provision mandates insurers to include coverage for colon cancer screenings as a standard benefit under casualty insurance policies. The bill passed final passage on October 29, 2025, and is now pending implementation under the Banking & Insurance committee. This change directly removes financial barriers for early detection of colorectal cancer through existing insurance coverage.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates no-cost colorectal cancer screening coverage under casualty insurance, expanding preventive care access without copays/deductibles per bill summary.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Healthcare

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passed · Pennsylvania · House Jun 25, 2026

HB 1127: An Act authorizing the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to join the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact; and providing for the form of the compact.

HB 1127 authorizes Pennsylvania to join the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, enabling dentists and dental hygienists licensed in Pennsylvania to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses. The bill establishes a "Compact Privilege" that allows qualified professionals to practice across state lines while maintaining each state's regulatory authority over scope of practice and disciplinary actions. Key mechanisms include streamlined licensure pathways, shared disciplinary information between states, and protection of public health standards. This affects licensed dental professionals seeking to work in multiple compact states, particularly addressing workforce mobility and access to care.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEnables cross-state dental practice, improving patient access to dental services by streamlining licensure for professionals.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Healthcare

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passed · Pennsylvania · House Jun 25, 2026

HB 1117: An Act amending the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.177, No.175), known as The Administrative Code of 1929, in powers and duties of the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, further providing for powers and duties.

HB 1117 amends Pennsylvania's 1929 Administrative Code to redefine the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs' responsibilities for addressing substance use disorders. The department must now develop a comprehensive State plan coordinating prevention, treatment, research, and education across all state agencies and local communities - including health, law enforcement, education, and workforce sectors - to avoid duplication. The plan requires annual review and updates, and mandates the department to provide assistance to local governments while collaborating with medical professionals on drug use guidelines. This change formalizes existing coordination efforts under a unified framework, directly affecting state agencies and local entities managing substance use disorder services.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates coordinated treatment/prevention across law enforcement and health sectors, aligning with reform indicators by reducing criminalization of substance use through rehabilitation focus.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates coordinated state plan for substance use disorder treatment across health sectors, advancing public health services and reducing service duplication.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Healthcare

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passed · Pennsylvania · House Jun 24, 2026

HB 1460: An Act providing for approval from the Department of Health and the Office of Attorney General before certain transactions involving health care entities within this Commonwealth.

HB 1460, the Health System Protection Act, requires health care entities (like hospitals and clinics) and certain investors (such as private equity firms) to obtain pre-approval from Pennsylvania's Department of Health and Attorney General before completing major transactions. This applies to sales of assets worth $10 million or more, ownership changes, or large financial distributions that could affect competition, costs, or access to care. The law prohibits transactions deemed "against the public interest," such as those reducing competition, raising prices, or limiting services in rural or low-income areas. Health care entities must either file a notification with a waiting period or get written approval before proceeding.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires pre-approval for healthcare transactions to protect competition, access, and costs per bill's purpose as Health System Protection Act.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Healthcare

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passed · Pennsylvania · House Jun 22, 2026

HB 2586: An Act prohibiting individuals from holding themselves out as music therapists without holding a valid certification; and imposing a penalty.

This 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.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill protects patient rights by preventing unqualified individuals from providing clinical music therapy services, ensuring safe and competent care.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Healthcare

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passed · Pennsylvania · House Jun 18, 2026

HB 836: An Act protecting an individual's choice to use assisted reproductive technology.

HB 836 prohibits Pennsylvania from interfering with the use of medically appropriate assisted reproductive technology (ART), such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), ensuring individuals can access these services without state restrictions. The bill defines ART to include specific fertility procedures and requires that any new state laws must comply with this protection unless explicitly exempted by the legislature. It takes effect immediately, providing direct safeguards for individuals seeking ART services and healthcare providers offering them.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProtects access to assisted reproductive technology (ART) services like IVF, ensuring patients can obtain fertility treatments without state restrictions, advancing healthcare access.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Healthcare

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jun 17, 2026

HB 2136: An Act amending Title 61 (Prisons and Parole) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in medical services, providing for diagnoses prior to incarceration.

This bill requires Pennsylvania's Department of Corrections to recognize medical diagnoses made by healthcare providers before an individual is incarcerated. It prohibits the department from removing or ignoring such diagnoses, except when a healthcare provider (who made the diagnosis or has relevant expertise) submits a written recommendation for removal. The department may then choose to remove the diagnosis based on that recommendation. This change directly affects individuals entering state prisons by ensuring their pre-incarceration medical conditions are acknowledged in their records. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires DOC to recognize pre-incarceration medical diagnoses, protecting health rights and supporting rehabilitation in corrections, aligning with criminal justice reform indicators.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires recognition of pre-incarceration medical diagnoses, ensuring continuity of care and protecting patient rights in correctional healthcare settings.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Healthcare

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