Rep. Brandon Markosek

Maddy summaryPennsylvania House Bill 2734 requires health insurance companies to cover FDA-approved diagnostic tests and treatments that slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The mandate applies to insurers offering individual or group health policies in the state, with a compliance deadline of January 1, 2028, unless federal law preempts the requirement. The bill explicitly prohibits insurers from using step therapy for these specific treatments, meaning patients cannot be forced to try other medications first before receiving coverage for approved Alzheimer's therapies.

Maddy summaryHB 2124 establishes a "transfer on death deed" process in Pennsylvania, allowing property owners to directly transfer real estate to named beneficiaries upon their death without probate. The bill enables owners to create a legally binding deed (requiring only county recording before death) that automatically transfers property to designated beneficiaries, with no need for beneficiary acceptance or payment during the owner's lifetime. Owners retain full control to revoke or modify the deed anytime before death, using the same legal capacity required for making a will. This applies to all Pennsylvania property owners seeking to simplify post-death property transfers for homes, land, or other real estate, avoiding court involvement in estate administration.

Maddy summaryHB 482 authorizes Pennsylvania to join the Interstate Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, enabling licensed occupational therapists and assistants from Pennsylvania to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses. The bill establishes mechanisms for mutual recognition of licenses, sharing of disciplinary and investigative data between states, and accountability for practitioners providing services across state lines. It directly affects occupational therapists, assistants, and patients seeking services in multiple states, particularly supporting military spouses relocating and expanding telehealth access. Key provisions include requiring states to participate in a shared data system, defining terms like "Compact Privilege," and preserving each state’s regulatory authority over local practice standards. This is a procedural bill enabling Pennsylvania’s participation in an existing interstate framework, not creating new licensing requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 2190 amends Pennsylvania's Public Employe Relations Act to change how collective bargaining impasses are resolved for specific public safety and court staff. It requires binding arbitration for disputes involving prison guards, mental hospital staff, peace officers, and court employees when mediation fails - meaning the arbitrator's decision becomes final and enforceable. However, if an arbitration decision would require new legislation (e.g., changing pay rates or benefits), that part would only be advisory, not binding. The bill directly affects these public employee groups whose work is critical to security and court operations. This change streamlines dispute resolution while maintaining legislative oversight for policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law to ban government agencies from signing nondisclosure agreements related to data centers. The law prohibits any contract that restricts the public from accessing information about the construction, development, or location of these facilities. If an agency signs such an agreement, the contract is considered void and unenforceable. The bill defines a data center as a facility used to process, store, or transmit data using computers and software.

Maddy summaryHB 2146 modifies Pennsylvania's open meetings law to clarify when government agencies can take action on unlisted agenda items. It creates specific exceptions for minor administrative approvals that arise unexpectedly, such as urgent legal filings, small purchases under $10,000 (based on current thresholds), grant applications with deadlines, or minor permit approvals. Agencies must obtain and publicly disclose a legal opinion confirming an item qualifies under these exceptions before acting. This directly affects state and local agencies holding public meetings, ensuring transparency while allowing limited flexibility for time-sensitive matters. The bill does not change core meeting notice requirements but adds defined exceptions for minor, non-financial actions.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Pennsylvania county agencies and municipal governments from including clauses in service contracts that waive their right to seek reimbursement from insurance companies for liability claims. It directly affects government entities that hire external service providers regulated under state child and family services rules. By declaring such waiver clauses unenforceable, the legislation ensures that insurance carriers retain the ability to recover costs from the government if a service provider causes a liability issue. The changes apply to any service contracts entered into or renewed after the law takes effect 60 days from its passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Pennsylvania residents to voluntarily donate $5 when they renew their driver's licenses or vehicle registrations online. The funds collected will go exclusively to the Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to help provide communication access services for those individuals. The donation is optional and will be added to the regular renewal fee, with annual reports required to track how much money is raised and how it is spent.

Maddy summaryHB 1700 would amend Pennsylvania's vehicle laws to allow driver's licenses to include a "communication impairment designation" for individuals with conditions affecting speech or hearing, such as hearing loss or speech disorders. This designation would help drivers communicate more effectively with law enforcement during traffic stops by indicating they may need alternative communication methods. The bill also specifies penalties for violations related to this designation, such as failing to accommodate it during stops. It directly affects drivers with communication disabilities and law enforcement officers interacting with them.

Maddy summaryHB 2226 amends Pennsylvania's Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law to explicitly prohibit pyramid schemes and similar deceptive promotional plans. The bill adds a new definition clarifying that schemes where participants pay to join and earn compensation primarily by recruiting others (rather than through product sales) are illegal, including "chain-letter plans," "pyramid clubs," and "pyramid promotional schemes." This change directly affects businesses operating such schemes and protects consumers from being misled by these fraudulent programs. The amendment specifically bans practices like requiring participants to pay for "opportunities" to recruit others, while excluding minimal initial payments of $25 or less.