STATE NEWS+
State Budget Delayed
Pennsylvania still doesn’t have a state budget because lawmakers can’t agree on how to allocate the funds or where they should come from. This marks the fourth consecutive year that the budget hasn’t been approved by the June 30 deadline. The state has a large surplus—about $11 billion—but significant disagreement exists on how to use it. One side wants to spend $5 billion to increase school funding, improve public transportation, and maintain health coverage for low-income residents. The other side is concerned about long-term financial stability and prefers to slow spending to avoid raising taxes later. Public transit, especially in urban areas, could face substantial service cuts if it doesn’t receive more funding.
There’s also a proposal to tax and regulate “skill games” (machines like slot machines), but political disagreements are delaying progress. The state House has approved a plan to boost funding for basic and special education, provide additional support to underfunded school districts, and limit online charter schools’ charges, saving the state hundreds of millions of dollars. Overall, the state is managing a long-term gap between revenue and expenses. If the budget isn’t approved soon, it could negatively impact local governments, schools, and nonprofits that rely on state funds.
On July 14th, the House passed a minimally bipartisan bill, HB1330, that mainly follows the Governor’s proposed budget. One notable change is a higher spring update number for preschool Early Intervention, with a $38.1 million increase over last year’s appropriation.
Affordable Housing
The Pennsylvania Housing and Finance Agency (PHFA) is investing $73 million through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) Fund into 387 housing projects across all 67 Pennsylvania counties. These projects include renovation and new construction that benefit seniors and people with disabilities. At least two-thirds of the funding will support households earning less than half of the area’s median income, including many individuals with disabilities who rely on fixed incomes.
The funding will create 270 new affordable housing units, rehabilitate or preserve 2,050 existing units, build 56 new single-family homes, provide housing assistance to over 13,900 families, and offer financial education and counseling to 11,400 households. Safe, stable housing is essential for people with disabilities to live independently, access care, and participate in their communities. PHARE helps reduce homelessness and housing insecurity, which disproportionately affect people with disabilities.
The question remains as to how long support for housing projects can be sustained, as the federal administration is requesting Congress to cut the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development budget by 44 percent, including a 43 percent reduction in rental assistance that most directly supports individuals with disabilities and their families.
Autism in the Courts
In April, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s Autism in the Courts initiative celebrated its fifth year. This program was created to help courts and law enforcement better recognize and support individuals with autism. Pennsylvania was the first state in the country to implement such a system. Over its five years, the initiative achieved several milestones:
- Provided extensive training for judges, legal professionals, law enforcement, state and local officials, and advocacy groups.
- Developed a roadmap for services and support for families involved in the justice system and their children.
- Established sensory/calming rooms in 12 counties across Pennsylvania, with two more in early development.
- Worked with other states on best practices and shared efforts launched in Pennsylvania, establishing Pennsylvania as a leader in this field.
- Distributed sensory bags and items for court users in 30 counties statewide.
- Since 2022, nearly 600 individuals have self-identified to the courts as neurodivergent, enabling the courts to ensure their justice process meets their needs.
For more information about the Autism and the Courts initiative, visit:
Learn more about Autism and the Courts.
Autism Surveillance Project
Findings from the Pennsylvania Autism Surveillance Project (PASP) help us better understand the number of children with autism, their characteristics, and the ages at which they are first evaluated and diagnosed. About 1 in 21, or 4.7 percent of 8-year-old children, were identified with autism by PASP in 2022.
This percentage is higher than what the CDC reported in its recent study. Among 8-year-olds, boys were 3.4 times more likely than girls to be identified with autism, and Black children were more likely than White children. Of the children evaluated for IQ, 33.8 percent were classified as having intellectual disability (IQ of 70 or less). According to the Department of Human Services, autism diagnoses in Pennsylvania peak at ages 6 to 7 and drop to nearly zero by age 21.
Dental Health Services in Schools
A new report examines how Pennsylvania schools deliver dental services to children and how they can better utilize Medicaid billing to support and expand these services. Many individuals with disabilities in Pennsylvania lack access to dental care because of provider limitations, leading to preventable problems that are more common among the disability community. School-based dental programs provide screenings, cleanings, sealants, fluoride treatments, and sometimes exams and treatment directly in schools. They are especially effective in reaching underserved communities. However, many schools do not bill Medicaid for these services due to administrative and regulatory hurdles that hinder their ability to bill effectively. Researchers suggest the following policy recommendations:
- Simplify Medicaid billing processes for school-based providers
- Increase funding and support for school dental programs
- Expand partnerships between schools, dental providers, and public health agencies
- Raise awareness and provide training on Medicaid billing for school administrators and dental professionals.
Disability History Collaborative
The first meeting of the Pennsylvania Disability History Collaborative took place on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. It brought together people from across the state who care about the history of individuals with disabilities. The group gathered to discuss the Collaborative’s focus and share what each person or organization has been working on. More than 50 people participated, 20 in person at the Pennsylvania State Archives and 32 online. The attendees included people with disabilities, family members, and representatives from various disability organizations and universities. The day featured discussions about current projects, ideas for collaboration, and plans for the group. Michael Gamel-McCormick was recognized for his outstanding work as Senator Bob Casey’s Disability Policy Director. Those who attended in person received a special tour of the Archives and views of historical documents related to people with disabilities in Pennsylvania, the collaborative plans to continue growing, and to work on new projects. The group hopes to expand further. If you want updates about future meetings or newsletters, please send your name, email, and (if applicable) your organization to: danathomps@pa.gov
Early Intervention
The Office of Child Development and Early Learning has announced some exciting news. The U.S. Department of Education states that Pennsylvania greatly supports babies and toddlers with disabilities. This Infant Toddler Early Intervention program adheres to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. It has the highest rating a state can receive. Each year, the State Interagency Coordinating Council submits a report on:
- The number of children receiving Early Intervention services in each county
- Locations where children received services (such as at home or in a center)
- The amount of money spent by the state and federal government
- Family stories about how Early Intervention has helped them
Home and Community-Based Services Review
The June 2025 report by the Pennsylvania Legislative Budget and Finance Committee reviewed Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS). The report states that direct care workers are underpaid, leading many to leave their jobs. This staff shortage makes it difficult for people to access the care they need. The report also shares real stories from individuals affected by these issues.
Their findings suggest that solving this problem will require more funding, better worker pay, and simpler rules for managing these programs. Some minor changes have been made, such as temporarily increasing workers’ pay, but that’s not enough. The report emphasizes that Pennsylvania needs a long-term plan to ensure that older adults and people with disabilities can receive quality care at home or in their communities.
Hidden Waiting Lists
A report from the Pennsylvania Advocacy and Resources for Autism and Intellectual Disabilities (PAR) surveyed about 129 programs, nearly a fifth of those in existence. They found that more than half operate with hidden waiting lists, totaling 725 individuals. These lists include people who have received the necessary waivers to access or expand programming designed to assist them. However, the organizations providing these services cannot serve all of them.
Lifetime Caps for Assistive Technology
Individuals with disabilities who want to live independently often face state lifetime limits on buying assistive technology. However, SMART homes could be very cost-effective for those who would otherwise depend on staff for every task the technology can handle. There is increasing interest among the state’s officials and lawmakers in changing this rule.
Learn more about the direction legislators are considering
Multi-Year Growth Strategy
The Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) reported data on waiver capacity and the waiting list for quarter three at a recent virtual meeting. Since January 31, 2024, waiver capacity has increased from 38,945 to 41,738, a seven percent rise. This growth was observed in both Consolidated Waivers and Community Living Waivers. The IDD waiting list has shown mixed results over time. The average duration on PUNS during the 2021-22 fiscal year was 1.45 years, but it has increased to 1.86 years for those waiting for services. However, the median wait time has decreased from 0.67 years to 0.59. These differences suggest that the number of people waiting over 0.59 years is growing significantly.
Additionally, with mixed signals, the number of individuals aged 21 and over on the emergency waiting list has decreased by just 6.7 percent since January 2021. During this period, ODP has almost consistently had more people coming off the waiting list than new entries. As of April 18, 2025, the total number of individuals of all ages in each PUNS category was 11,624; of these, 4,676, or 40 percent, are in emergency situations.
PA Link Refresh Project – Public Comment Form
As part of Aging Our Way, PA, the Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) is assessing the PA Link to guide the development of a strategic plan to improve and redesign the program to better serve older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers. The entire project was guided by extensive stakeholder engagement, including consultation with an advisory committee. Please review the DRAFT Evaluation Report and Recommendation Report before making public comments. When finalizing the strategic plan to update the PA Link, all feedback will be considered.
Performance-Based Contracting
The Department of Human Services’ provider tier determination system has resulted in only 23 out of 433 combined submissions being placed in a category above Primary, as discussed at a recent virtual meeting. This means just 17.2 percent of individuals with disabilities are served by providers in higher tiers. The Department is investing $25 million to enhance capacity in Direct Support Professional credentials across 152 providers, $3.75 million in technology for 124 providers, and $7.5 million in employment opportunities for 126 providers. Areas for improvement include increasing life sharing and supported living options, expanding employment, and enhancing health risk screenings, incident reporting accuracy, and risk prevention in residential habilitation settings.
At least half of the providers evaluated in Performance-Based Contracting failed to meet the following goals:
- Timely finalization of incidents
- Adequate staff ratio for behavioral and mental health
- Up-to-date health risk screenings
- Documentation of specialized trauma-informed training and activities
Public Transit
The Public Transit Access Coalition (PTAC) is a statewide group that includes riders, community organizations, disability advocates, and service providers all working together to push for a public transit system that leaves no one behind. PTAC is dedicated to actively working to:
- Advocate for a significant increase in sustainable funding to support accessible transit infrastructure and paratransit services.
- Ensure disabled riders are directly involved in shaping policies, as part of a commitment to disability justice and rider-led advocacy.
- Highlight the connection between disability rights and transit equity as part of a larger effort for social and economic justice.
- Build partnerships with disability-led organizations and cross-disability advocates across the state.
Join the Public Transit Access Coalition
State Centers
The current number of people in state disability centers is 414, a decrease from 858 in fiscal year 2016-17, as reported at a recent virtual meeting. Ebensburg has a thirteen percent staff vacancy rate, while Selinsgrove faces a much larger deficit of 33 percent. Efforts are ongoing to recruit and retain staff. The former Hamburg Center will be transferred to PennDOT around mid-September. Merakey vacated the Woodhaven Center at the end of June.
FEDERAL NEWS+
Federal Funding
The administration released a 1,224-page presidential budget request for the upcoming fiscal year (October 2025-26). Major highlights include the elimination of the University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities — a key organization for evaluations and training — the removal of voting advocacy programs, and the establishment of a state-managed system for funding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The budget aims to cut federal non-defense discretionary spending by 22.6%, or $163 billion, for the following year. Despite concerns from the disability community, the administration plans to continue funding developmental disabilities councils, protection and advocacy agencies, and specific research programs.
Proposed changes to IDEA, which would require Congress to modify the law, could impact Parent Training and Information Centers, technical assistance centers, training for new special and general educators, assistive technology, and accessibility supports. Many are particularly worried about the removal of federal oversight for special education. Moreover, although the budget states that the President promises to preserve special education funding despite rising costs, no additional funds are proposed for schools or states to cover these expenses, maintaining funding at the 2025 level.
According to a Reuters survey, the administration has already cut federal autism-related research funding by 26 percent in 2025 compared to previous years. This funding supports scientists in understanding autism and developing better treatments and support systems. These cuts could slow progress in helping people with autism and their families. Experts and advocates are concerned about potential long-term harm to efforts aimed at improving autism care and awareness.
Read more about the program cuts
In early intervention services, Medicaid helps finance Part C services. However, the level of support varies by state because each state has different rules and funding levels. About 540,000 children under age three receive assistance through Part C, with roughly half on Medicaid. These services help children succeed in school and reduce the need for special education by 42 percent by kindergarten. Many children benefiting from early intervention improve social and learning skills, and some catch up to their peers.
Texas exemplifies how general Medicaid funding cuts can lead to unintended program reductions at the state level, not just the initial government cut. In 2011, when Texas lost Medicaid funding, it lost 21% of its early intervention providers; 20-30 percent fewer children received services; and the program could only serve the most severe cases. Changes to state funding mechanisms, such as taxing managed care providers, will likely cause immediate harm, as seen in Texas.
Governor Shapiro responded to Congressional moves to cut federal spending on Medicaid and SNAP, warning of significant impacts, including reduced access to healthcare and food assistance, increased financial strain on the state, disruption of services for vulnerable populations, and threats to rural healthcare system stability.
House Republicans want to make big budget cuts to several federal agencies. One example is a plan to reduce the number of employees at the Department of Housing and Urban Development by 26%.
In contrast, Senate Republicans are working on spending bills with both parties’ support. These bills mostly keep funding the same or slightly increase it. The Senate’s approach pushes back more strongly against the Biden administration’s proposed deep cuts. For example, the Senate wants to increase funding for international food aid.
The House focuses on cutting government jobs, while the Senate aims for more stable funding with slight increases.
Here are some examples of how both chambers are rejecting the administration’s proposed cuts:
- NASA: Congress wants to keep funding steady instead of cutting it by 25%.
- National Science Foundation: A 23% cut is being considered, instead of the 57% the administration proposed.
- National Park Service: A 6% cut is on the table, much less than the proposed 30%.
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Congress is looking at a 23% cut, not the 50% the administration suggested.
- U.S. Forest Service: Only a small cut is being considered, compared to the proposed 30%.
Health Discrimination
Congress is advancing legislation that would prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities in organ transplants. In the past, some individuals with disabilities were denied transplants based on assumptions about their quality of life or ability to follow medical instructions. This bill would make it illegal to deny someone a transplant solely because they have a disability.
Learn more about the legislation
Oral Health
Many adults living with disabilities face significant challenges in accessing essential oral health care, according to findings from CareQuest Institute’s most recent State of Oral Health Equity in America (SOHEA) survey.
The report highlights:
- Adults with disabilities are more likely to have untreated cavities, missing teeth, and other dental problems than those without disabilities.
- About one in four adults with disabilities said they delayed or missed dental care due to issues like transportation, cost, or lack of accommodations.
- Nearly 1 in 3 reported that their dental office did not offer the necessary help or adjustments.
- People with disabilities are more likely to end up in the emergency room for dental issues. These problems often happen because many dental offices aren’t physically accessible, dentists may lack training to work with people with disabilities, and insurance like Medicare and Medicaid typically doesn’t cover enough dental care.
We should advocate for expanding coverage in Medicare and Medicaid, providing better training for dental providers to serve people with disabilities, raising awareness about making dental offices more accessible, and working to integrate dental care with other healthcare services.
School Emergency Plans
More than 7.5 million U.S. public school students live with a disability, according to federal Department of Education data. A CBS News analysis found that nearly 6.3 million of these students reside in states that do not require schools to develop specific emergency plans for students with disabilities. The report highlights a significant gap in school safety protocols nationwide. It tells the story of Niamh Winright, a student with a disability who was caught in a 2022 school shooting in St. Louis. During the chaos, she was left behind because her mobility aid was knocked away, illustrating how emergency plans often fail to consider students with disabilities.
Most U.S. states do not require schools to have specific emergency procedures for students with disabilities. As a result, millions of students with disabilities face increased danger during emergencies like fires, natural disasters, or school shootings. Students and parents report feeling abandoned and unsafe, with some students experiencing trauma from being left behind. We must push for inclusive emergency planning and stricter enforcement of disability rights laws.
Special Education
Is moving oversight of special education to the state level best for students with disabilities? Is shifting remaining federal funding programs for special education to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) a step toward promoting a medical model? Some advocates look back with fear at the state of special education before the passage of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). While Secretary Linda McMahon said that the past shows special education was managed “incredibly well” before IDEA, The Arc reminds us that before IDEA, students with disabilities were routinely institutionalized or undereducated, if they were offered a public education at all. Other advocates believe moving oversight to HHS “reinforces an outdated and ableist, deficit-based model where disabilities are considered as medical conditions to be managed rather than recognizing that students with disabilities are capable learners, each with unique strengths and educational potential.”
Learn about the impact of the proposal
In recent years, Texas has faced scrutiny and legal challenges over its special education practices, especially regarding IDEA implementation. A major issue has been the state’s previous practice of limiting the number of students receiving special education services, which was found to violate federal law. This cap, in place for over ten years, led to many students being denied access to essential services. Texas set a policy to keep special education enrollment below 8.5% of the student body. This benchmark was determined to violate the IDEA, as it limited access for qualified students. In 2016, Texas was ordered to eliminate the cap.
More recently, the Supreme Court is examining a challenge to Section 504, including community-based services, non-discrimination in medical treatment, accessibility standards, reasonable accommodations, and effective communication. If the challenged regulations are invalidated, schools might no longer be required to provide reasonable accommodations like extended test time, modified assignments, or accessible facilities. Rules would then depend on state laws, which vary widely. Since Section 504 is considered an unfunded mandate, and state education budgets are major expenses, some states might reduce student services. This could undermine efforts to create equitable learning environments for all students. Advocates face a significant challenge in implementing state laws and regulations.
But for now, in a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court made it easier for students with disabilities to sue to enforce their rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act and other laws aimed at ensuring that disabled children receive proper education. Chief Justice John Roberts said that although the decision may be narrow, that does not lessen its significance for many children with disabilities—children who face “daunting challenges daily.” He added, “We hold today that those challenges do not include having to satisfy a more stringent standard of proof than other plaintiffs” in discrimination cases.
Continue reading about the decisions
In Somerville Public Schools v. Trump, federal courts upheld a preliminary injunction that determined the attempt to shut down the Department of Education through mass firings violated the Constitution, as that power is granted to Congress, not the President. The injunction bars future mass firings and mandates reinstating previously fired employees. However, most recently, the Supreme Court upheld the administration’s downsizing, prompting a sharp rebuke from the dissent.
Stripping Accessibility
In May, the U.S. Department of Energy announced that Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which specifies the standards that newly constructed and altered buildings must meet to be considered accessible, would be rescinded. If a building was built or modified after June 13, 1980, and receives federal funding, it must be accessible for people with disabilities. To comply with this rule, the building must follow specific design guidelines called the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards.
New airline regulations to accommodate passengers with disabilities are being put on hold now. Under the last administration, this finalized rule would require annual training for airline staff and contractors who help people with disabilities or handle wheelchairs. In addition, the regulations impose stronger standards so that assistance must be safe and dignified, and the steps airlines must take if a wheelchair is damaged or delayed.
Student Rights
A student with a rare form of epilepsy that causes frequent morning seizures, making it difficult to attend school before noon, was denied evening instruction in Osseo Area Schools in Minnesota. The family sued, arguing that this refusal deprived the student of the free appropriate public education (FAPE) guaranteed under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and violated rights under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
This case reached the U.S. Supreme Court, which unanimously ruled that students can sue schools under the ADA and Section 504 without following all the steps required by IDEA if their complaint involves discrimination, not just the quality of their education. As a result of this decision, students and families can now file a discrimination claim directly under civil rights laws, removing a significant legal barrier and making it easier and faster for families to challenge unfair treatment. The ruling emphasizes that schools must consider each student’s circumstances and avoid applying a one-size-fits-all approach.
Subminimum Wage Can Continue
The administration has decided not to proceed with measures to stop employers from paying people with disabilities less than minimum wage. This plan, initiated by the Biden administration, would have ended a program that grants special certificates for paying lower wages. Supporters of ending the program argue that it’s unfair and can result in individuals earning less than $1 an hour. However, the administration states that many people still utilize the program, and removing it could harm those with significant disabilities. Some groups believe it is the right decision because the program continues to assist approximately 40,579 individuals through sheltered workshops and other initiatives under the Section 14(c) waiver certificates. Many states are already working toward ending subminimum wages, and advocates believe national change will eventually occur.
Examine why the administration is pivoting
Work Requirements
Public benefits help people with disabilities stay healthy and independent. If these individuals lose coverage because they cannot meet work rules, they may miss medications, lose access to doctors, and face emergency medical situations. Many people with disabilities do not receive Social Security benefits, so they are not eligible for exemptions to work requirements, as outlined in specific benefit rules. These rules are often confusing and involve extensive paperwork, making it difficult even for those who should be exempt. People without internet access, limited English, or complex lives are most affected.
Because Medicaid funds support services like job coaching, assistive technology, and personal care, many individuals with disabilities already work part-time or gig jobs. However, these jobs often do not meet strict work-hour requirements. Constantly proving employment can cause shame for those unable to work, and if they try to work, they risk ending up in worse health situations than ever before. Without exemptions, family caregivers relying on Medicaid could choose between providing care and meeting work mandates.
A historic example is Arkansas, where the introduction of work requirements resulted in 1 in 4 residents losing coverage, including many who were working or seriously ill. Kentucky plans to spend over $270 million to oversee work requirements. Policymakers should question why they want to impose work requirements on public benefits, given the facts that show:
- Most beneficiaries already work or cannot
- These rules do not create more jobs; they only create red tape
- They do not improve long-term employment or income
- Losing health care makes it harder for people with disabilities to keep their jobs
- Benefits programs can include job training and assistive devices
- Many losing coverage do so because of confusion or technical issues
- States spend more on tracking and enforcement than they save, wasting taxpayer money
PENNSYLVANIA LEGISLATIVE REVIEW+
Legislation that supports public policy to ensure that Supported Decision-Making approaches are viable alternatives to traditional guardianship in Pennsylvania.
Legislation Moving
House Bill 18 from Representative Olsommer passed the House unanimously and was assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee. If enacted, courts would be required to hold a hearing within 30 days of receipt of a petition to modify or terminate a guardianship for an incapacitated individual.
Legislation that increases access to technology, especially for students with disabilities in school settings.
Legislation Introduced
Senate Bill 657 was introduced by Senator Coleman and referred to the House Intergovernmental Operations Committee. A hearing was held recently, and an advisory committee is slated to go over the needs addressed by the bill. The bill would remove capacity limitations on residential service locations funded by Home and Community-Based Services.
Legislation that supports medical, dental, and behavioral healthcare policies and services that meet the needs of people with developmental disabilities, particularly as those disabilities intersect with their other identities.
Memos Circulated
Representatives Scott, Mayes, and Carroll circulated a memo regarding their intention to introduce legislation establishing the Office of Health Equity.
Representatives Borowski and Brennan circulated a memo regarding their intention to introduce legislation requiring insurers to cover occupational, physical, and speech therapies. It would also create a fund for savings realized by Medicaid if the capitation rate paid to a managed care organization decreases. This fund would further access to these therapies.
Legislation Introduced
House Bill 1393 was introduced by Representative Marcell and referred to the House Finance Committee. The bill would provide a matching state tax credit to employers who received the federal tax credit for giving employees paid family and medical leave benefits.
Senate Bill 906 was introduced by Senators Robinson and Collett and referred to the Senate Labor and Industry Committee. The bill would create a statewide paid family and medical leave insurance program.
Legislation Moving
House Bill 80 from Representatives Venkat and Marcell passed the House unanimously and was assigned to the Senate Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure committee. If enacted, Pennsylvania would be authorized to join a compact for licensing audiology and speech pathologists. This would increase the number of providers for individuals with hearing and speech disabilities.
House Bills 211 and 261 from Representatives Warren and Pickett were enacted as Acts 8 and 9 of 2025. These acts update the state’s insurance laws by removing the terms handicapped and MR and replacing them with physical disability and intellectual disability.
House Bill 482 from Representative Markosek passed the House 199-3. Pennsylvania would be authorized to join a compact for licensing occupational therapists if enacted. This would increase the number of providers for individuals who need support performing activities of daily living.
House Bill 583 from Representative Curry passed the House 154-48. If enacted, the Department of Human Services could add dental coverage for medical assistance recipients if the General Assembly appropriates funds, and the Department could provide partial services depending on funding. Senate Bill 860 from Senator Costa is the companion legislation, but it has not moved.
House Bill 1445 from Representative Warren passed the House along party lines 102-101 and was assigned to the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee. Although unlikely to pass the Senate with the current language, if enacted, it would prohibit the denial of insurance coverage for medical appointments held in a school setting.
House Bill 1590 from Representatives Williams and Heffley passed the House 202-1 and was assigned to the Senate Health and Human Services Committee. If enacted, it would remove regulations allowing Medicaid waiver flexibility for virtual behavioral health services.
Legislation that promotes universal, inclusive design for community spaces and community services.
Memos Circulated
Senator Laughlin circulated a memo regarding his intention to introduce legislation allowing individuals with permanent mobility limitations to use bait when hunting deer.
Representative Hohenstein circulated a memo regarding his intention to introduce legislation creating a DCNR grant for recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Legislation Introduced
House Bill 1458 was introduced by Representative Sanchez and assigned to the House Commerce Committee. The bill would require cart corrals within a reasonable distance of accessible parking spaces.
House Bill 1664 was introduced by Representatives Ciresi and James and was assigned to the House Local Government Committee. The bill would establish the Older Building Redevelopment Assistance Grant Program, which, among other improvements, would allow for improvements to entryways and other building features to make buildings more accessible for people with disabilities.
Senate Bill 854 was introduced by Representatives Cappelletti and Bartolotta and assigned to the Senate Labor and Industry Committee. The bill would require all new construction of state-owned facilities to install adult changing stations and notify the public of their availability.
Senate Bill 867 was introduced by Senators Tartaglione, Robinson, and Kane and assigned to the Senate Labor and Industry Committee. The bill would grant the accessibility advisory board the authority to review and adopt future accessibility codes.
Legislation Moving
House Bill 1396 from Representative McClinton passed the House along party lines 102-101 and was assigned to the Senate State Government Committee. Although unlikely to pass the Senate in its current language, if enacted, among many election reforms, the bill would require early voting locations to be accessible.
Legislation that empowers students with disabilities and their families to know their rights and make decisions.
Legislation Introduced
House Bill 1447 was introduced by Representative Warren and assigned to the House Education Committee. The bill would require school policies for the possession and self-administration of adrenal insufficiency medications.
Legislation Moving
House Bill 808 from Representative Kozak was unanimously reported from the House Judiciary Committee. The Speaker has tabled it. The statute of limitations for certain crimes against a care-dependent person would be removed if enacted. This would be known as Nicholas’ Law.
Legislation that ends the segregation and institutionalization of individuals with disabilities, including at State Centers.
Legislation Introduced
House Resolution 285 was introduced by Representative Brennan and referred to the House Human Services Committee. This bill would direct a study on the impact of creating an abuse registry of those who abuse individuals considered to be a vulnerable population.
House Bill 1435 was introduced by Representative Cerrato and assigned to the House Human Services Committee. The bill would permit the Department of Human Services to seek a waiver to allow payment for extraordinary personal care services provided by a legally responsible relative to a medical assistance recipient when it is a covered service. It would also require a study to review the implementation costs within 2 years of waiver approval.
THE PIE TEAM+
The PIE Team
THE ARC OF PENNSYLVANIA PIE STAFF:
Sherri Landis
Alexa Brill
James Sawor
CONSULTANTS:
Vini Portzline