This Week in Harrisburg: 5 Things to Know

July 11, 2025

BY: Anthony Panuccio, manager, advocacy activation

While the General Assembly missed its June 30 budget deadline, essential state services remain operational, and legislative leaders are continuing toward a framework that includes key education, health care, and transportation investments. The Senate is not in session this week, but the House will return to session Monday through Wednesday. HAP is closely monitoring the process and advocating for hospital funding priorities as budget negotiations continue to trudge on.

Here are five things to know heading into this week.

• False Claims Legislation: On July 9, a recurring HAP-opposed bill that would establish a state version of the Federal False Claims Act and allow for private lawsuits passed the House with bipartisan support. House Bill 1697, which could significantly impact rural hospitals, now awaits consideration in the Senate. Additionally, HAP submitted the following letter of opposition to members of the House prior to the vote.
• Traveling Physicians: On July 7, the Governor signed into law Act 29, formerly House Bill 309, allowing physicians traveling internationally to treat their players without a Pennsylvania medical license.
• Access to Naloxone: On July 7, the Governor signed into law Act 34, formerly Senate Bill 95, allowing EMS providers to leave a dose of naloxone with the on-scene caregiver of an overdose patient. The law also includes pharmacy pricing disclosure requirements, and establishes provisional licensure standards for out of state pharmacists.
• Behavioral Health: House Bill 564 is expected to receive a final vote for passage today. The HAP-supported legislation establishes a 988 Suicide Prevention & Crisis Lifeline public education campaign. 
• Dads Matter Act: House Bill 1212 also is expected to receive a final vote for passage today. The HAP-supported legislation directs the Department of Health to run a public awareness campaign on the importance of involving fathers in pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care.

For additional information, contact Arielle Chortanoff, HAP’s vice president, state advocacy, or Sarah Lawver, senior director, state advocacy.