PSHA Legislative Tracker  

Legislation that affects communication and care

The Pennsylvania Speech-Language-Hearing Association (PSHA) monitors legislation that may affect speech-language pathologists, audiologists, students, and the individuals and families they serve.

Through legislative monitoring, collaboration with our lobbyist, communication with legislators, and grassroots advocacy, PSHA works to advance policies that support communication access, professional practice, and quality services throughout Pennsylvania.

This tracker provides an overview of selected bills and legislative proposals, their current status, PSHA’s position, actions taken, and anticipated next steps.

How to read this tracker

• Support: PSHA supports the legislation or proposal.

• Neutral/Monitor: PSHA is monitoring developments without taking an advocacy position at this time.

• Needs Review: PSHA is evaluating the proposal and its potential implications.

• Position not recorded: A formal PSHA position is not documented in the current tracker.

Legislative status and next steps may change. Information below reflects PSHA’s internal tracker, last updated in September 2026. Links to official legislative records are provided where available.

PRIORITY LEGISLATION

HB 80 — SLP and Audiology Interstate Compact

Current Status: Passed the House unanimously; in committee in the Senate.

PSHA Position: SUPPORT

About the Legislation: This legislation addresses an interstate compact for speech-language pathologists and audiologists.

Actions Taken by PSHA:

• Sent a letter in support in February 2025.

• Promoted the legislation through eblasts and social media.

• Conducted a Take Action campaign to encourage advocacy.

• Highlighted the compact as a legislative priority at Hill Day.

Next Steps: Continue advocating for passage in the Senate and monitor developments related to incorporating the compact into a broader omnibus compact bill.

View HB 80 on the Pennsylvania Legislature website

 HB 1700 — Communication Impairment Designation on Driver’s Licenses

Current Status: Passed the House unanimously; moving to the Senate.

PSHA Position: SUPPORT

About the Legislation: This bill addresses the designation of communication impairment on Pennsylvania driver's licenses.

Actions Taken by PSHA:

• Sent a letter in support in July 2025.

• Monitored legislative progress and House passage.

Next Steps: PSHA is engaging in additional Take Action outreach to encourage Senate consideration.

View HB 1700 on the Pennsylvania Legislature website

Modernizing the Definition of “Professional Employee” in the Public School Code

Current Status: Memo only; not yet introduced as a bill

PSHA Position: SUPPORT

Actions Taken by PSHA:

• Developed questions and asked for claritications

Next Steps: PSHA will support this legislation with a letter

View this memo on the Pennsylvania Legislative website

Authorizing Interstate Compacts — Omnibus Bill

Current Status: Legislative proposal under consideration.

PSHA Position: SUPPORT

Actions Taken by PSHA:

• Submitted a letter of support, as documented in PSHA’s September 2026 tracker.

Next Steps: Monitor the proposal’s progress and its implications for the SLP and audiology interstate compact.

View this memo on the Pennsylvania Legislative website

HB 2549 — Contributions for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community

Current Status: Passed the House; moving to the Senate.

PSHA Position: Support

Actions Taken by PSHA:

• PSHA is activating a Take Action campaign to increase support in the Senate

Next Steps: Confirm PSHA’s formal position and determine whether additional outreach is appropriate.

View HB 2549 on the Pennsylvania Legislature website

ADDITIONAL LEGISLATION PSHA IS MONITORING

 HB 1939 — ID/A Market Index for DSP Services

Current Status: Referred/re-referred; committee hearing held.

PSHA Position: SUPPORT

Actions Taken by PSHA:

• Sent a letter in November 2025.

Next Steps: Continue monitoring legislative developments and discuss potential outreach with partners and legislators.

View HB 1939 on the Pennsylvania Legislature website

SB 1440 — Laryngectomy Emergency Care Access Act

Current Status: In committee.

PSHA Position: SUPPORT

Actions Taken by PSHA:

• Reviewed the bill’s proposed training provisions.

• Identified questions regarding who would establish or provide the training and what qualifications would be required.

Next Steps: Will submit public comment when appropriate

View SB 1440 on the Pennsylvania Legislature website

 HR 591 — Recognizing the Importance of Community Health Workers

Current Status: Introduced.

PSHA Position: SUPPORT

Actions Taken by PSHA:

• Reviewed the proposal with the Association’s advocacy team.

Next Steps: Continue monitoring.

View the proposal record

SB 730 — Codification of Pennsylvania Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST)

Current Status: Referred/re-referred.

PSHA Position: NEUTRAL / MONITOR

Actions Taken by PSHA:

• Consulted with the Association’s lobbyist regarding the proposal.

• Determined that monitoring was appropriate at this stage.

Next Steps: Monitor progress and consider submitting public comments if the Department of Health publishes a draft form for public review.

View SB 730 on the Pennsylvania Legislature website

HB 2678 — Establishing Artificial Intelligence Guidelines for State Licensed Professionals

Current Status: Introduced.

PSHA Position: NEUTRAL / MONITOR

Actions Taken by PSHA:

• Gathered feedback regarding potential implications for licensed professionals.

• Identified questions about the scope of the proposed language.

Next Steps: Monitor further developments and determine whether additional review by relevant PSHA committees is needed.

View the proposal record

 Federal Scholarship Tax Program — Legislative Proposal

Current Status: Memo only; not yet introduced as a bill, according to PSHA’s tracker.

PSHA Position: NEUTRAL / MONITOR

Actions Taken by PSHA:

• Reviewed the proposal and determined that monitoring was appropriate at this time.

Next Steps: Track developments related to the proposal and whether Pennsylvania considers participating in the federal program.

View the proposal record

 HOW YOU CAN HELP

PSHA’s advocacy efforts are strengthened when members stay informed and participate in the legislative process.

• Take Action: Visit the PSHA Take Action Center to learn about current advocacy opportunities and contact your legislators.

• Stay informed: Read PSHA communications for legislative updates, advocacy alerts, and upcoming events.

• Get involved: Participate in PSHA committees and advocacy activities.

• Join PSHA: Membership supports the Association’s legislative advocacy and provides opportunities to engage in professional issues affecting speech-language pathology and audiology in Pennsylvania.

Visit the PSHA Take Action Center

Visit this link to view archived legislation that PSHA was tracking.  

Questions about PSHA’s legislative advocacy? Contact [email protected].

PSHA’s legislative tracker is intended to inform the public about legislative activity and the Association’s advocacy work. Bill descriptions and status information are summaries; consult the official Pennsylvania legislative record for the latest information.