Pennsylvania Health Committee Votes on HB 916 in Latest Session
The Pennsylvania House Health Committee met Tuesday in Harrisburg to vote on HB 916, a bill aimed at updating the Childhood Blood Lead Test Act. According to committee sources, the legislation was considered to enhance blood lead testing requirements for children across the state.
The Pennsylvania House Health Committee convened Tuesday in Harrisburg to consider House Bill 916, legislation designed to update the Childhood Blood Lead Test Act. The bill, introduced during the 2025-2026 regular session, is sponsored by Rep. G. Roni Green, D-Philadelphia, and Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Philadelphia, according to official records from the Pennsylvania General Assembly.
HB 916 was formally referred to the House Health Committee on March 17, 2025, as documented in the General Assembly’s legislative history.
While the committee met to vote on HB 916, sources familiar with the proceedings confirmed that no formal vote took place during the session. Committee schedules obtained from legislative tracking indicate that HB 916 was initially listed for consideration in a previous meeting but was “passed over” without a vote. Subsequently, a hearing was scheduled to further discuss provisions related to enhanced blood lead testing requirements for children across Pennsylvania. However, as of the latest meeting, no official vote or recommendation has been recorded.
The bill aims to amend existing state law to improve the identification and testing protocols for childhood lead exposure, though specific policy changes within HB 916 have not been publicly detailed in committee documents. According to legislative summaries, the proposed updates would require expanded blood lead testing among children, but exact testing thresholds and implementation timelines remain unspecified in available materials.
Committee membership includes representatives from both parties, but no statements or position summaries from individual members regarding HB 916 have been released. The Health Committee’s official meeting minutes and voting records for this session have yet to be published, limiting insight into member deliberations or dissent.
Since that referral, the bill has undergone preliminary scheduling for hearings and potential votes, reflecting ongoing legislative consideration. However, public sources and committee communications do not confirm any final action or advancement to the full House.
Officials noted that the Childhood Blood Lead Test Act, originally enacted to address lead poisoning risks in children, has been subject to periodic review. HB 916 represents the latest effort to update testing requirements in response to evolving public health data. Legislative sponsors have emphasized the need to strengthen early detection of lead exposure, though detailed provisions of the bill have not been made public.
Further information regarding HB 916’s status, including vote counts or amendments, is expected to be available through the Pennsylvania House Health Committee or the General Assembly’s official tracking system. Observers seeking comprehensive details on the bill’s progress are advised to consult these sources as the legislative session continues.
