Pennsylvania HB2653: An Act amending Title 40 (Insurance) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for behavioral health care provider access; and imposing penalties.

What the bill says

Amending Title 40 (Insurance) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for behavioral health care provider access; and imposing penalties.

From the introduced text, June 22, 2026:

Amending Title 40 (Insurance) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for behavioral health care provider access; and imposing penalties. The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania hereby enacts as follows: Section 1. Title 40 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes is amended by adding a chapter to read: CHAPTER 46 BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE PROVIDER ACCESS Sec. 4601. Scope of chapter. 4602. Legislative findings and intent. 4603. Definitions. 4604. Behavioral health care provider access to insurer networks. 4605. Preclusion permitted. 4606. Parity and nondiscrimination. 4607. Claim handling. 4608. Scope of practice. 4609. Regulations. 4610. Violations. 4611. Administrative procedures. § 4601. Scope of chapter. This chapter relates to behavioral health care coverage provided under a health insurance policy. § 4602. Legislative findings and intent. (a) Legislative findings.--The General Assembly finds and declares as follows: (1) Timely and effective behavioral health care services are critical for the mental and behavioral health of Pennsylvanians. (2) The selection of a behavioral health care provider is a personal choice that can be based upon many factors, including the provider's background, experience with a particular condition or treatment methods. (3) Individuals should have access to a behavioral health care provider who understands their particular needs. (4) Cost concerns or network restrictions should not prevent an individual from finding and seeking treatment with a behavioral health care provider …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Christina Sappey (D, 158) · primary sponsor
• Tarik Khan (D, 194)
• Kristine Howard (D, 167)
• Heather Boyd (D, 163)
• Nikki Rivera (D, 96)
• Tarah Probst (D, 189)
• Melissa Shusterman (D, 157)
• Mandy Steele (D, 33)
• Benjamin Sanchez (D, 153)
• Dan Williams (D, 74)
• Inglis III, John C. (D, 38)
• Joseph Ciresi (D, 146)

Latest actions

1. October 1, 2026: Referred to BANKING AND INSURANCE, Oct. 1, 2026
2. October 1, 2026: In the Senate
3. September 30, 2026: (Remarks see House Journal Page ), Sept. 30, 2026
4. September 30, 2026: Third consideration and final passage, Sept. 30, 2026 (120-83)
5. September 30, 2026: Re-reported as committed, Sept. 30, 2026
6. September 29, 2026: Re-committed to APPROPRIATIONS, Sept. 29, 2026
7. September 29, 2026: Second consideration, Sept. 29, 2026
8. September 28, 2026: Removed from table, Sept. 28, 2026
9. September 8, 2026: Laid on the table, Sept. 8, 2026
10. September 8, 2026: Re-reported as committed, Sept. 8, 2026

Votes

• House Floor: HB2653, RC 1423 (September 30, 2026): 120 yea, 83 nay, passed
• House Appropriations: Re-report Bill As Committed (September 30, 2026): 22 yea, 15 nay, passed
• House Insurance: Report Bill As Committed (June 24, 2026): 14 yea, 12 nay, passed

Common questions

What is HB2653?

HB2653 is a bill in the Pennsylvania Legislature (2025-2026 Regular Session): An Act amending Title 40 (Insurance) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for behavioral health care provider access; and imposing penalties.

What does HB2653 do?

In its own words: Amending Title 40 (Insurance) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for behavioral health care provider access; and imposing penalties.

What is the status of HB2653?

Passed one chamber as of October 1, 2026. Latest action: Referred to BANKING AND INSURANCE, Oct. 1, 2026 (October 1, 2026).

Who sponsored HB2653?

Christina Sappey (D, 158), with 11 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HB2653?

On the Pennsylvania Legislature website: https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb2653