Conklin joined by legislators, school administrators in support of PIAA bill
Rep. Scott Conklin June 9, 2026
HARRISBURG, June 9 – Today, state Rep. Scott Conklin was joined by legislators, school administrators, and student-athletes in support of legislation (H.B. 41) that would allow the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association to create separate playoffs and championships for boundary and non-boundary schools.
Conklin introduced H.B. 41 due to the PIAA’s existing competition structure containing fairness issues and unnecessary risks to athletes’ health. He urged the state Senate to consider the bill, which currently sits in the Senate Education Committee after passing in the House on April 29 by a 178–23 vote.
“You only have one hurdle to cross, and that’s to kick out the bill,” Conklin said. “Please, for the young people, let’s do it.”
Speaking in support of the bill alongside Conklin were state Sen. Marty Flynn, state Reps. Jim Haddock and Jennifer O’Mara, Springfield School District Superintendent Anthony Barber, Riverside School District Superintendent Paul Brennan, Old Forge School District Superintendent Christopher Gatto, Kennett Consolidated School District Assistant Superintendent Michael Barber, and Old Forge student-athlete Christopher Rasmus.
Flynn, who represents the Old Forge School District, spoke about traditional public schools facing challenges against non-boundary opponents in a playoff setting, sparking renewed conversations around the legislation.
“[This legislation] does not require the PIAA to make any changes,” Flynn said. “It simply gives the organization the authority to make changes … it’s about making sure every student-athlete has confidence that the rules are fair and that the playing field is level. Pennsylvania’s student-athletes deserve nothing less.”
Haddock, who also represents the Old Forge School District, pointed out the district’s student-athletes wearing shirts representing their ZIP code, 18518.
“House Bill 41 is not about headlines, it’s not about politics, but it’s about communities like [Old Forge], it’s about school spirit, it’s about fairness, but mostly, it’s about our school students,” Haddock said.
For more information on the bill, residents can visit: https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb0041.