Dear Friends,
As we reflect on last week in the Pennsylvania House, I am proud to share the progress we’ve made in passing legislation that will positively impact our communities and neighbors. Beyond the Children’s Literacy Program I described last week, these achievements underscore our commitment to protecting privacy, supporting workers, promoting public health, and enhancing educational opportunities across the Commonwealth.
Among the bills passed, we established privacy and security requirements for direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies (HB 1530), ensuring your genetic data remains protected. We strengthened the workplace by requiring employers to adopt policies that prevent harassment, discrimination, and retaliation (HB 1825), and we took meaningful steps to prevent human trafficking by mandating training for hotel and rental operators (HB 1286).
To support young learners we’re bringing fresh, locally sourced food into our schools through the Keystone Fresh grant program (HB 1768). Access to healthcare also improved with expanded vaccine authority for pharmacists (HB 1881) and streamlined physical therapy referrals from midwives (HB 1251).
Several important measures now await Governor Shapiro’s signature, including expanded unemployment compensation for domestic violence survivors (HB 274), improved notification times for end-of-life memorial event catering permits (HB 467), and strengthened protections for children and teens from illicit vape products (HB 1425).
As the year comes to a close, I want to extend my warmest holiday wishes to all who celebrate this season. May you enjoy peace, joy, and time with loved ones. Looking ahead, I remain deeply committed to working with my colleagues to pursue good and meaningful legislation that serves every Pennsylvanian. Thank you for your continued support and engagement.
Wishing you a wonderful holiday and a happy, healthy New Year!