House backs stronger penalties for illegal vape sales

Rep. Jen Mazzocco October 8, 2026 | 4:20 PM

Also In This Newsletter:

Renters' Rights Forum
Working to lower your electric bill
New District Office Director
Upcoming Events

Vape shops have prompted strong debate in communities across the district, with particular concern about proximity to schools and young people’s access to nicotine vapes and other products.

This week, the House unanimously advanced House Bill 1434, strengthening penalties for retailers that illegally sell nicotine vapes to underage customers. The bill would impose a $5,000 fine for a first offense, up from the current figure of $100-$500, and another $5,000 fine for a second offense. A third conviction would bring a $5,000 fine as well as permanent loss of the retailer’s tobacco products license. We need to make sure businesses face meaningful consequences when they break the law, and I urge my Senate colleagues to take up this legislation to protect young people.

Renters' Rights and Responsibilities Forum

Do you know what to do when a needed repair goes unanswered, or what you should do before signing a lease? You can get the answers to those questions and more at my free Renters’ Rights and Responsibilities Forum on Wednesday, Oct. 14, from 6-8 p.m. at Dormont Public Library, 2950 W. Liberty Ave.

There will be opening remarks from Magisterial District Judge Hilary Wheatley, followed by a panel discussion I will moderate with Wheatley, local real estate attorney Michael J. Piscarcik and housing rights attorney Daniel Vitek.

We will discuss leases, repairs, security deposits, landlord and tenant responsibilities, and what to expect when a dispute reaches court. Representatives from South Hills Interfaith Movement will also be on hand with resources and assistance connecting residents to support, and we’ll have time for audience questions after the discussion!

Parking in front of the library is limited, but there is additional parking in the lot across the street and public transportation options are available. Whether you’re dealing with a current concern or just want to be better informed, please join us.

Working to lower your electric bill

When electricity demand spikes, the cost of supplying power can rise, with local households and small businesses feeling the impact.

As electric costs and household shutoffs continue to reach historic highs, PA House Democrats introduced a series of bills intended to lower costs for everyday Pennsylvanians, hold big corporations accountable and get more energy out of Pennsylvania’s existing infrastructure. I joined my colleagues on Wednesday to reaffirm commitment to action on this crisis and renew focus on this bill package.

Also this week, the House advanced House Bill 2380 to expand the use of large-scale battery storage, a bill I proudly co-sponsored because these systems help reduce reliance on expensive power sources. I hope my Senate colleagues pass this legislation to ease pressure on consumer electric bills while strengthening grid reliability.

Demanding AI transparency from advertisers

As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly sophisticated, it is becoming more difficult to identify AI against reality when it comes to images, videos, or voices used in advertising.

This week, the House Communications & Technology Committee advanced Senate Bill 806 by my colleague Sen. Nick Pisciottano, which would require clear discourse when certain AI-generated or altered advertising creates false impressions about a product or service. I voted for this bill so that consumers can know when AI technology is being used to mislead them. This is a step toward stronger consumer protections as AI becomes part of everyday life.

PA Measles Outbreak update

Pennsylvania has now reported more than 1,000 measles cases this year, and the Allegheny County Health Department has confirmed a case in a county resident. Remember that the MMR vaccine remains the best protection against this highly contagious illness. If you’re unsure whether you or your children are up to date, check with your healthcare provider or use the Department of Health website. If you suspect exposure or symptoms, call before visiting a medical office.

Newcomer Ambassador Program

Are you new to the Pittsburgh region or interested in helping someone feel at home here?

Pittsburgh Tomorrow’s free Newcomer Ambassador Program pairs newcomers with longtime residents for three months of connection, from coffee and conversation to exploring local events together. Ambassadors must have lived in the region for at least five years, and newcomers can participate if they’ve been here for less than two years. Applications close on October 30, visit the Pittsburgh Tomorrow website for more information.

Welcome my new District Office Director!

I’m pleased to welcome Tom Duerr as my new District Office Director!

Tom comes to the district with much experience, graduating from Penn State’s Smeal College of Business in 2017 before entertaining a political career working for elected officials across our region. In 2019, at just 24 years old, he was elected to represent District 5 on Allegheny County Council, spearheading efforts to protect reproductive rights and enacting county campaign finance limits. He has also served as a voting member of the Allegheny County League of Municipalities Board and the Allegheny County Board of Elections.

Most recently, Tom has been working under Rep. John Inglis’ office, helping to develop legislation and establishing an unclaimed property matching program that has returned nearly $650,000 to residents since its launch last year. He will be able to provide these specialized skills and more for you!

A native of Bethel Park, Tom currently lives there with his partner, Bethel Park Council member Viola Garis, and their cat, Ruth. Please join me in welcoming Tom to my team and the district!

Fall fun around the district

With live music, costumes, and community celebrations, October offers plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy the Fall weather:

Dormont Street & Music Festival, Saturday, Oct. 10: Head to Potomac Ave. from 1-8 p.m. for live music, local vendors, food, and a day of community fun.
Baldwin Township Fall Fest, Saturday, Oct. 17: Fall Fest at Armstrong Park from 12-4 p.m. will have a petting zoo, live music, pumpkin decorating, Table-or-Treat, local vendors, food trucks, raffle baskets, and more.
Castle Shannon Halloween Parade, Sunday, Oct. 18: The Community Library of Castle Shannon’s celebration at 3677 Myrtle Ave. runs from 1-3 p.m., with treats, crafts, games, and music beginning at 1 p.m. followed by the parade at 2 p.m. Wear your costume and join the fun, no registration is required.
Upper St. Clair Family Fun Halloween Party, Wednesday, Oct. 28: Upper St. Clair Library will host family fun with student volunteers assisting on Halloween crafts and more from 5-6 p.m.
Mt. Lebanon Pumpkin Patch Parade, Saturday, Oct. 31: The parade begins at 11 a.m. along Washington Road, traveling from Mt. Lebanon Cemetery to Lebanon Ave. Children can also enjoy trick-or-treating at participating Uptown locations, including my office!

My district office is here to help! Call or stop by with your questions about state programs, applications, and services including Senior ConnectCards, Unclaimed Property, PennDOT services, Vital Records, and more.

Call us at 412-343-3870, email RepMazzocco@pahouse.net or visit 650 Washington Road, Suite 102, in Mt. Lebanon. Staff will be in the office Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The first 15 minutes of parking in uptown Mt. Lebanon’s North Parking Garage across from the office is free. The office can also be reached on the T to the Mt. Lebanon station.