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Steele supports House passage of bill to ban cell phones in schools

(16 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

A proposal championed by state Rep. Mandy Steele, D-Allegheny, to restrict cellphone use in Pennsylvania schools passed the PA House today on a bipartisan vote, a key step in the process for enacting the legislation in time for the 2027-28 school year. Read more

 

PA House Communications & Technology Committee hears testimony about frontier AI bills

(16 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 19 – The PA House Communications & Technology Committee today held a hearing on two bills that would regulate safety practices for the most capable “frontier” AI models. Read more

 

Worker co-op legislation passes Senate, heads to governor’s desk

(16 hours ago) Rep. Rick Krajewski

HARRISBURG, Oct. 19 – Legislation ( H.B. 135 ) introduced by state Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., unanimously passed the Pennsylvania Senate today (50-0) and will now head to the governor’s desk to be signed into law. “This is commonsense, bipartisan legislation which will make it easier to start a worker cooperative,” Krajewski said. “Co-ops allow workers to wholly own the products of their labor and promote values of democracy, sustainability, and self-determination. Co-ops are proven viable business models and we should do what we can to support workers.” H.B. 135 would lower the number of workers required to form a cooperative from five to three, opening the door to more potential cooperatives to form. Under existing law, would-be cooperative entrepreneurs often choose instead to start LLCs. If they wish to become a worker cooperative later, it requires a burdensome and cost prohibitive refiling process. “This is a small change which will have a huge impact for start-up and conversion worker-owned and democratically run cooperative businesses,” wrote Corey Reidy, Cooperative Development Director at the Philadelphia Area Cooperative Alliance. “More worker-cooperatives will be able to choose the entity which was created for them and will give them the most benefits -- all of which will support the strength of their business and foster further workplace democracy in Read more

 

Fiedler, advocates applaud passage of biggest renewable energy investment in Pennsylvania history

(16 hours ago) Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, Rep. Steve Samuelson

HARRISBURG, Oct 19 – Today, the House passed H.B. 1667, which would reform the existing Pennsylvania Economic Development for a Growing Economy, known as EDGE, tax credit and create a new electric usage fee on data centers. Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., chair of the House Energy Committee, applauded this passage as a win for renewable energy and affordability in the Commonwealth. “This is the largest investment in renewable energy in the Commonwealth’s history,” Fiedler said. “This tax credit will get more clean energy online, which we know will help lower electric bills and improve reliability on a strained grid. We need this urgently to combat the rising cost of electricity, which is causing households all over Pennsylvania a lot of pain. This bill represents one of the biggest environmental wins in Pennsylvania in decades.” "This legislation would impose a fee on the largest energy users, specifically data centers, and turn those revenues into a rebate on the electric bills of average homeowners who are facing rising utility costs," said state Rep. Steve Samuleson, chair of the House Finance Committee. This bill makes a number of changes to the EDGE tax credit: drastically reducing the original allocation for natural gas and reinvesting it in renewable energy like solar and the clean manufacturing sector. Included in the appropriation is $34.7 million available for a Read more

 

O'Mara bill to regulate Flock cameras passes House

(17 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

On a bipartisan vote, the state House today approved a bill sponsored by state Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, to protect drivers’ privacy by regulating the use of automated license plate readers such as Flock cameras by government agencies in Pennsylvania. Read more

 

Pielli’s data center regulation bill passes state House

(17 hours ago) Rep. Chris Pielli

“Since 2020, when data centers started to be constructed, Pennsylvania’s energy costs have risen by over 70%,” Pielli said. “With there being estimates of up to 130 active data centers with an additional 55 data centers being proposed, planned or under construction, this problem will only get worse without proper regulation. If data centers gain public utility status, they will essentially become digital dictators that could preempt local municipal zoning ordinances and reduce communities’ control over land-use decisions. We need to place guardrails on this issue immediately and ensure that Pennsylvanians have a voice in where these data centers are developed.” Read more

 

Effort to enact 'Marnie's Law' launches in General Assembly

(18 hours ago) Southeast Delegation

A new effort was launched in Pennsylvania today to enact “Marnie’s Law,” which would require healthcare providers to be educated on the deadly cancer that killed Emmy-nominated actor Marnie Schulenburg. Read more

 

‘Keeping the Lights On’ in PA: In response to dire PUC warning, House Democrats share policy to prevent grid failures

(19 hours ago) Rep. Kyle T. Donahue

HARRISBURG, Oct 19 – In early September, the PUC released a dire report warning about Pennsylvania’s energy future: because of the skyrocketing demand brought on by AI data centers, blackouts and other grid failures could be six times worse than PJM’s planning standard by 2030. House Democrats and the House Energy Committee today announced a comprehensive, three-pronged approach to addressing and reversing this crisis: generation, efficiency and demand response. The bills in the package are: H.B. 2347: PEDA Modernization (Fiedler) H.B. 2651: Siting New Energy Projects (Steele) H.B. 505: Modernizing Energy Efficiency in the Commonwealth (Donahue) H.B. 660: Energy Efficient Appliances (O’Mara) H.B. 2264: Establishing a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) Program (Davidson) H.B. 2380: Reducing utility bills by utilizing grid-scale battery storage (Rivera) “The House Energy Committee has been sounding the alarm on this crisis since day one. We’ve put forward bills that would increase generation, stabilize and modernize our grid, and help us meet demand at those vulnerable, peak moments when power outages are most likely to occur,” said Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, committee chair . “My bill to modernize PEDA as a financing authority would unlock new energy supply, encourage innovation and put people to work across Pennsylvania.” Renewables like Read more

 

Judiciary Committee advances bills to protect privacy, improve public safety

(Oct 15, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Judiciary Committee advances bills to protect privacy, improve public safety HARRISBURG, Oct. 15 – House Judiciary Committee Chair Rep. Tim Briggs today announced the committee recently approved four bills during two meetings, advancing legislation addressing drivers’ privacy, missing-person investigations, sexual assault evidence collection and the dissemination of booking photographs. House Bill 2771 , sponsored by Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, would protect drivers’ privacy by setting rules for how government agencies use automated license plate readers. The bill would limit what agencies can do with the information they collect, prevent it from being improperly shared and require the information to be deleted after a certain period of time. Senate Bill 1273 , sponsored by Sen. Camera Bartolotta, would allow police to use Pennsylvania Turnpike toll records to help find abducted children and missing people when an AMBER or missing endangered person alert has been issued. Giving law enforcement access to this information could provide another important tool to help locate someone quickly and bring them home safely. Senate Bill 1212 , sponsored by Sen. Tracy Pennycuick, would make it easier to track sexual assault evidence kits and ensure they are handled consistently by law enforcement. The bill would also clarify which evidence is considered “awaiting testing,” giving Pennsylvanians a Read more

 

Briggs-sponsored bill to simplify transfer of property to loved ones passes House

(Oct 15, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 15 – Legislation sponsored by state Rep. Tim Briggs to give Pennsylvanians more flexibility in planning for the future of their property has passed the House and now heads to the Senate for further consideration. House Bill 2124 would allow property owners to name a loved one or other beneficiary to receive their home or other real estate after their death through a transfer-on-death deed. The deed could be changed or revoked during the owner’s lifetime. “Planning for the future and making sure our loved ones are taken care of should be as straightforward as possible,” Briggs said. “This legislation would give Pennsylvanians another tool to make their wishes known and transfer property to the people they choose, while reducing the need for a potentially lengthy and costly probate process.” Under the bill, property owners could record a transfer-on-death deed with the county recorder of deeds where the property is located. The deed would designate who receives the property upon the owner's death, provided the designated beneficiary survives the owner. The legislation also includes important protections for property owners. A transfer-on-death deed would be revocable during the owner's lifetime and would not prevent the owner from selling, transferring or otherwise dealing with the property. The designated beneficiary would have no ownership interest in the property while the owner is Read more

 

Young introduces legislation to combat bullying in nonpublic schools

(Oct 14, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 14 – State Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila./Delaware, has introduced legislation designed to protect students in Pennsylvania nonpublic schools from bullying. The “Jack Reid Law” was enacted in New York state in October 2025 to extend anti-bullying protections to students attending nonpublic schools, ensuring that all students have access to a safe learning environment regardless of where they attend school. The law is named in memory of Jack Reid, a 17-year-old student whose life was tragically cut short after enduring persistent bullying at a private school.“I was proud to vote for our 2026-27 state budget that strengthens anti-bullying laws in public schools, but we can’t ignore the safety of students in private and parochial schools,” said Young. “Students spend most of their day in school, and as a parent myself, I know the worry of kids being safe while they’re away from home. This bill would provide parents and students the peace of mind of these protections while they’re in school no matter where they attend classes.” More than 250,000 students attend nonpublic schools in Pennsylvania and do not receive the same statutory protection against bullying as students in public schools. House Bill 2816 would require nonpublic schools to: •adopt and periodically review their policies related to bullying, and review the policy with the school community.•make the policy publicly accessible on the school’s internet website, if available, and in every... Read more

 

Grant Memo: Workforce Development, Economic Development, and Additional Grant Opportunities for your District

(Oct 13, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Grant Memo: Workforce Development, Economic Development, and Additional Grant Opportunities for your District Read more

 

Route 222 corridor, Latino businesses fuel regional, state economy

(Oct 09, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“The Route 222 corridor has experienced a vast demographic transformation, and it has benefitted from this growth economically,” said state Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, who represents portions of Berks County and serves as the Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus chair. “Our young Latino population has faced challenges and obstacles, yet we have persevered to create better lives and stronger, safer neighborhoods.” Read more

 

PA House Communications & Technology Committee advances bills on AI chatbot toys, smart glasses recording

(Oct 07, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 7 – Smart glasses would have to indicate when they are recording and would be prohibited from using biometric identification, and AI chatbots would be prohibited in children’s toys for three years, under legislation advanced today by the PA House Communications & Technology Committee, committee chair state Rep. Joe Ciresi announced. Read more

 

‘People over profit margins’: PA House Democrats renew commitment to energy affordability with bill package to protect consumers

(Oct 07, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 7 — As electric costs and household shutoffs reached historic highs this year, PA House Democrats introduced a bold series of bills in April intended to lower costs for everyday Pennsylvanians, hold big corporations accountable and get more energy out of Pennsylvania’s existing infrastructure. On Wednesday, House members gathered again to urge action on this crisis and renew focus on their Energy Affordability bill package. The bills in the package are: H.B. 1834: Data Centers and Consumers (Matzie) H.B. 2131: Promoting Fairness in PA’s Retail Electricity Market (Boyd) H.B. 1457: Prohibiting Weather Normalization Adjustments (Probst) H.B. 2264: Establishing a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) Program (Davidson) H.B. 2380: Reducing utility bills by utilizing grid-scale battery storage (Rivera) H.B. 2223: Lowering Electric Bills by Adopting Advanced Transmission Technologies (Fiedler) H.B. 2224: Saving Taxpayers Money by Limiting Excessive Profits for Utility Monopolies (Fiedler) House Bill 1457, introduced by state Rep. Tarah Probst , D-Monroe/Pike, would save consumers money by prohibiting companies from charging Weather Normalization Adjustments, which charge customers for energy they never use. “We’re talking today about energy affordability, but how can we expect Pennsylvanians to afford their utility bills when they Read more

 

Bill to continue bank investments in all communities introduced in state House

(Oct 07, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 7 – In response to recent federal proposals that would weaken the obligation of banks to invest in low- and middle-income communities, state Rep. Napoleon Nelson, D-Montgomery, has introduced legislation that will preserve equitable banking in Pennsylvania. The legislation, H.B. 2822 , is modeled after the Community Reinvestment Act , federal law passed in 1977 that requires commercial banks and savings associations to meet the needs of all borrowers in the local community – which has led to support for first-time homebuyer programs, community health centers, accessibility improvements, land banks, daycare centers and small farmers across Pennsylvania and the nation. “The CRA has been critical throughout the post-Civil Rights era in ensuring that banks across our nation, and especially here in Pennsylvania, continue to act as strong community partners for every town, no matter their size, needs or composition,” Nelson said. “Pennsylvania is covered in communities that are hidden gems and already have great things happening but need extra support, or communities that are waiting for the right investments to help them thrive. “This legislation will ensure that every community, not just the most well off or the most populous, have the resources they need so that each of our neighbors can shape the future of their hometown for the better.” Recent federal proposals Read more

 

Industry leaders and energy experts weigh in on Pennsylvania's bleak electric reliability outlook, urge lawmakers to pass pro-consumer reforms

(Oct 07, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 7 – Following the September PUC report on Pennsylvania's resource adequacy crisis and its ongoing work to increase grid reliability, the PA House Energy Committee convened for an informational meeting on Pennsylvania's electric reliability outlook Tuesday.Last month, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission released an independent analysis, conducted by Synapse Energy Economics, warning that rising energy demand presents significant resource adequacy concerns for Pennsylvania and the broader PJM region. Read more

 

Cephas menopause bills pass the PA House

(Oct 07, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

This legislation would expand access to hormonal and non-hormonal therapy and ensure protection for employees experiencing pregnancy-related and menopause-related conditions in the workplace. Read more

 

Rivera raises awareness of need for funding for Duchenne muscular dystrophy at Capitol

(Oct 06, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 6 – State Rep. Nikki Rivera held a news conference to raise awareness about Duchenne muscular dystrophy last week at the Capitol. Read more

 

House passes Davidson’s H.B. 2033

(Oct 06, 2026) Rep. Nate Davidson

“When the commonwealth assumes custody of an individual, we assume responsibility for their health and well-being. Withholding the most fundamental baseline of public health violates that sacred trust,” said state Rep. Nate Davidson, D-Cumberland/Dauphin. “Compassion does not stop at cell doors, nor does it ignore the correctional officers and facility staff who eat meals from these same kitchens every single shift. By making inspections independent and public, we increase transparence, decency and accountability.” Read more

 

Steele supports House passage of bill to ban cell phones in schools
16 hours ago

PA House Communications & Technology Committee hears testimony about frontier AI bills
16 hours ago

Worker co-op legislation passes Senate, heads to governor’s desk
16 hours ago

Fiedler, advocates applaud passage of biggest renewable energy investment in Pennsylvania history
16 hours ago

O'Mara bill to regulate Flock cameras passes House
17 hours ago

Pielli’s data center regulation bill passes state House
17 hours ago

Effort to enact 'Marnie's Law' launches in General Assembly
18 hours ago

‘Keeping the Lights On’ in PA: In response to dire PUC warning, House Democrats share policy to prevent grid failures
19 hours ago

Judiciary Committee advances bills to protect privacy, improve public safety
Oct 15, 2026

Briggs-sponsored bill to simplify transfer of property to loved ones passes House
Oct 15, 2026

Young introduces legislation to combat bullying in nonpublic schools
Oct 14, 2026

Grant Memo: Workforce Development, Economic Development, and Additional Grant Opportunities for your District
Oct 13, 2026

Route 222 corridor, Latino businesses fuel regional, state economy
Oct 09, 2026

PA House Communications & Technology Committee advances bills on AI chatbot toys, smart glasses recording
Oct 07, 2026

‘People over profit margins’: PA House Democrats renew commitment to energy affordability with bill package to protect consumers
Oct 07, 2026

Bill to continue bank investments in all communities introduced in state House
Oct 07, 2026

Industry leaders and energy experts weigh in on Pennsylvania's bleak electric reliability outlook, urge lawmakers to pass pro-consumer reforms
Oct 07, 2026

Cephas menopause bills pass the PA House
Oct 07, 2026

Rivera raises awareness of need for funding for Duchenne muscular dystrophy at Capitol
Oct 06, 2026

House passes Davidson’s H.B. 2033
Oct 06, 2026