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PA House Communications & Technology Committee unanimously approves measure calling on Congress to protect creative sector workers against displacement by AI

(Apr 24, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, April 24 –The newly formed PA House Communications & Technology Committee, in its first voting meeting today, unanimously approved a resolution (H.R. 81) that would call on Congress to amend the copyright law to clarify that works generated by machine are not copyrightable, according to the committee’s majority chair, state Rep. Joe Ciresi. The resolution, sponsored by state Rep. Kristine Howard, D-Chester, would urge the U.S. Congress to provide protections for workers in the creative sector against displacement by artificial intelligence, or AI, technology. This includes making changes to U.S. copyright law to emphasize the importance of human authorship and to act against “data scraping,” or feeding copyrighted data into AI programs for training purposes without the author’s or creator’s permission. “Precious little has been done to address the myriad issues raised by the rapid development and adoption of a technology that is radically altering our society, our daily lives,” Howard said. “With every passing day, more companies are building businesses upon AI generated content, and they desperately need clarification regarding rights and potential liabilities.” “This was a great first meeting where we addressed a critical issue that will be a focus of the committee’s work: the institution of responsible protections for workers and consumers from AI while still encouraging Read more

 

Munroe bill prohibiting the use of toxic PFAS in firefighting foam advances from committee with unanimous support

(Apr 24, 2025) Rep. Brian Munroe

House Bill1261 would prohibit the manufacture, sale, distribution, and use of firefighting foam that contains toxic PFAS chemicals. PFAS, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are manmade “forever chemicals” that have been linked to a wide range of serious health issues, including cancer. Read more

 

Munroe resolution honoring fallen police officers adopted by Pa. House

(Apr 24, 2025) Rep. Brian Munroe

House Resolution 176 honors Pennsylvania law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in 2024 and 2025. Munroe, a Navy veteran, retired police officer and former firefighter, sponsored the resolution in formal recognition of the men and women who lost their lives in pursuit of keeping their communities safe. Read more

 

House adopts two resolutions to make Pennsylvania roads safer

(Apr 24, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Today, the Pennsylvania House adopted resolutions authored by House Transportation Committee Chairman Ed Neilson and state Rep. Brandon Markosek to help make Pennsylvania roads safer. House Resolution 196, introduced by Neilson, designates April 2025 as “Distracted Driving Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania. During the 2023-2024 legislative session, Neilson was instrumental in the passage of Senate Bill 37, which prohibits driving while using handheld devices in Pennsylvania. House Resolution 95, introduced by Markosek, designates the week of April 21 through 25, 2025 as “National Work Zone Awareness Week” in Pennsylvania. “Spring marks the beginning of construction season, with crews improving 120,000 miles of roads and thousands of bridges across Pennsylvania,” Markosek, D-Allegheny, said. “I introduced this resolution for "National Work Zone Awareness Week" to remind everyone that safe driving saves lives, particularly in work zones. Let's all do our part to slow down to protect the workers who are improving our roads and to ensure everyone, workers and travelers, make it home safely.” Neilson said that more protection for road workers is necessary because since 1970, 90 PennDOT employees have lost their lives while working on roads and highways. “Both of these resolutions will remind drivers to slow down, put down their phones and pay attention to the road, especially when they see the flashing Read more

 

PA House passes Dougherty bill Increasing aid for affordable housing

(Apr 24, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, April 24 – Today, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed legislation ( H.B. 643 ) introduced by state Rep. Sean Dougherty that would increase aid for affordable housing in Pennsylvania. The bill would allow a future increase in funding for the PA Housing and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund, enabling more people to have safe, affordable housing. PHARE revenue from the state’s Realty Transfer Tax will reach a statutory cap of $100 million in the 2027-28 fiscal year. Starting in 2028 and going forward, the bill would raise this cap to $110 million to help PHARE keep up with high demand for this source of housing aid. “Affordable housing is a necessity that all Pennsylvanians deserve easy access to,” said Dougherty, D-Phila. “This bill takes a very necessary step to making more affordable housing options a real opportunity for many Pennsylvanians who are in need of it.” The bill now heads to the Pennsylvania Senate for future consideration. Read more

 

Young bill to streamline energy efficiency plans passed in PA House

(Apr 24, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

The PA House passed legislation today sponsored by state Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila./Delaware, that would allow for energy efficiency plans for electric distribution companies such as PECO or Penelec to be approved regardless of whether they use mechanical insulation. Read more

 

Pennsylvania Houses passes Conklin bill to regulate virtual currency

(Apr 23, 2025) Rep. Scott Conklin

HARRISBURG, April 23 – The Pennsylvania House today passed state Rep. Scott Conklin’s bill that would authorize the state to regulate virtual currency. Conklin, who is majority chairman of the House Commerce Committee, said he introduced H.B. 881 to ensure consumer confidence that exchanges made with digital currency are as safe and reliable as money transactions and are regulated in the same manner. “With technology creating new forms of virtual currencies such as cryptocurrency, our laws need to keep pace with those changes to protect Pennsylvanians,” Conklin said. “Consumers deserve to know that the transactions they conduct using digital currencies are as safe and secure as those involving traditional forms of money. “Under current state law, virtual currency is not subject to the state’s Money Transmission Licensing Law, which regulates businesses that transmit money or credit. My bill would expand the law so that it covers virtual currency and requires that it be treated similarly to money transmissions under the act.” Conklin said a number of other states already regulate virtual currency. “It’s time for Pennsylvania to join the other states that are already regulating virtual currency and bringing greater consistency to the way these transactions are conducted.” The bill now heads to the state Senate for consideration. Read more

 

House passes Salisbury bill to help communities fight blight

(Apr 23, 2025) Rep. Abigail Salisbury

HARRISBURG, April 23 – Pennsylvania communities are one step closer to having a powerful new tool to fight blight after the state House today passed Rep. Abigail Salisbury’s bill that would make it easier for land banks to acquire abandoned properties. Salisbury, D-Allegheny, said she introduced H.B. 743 – which would allow a municipality to designate a blighted or abandoned property for acquisition by a land bank – to address a longstanding issue that frustrates residents and small businesses and poses economic problems for municipalities. “When a property owner abandons or severely neglects their property over the years, the entire community pays the price – in higher crime, health and safety hazards, lower property values and the exodus of small businesses and residents,” Salisbury said. “It’s an issue that has frustrated residents, business owners and local officials for decades, but municipalities have had their hands tied. “One way we can attack the problem is by giving communities new tools to deal with properties that have a long history of safety or code violations. By allowing local governments to designate these properties for acquisition by land banks, we can free up these blighted lots for productive use – for parks and green spaces, for construction of affordable housing, for small businesses – for all the beneficial uses that make communities Read more

 

House adopts Matzie ‘Safe Digging Month’ resolution

(Apr 23, 2025) Rep. Robert F. Matzie

HARRISBURG, April 23 – The Pennsylvania House today adopted state Rep. Rob Matzie’s resolution designating April 2025 as “Pennsylvania 8-1-1 Safe Digging Month.” Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus, said he introduced H.R.34 to remind Pennsylvanians that they have a legal responsibility to call the 8-1-1 “Call before You Dig” hotline before doing any kind of digging. “Most of us rarely think about the extensive network of utilities, pipes and cables buried beneath our feet, but we do need to remember them any time we are planning a project involving digging – from the smallest backyard projects to major excavations,” Matzie said. “State law requires everyone – homeowners and contractors alike – to dial 8-1-1 at least three days before doing any digging so that utilities can mark underground structures beforehand. “It’s a free call that keeps workers safe, protects underground structures from costly damage and prevents service interruptions.” Matzie said calling 8-1-1 is required even for shallow digging projects and those located directly on a homeowner’s private property. More information is available here: https://www.puc.pa.gov/pipeline-safety/pa-one-call/#:~:text=Homeowners%20and%20contractors%20must%20call,begins%20to%20disturb%20the%20earth . Before being appointed to House Read more

 

House adopts Matzie resolution recognizing April 2025 as ‘Limb Loss Awareness Month’ in Pennsylvania

(Apr 23, 2025) Rep. Robert F. Matzie

HARRISBURG, April 23 – The Pennsylvania House has adopted state Rep. Rob Matzie’s resolution designating April 2025 as “Limb Loss Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania. Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus, said he introduced H.R. 33 to recognize the challenges and accomplishments of Pennsylvanians living without a limb and to raise awareness about preventable causes of limb loss. “There are more than 2 million Americans of all ages, races and genders who navigate the world courageously and successfully without a limb,” Matzie said. “We see many of them working, playing, providing for their families and giving back to their community. What we don’t always see are the many physical, psychological and logistical challenges they face and overcome every day. “I introduced this resolution to celebrate them and the example of courage and strength they provide for all of us.” Matzie said he also introduced H.R. 33 to raise awareness about the preventable causes of limb loss. “The main cause of surgical amputations is not trauma, but vascular diseases like diabetes and peripheral artery disease,” Matzie said. “But limb loss doesn’t have to be an unavoidable consequence of these conditions. With lifestyle changes to control risk factors like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, excess weight and inactivity, it’s Read more

 

Ciresi measure to replace state song adopted by PA House

(Apr 23, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, April 23 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi’s resolution to study replacing the state song was adopted with bipartisan support Tuesday by the PA House of Representatives. “A compelling state song drives tourism,” Ciresi said. “Our state song should extoll all the things that make Pennsylvania great in a catchy, memorable way. “Think about it: Ray Charles singing Georgia is always on his mind, John Denver about West Virgina’s country roads and the millions of songs extolling New York. These songs have lodged themselves in the public’s mind about these states. And Pennsylvania? We have an utterly forgettable song that does not represent the dynamic state we are living in. With the 250th anniversary of the United States coming up in 2026, the Keystone State of our country should have a song worth singing, that represents who we are as a people.” In 1990, the state legislature adopted the current state song, “Pennsylvania” by Eddie Khoury and Ronnie Bonner. State law established this as Pennsylvania’s official song for all public purposes, and the song is often performed at public events, such as gubernatorial inaugurations. “State symbols bring us together,” Ciresi said. “When we see our state flag and hear our state song, we should be able to share our commonality and celebrate our heritage as fellow Pennsylvanians. Unfortunately, our current state song is known by few and does Read more

 

Reps. Bizzarro, Madden introduce bill to end nursing homes’ crisis

(Apr 23, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“We have a crisis in Pennsylvania. More than 30 nursing homes and long-term care facilities have closed since the pandemic,” said Bizzarro, who serves on the House Democratic Leadership team and works as the chairman of the House Majority Policy Committee. “Pennsylvania has a lower reimbursement rate than all its neighboring states, but we can fix this problem, protect our seniors and preserve the care they need.” Read more

 

Rivera’s bill protecting PACE/PACENET eligibility for seniors passes the House

(Apr 22, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, April 22 - State Rep. Nikki Rivera’s bill to make sure older Pennsylvanians do not lose their eligibility for the state’s prescription drug programs (H.B. 923) unanimously passed the House today with overwhelming bipartisan support. Co-sponsored with state Rep. Shelby Labs, R-Bucks, the legislation would extend the moratorium on Social Security cost-of-living adjustments for PACE and PACENET eligibility to Dec. 31, 2027. The current moratorium on COLA adjustments is Dec. 31 of this year. According to Rivera, the Social Security COLA for 2025 is currently 2.5%. Without extending the moratorium, 10,039 PACENET enrollees would lose their coverage. Additionally, 12,594 PACE enrollees would move to PACENET, losing their lower copayment and their PACE-paid Part D premium. “These programs—PACE and PACENET—provide lifesaving services at a greatly reduced cost to a population that lives on fixed incomes,” Rivera said. “They make it possible so that a quarter of a million seniors, many of whom require multiple medications to treat different chronic conditions, can purchase life-saving medications without having to go into medical debt, or, even worse, decide they must forgo treatment. “Unfortunately, there’s a problem maintaining eligibility when Social Security cost-of-living increases go up, with over 20,000 seniors then no longer qualifying for their prescription plans. “I was proud to Read more

 

PA House passes Waxman Holocaust restitution tax exemption bill

(Apr 22, 2025) Rep. Ben Waxman

“While no amount of restitution can make up for the damage done during the Holocaust, these payments help victims and their families recover financial losses, offer supplemental support to survivors who may be living on limited incomes, and can provide a sense of justice,” Waxman said. Read more

 

House passes Benham bill to support surviving spouses of firefighters

(Apr 22, 2025) Rep. Jessica Benham

Legislation providing pension parity for Pittsburgh firefighters heads to state Senate Read more

 

Venkat, Flick’s bipartisan legislation to raise awareness on opioid overdoses and save lives passes House with a near unanimous vote

(Apr 22, 2025) Rep. Arvind Venkat

HARRISBURG, April 22 – State Reps. Arvind Venkat and Jamie Flick’s bipartisan bill that would create and disseminate materials integral to recognizing the signs of an opioid overdose and inform Pennsylvanians how to save the lives of their fellow citizens passed the Pennsylvania House 195-8 today. House Bill 269 would require PA’s Department of Health to develop a poster explaining: the signs of an opioid-related overdose. what to do in the event of an opioid-related overdose. where to find an opioid antagonist such as Naloxone. where to find additional resources and information. The poster would be made available online to download for private use and displayed in public places to increase awareness of how to recognize and respond to opioid-related overdoses. “The adage that ‘a little knowledge goes a long way’ may not be put into practice more profoundly than when it comes to saving someone’s life,” Venkat, D-Allegheny, said. “Our legislation does exactly that and seeks to limit the future harm of a deadly and still ongoing opioid epidemic. “Rep. Flick has been a great partner on this legislation, and I want to thank him and my House colleagues for their support. I also want to thank the Stop the Judgment Project , led by neighbors of mine in Franklin Park. I remain committed to doing everything in my power to honor the memory of those who have lost their lives in the opioid epidemic Read more

 

PA House OKs Williams bill to help municipalities fight blight by tightening LLC permit rules

(Apr 22, 2025) Rep. Dan Williams

Legislation introduced by state Rep. Dan Williams to give local governments the tools they need to fight blight in their communities passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today. Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Apr 22, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Learn more about the multiple grant programs that are currently open for applications. Read more

 

Munroe, Mako introduce bipartisan PFAS bill

(Apr 16, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

WARMINSTER, April 15 – State Rep. Brian Munroe, D-Bucks, today introduced bipartisan legislation that would prohibit the manufacture, sale, distribution and use of firefighting foam containing toxic PFAS chemicals beginning in 2026. The legislation includes provisions to help fire companies responsibly dispose of existing PFAS-laden foam. Under the proposal, fire departments would be permitted to use state grant funding to cover disposal costs. Additionally, the bill directs the Office of the State Fire Commissioner to work closely with the Department of Environmental Protection to ensure the safe handling and disposal of banned materials. Violations of the prohibition would result in fines, with proceeds going directly to firefighter training programs. PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are synthetic chemicals linked to a range of serious health risks, including cancer and environmental contamination. These chemicals are often found in Class B firefighting foams, which have historically been used to combat flammable liquid fires – particularly on military bases and at airports. A two-time cancer survivor, Munroe has been a vocal advocate for PFAS reform. In September, he co-hosted a joint policy hearing at the Warminster Township Building to examine the impact of PFAS and discuss legislative solutions. The region, including Warminster, Warrington, Ivyland and New Britain, is among the most heavily Read more

 

Abney introduces bills for cyber charter school reform, reproductive health care

(Apr 16, 2025) Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney

HARRISBURG, April 16 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, introduced bills today that would keep Pennsylvania cyber charter schools uniform from a staffing qualification standpoint and get Commonwealth fathers more involved in the birth of their children. House Bill 1209 would mandate that 100% of cyber charter school instructors are certified to teach by the state. Currently, only 75% of educators are required to be certified. “H.B. 1209 is a simple requirement that has the success of cyber charter school students squarely in its focus,” Abney said. “Having certified teachers across the board means every single pupil receives the same quality level of instruction they deserve.” House Bill 1212 , the PA Dads Matter Act, would direct the Pennsylvania Department of Health to conduct a public awareness campaign about the importance of including fathers to improve outcomes during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. The legislation, co-authored by Rep. Morgan Cephas, would also encourage health care providers to engage fathers during prenatal care and the birthing process. “Bringing a baby into the world is a team effort between a mother and father, so it makes perfect sense to get dads up to speed on the care and needs of their child and partner alike,” Abney said. “I want to thank Rep. Cephas for partnering with me on H.B. 1212 and look forward to helping families across the Commonwealth.” A Read more

 

PA House Communications & Technology Committee unanimously approves measure calling on Congress to protect creative sector workers against displacement by AI
Apr 24, 2025

Munroe bill prohibiting the use of toxic PFAS in firefighting foam advances from committee with unanimous support
Apr 24, 2025

Munroe resolution honoring fallen police officers adopted by Pa. House
Apr 24, 2025

House adopts two resolutions to make Pennsylvania roads safer
Apr 24, 2025

PA House passes Dougherty bill Increasing aid for affordable housing
Apr 24, 2025

Young bill to streamline energy efficiency plans passed in PA House
Apr 24, 2025

Pennsylvania Houses passes Conklin bill to regulate virtual currency
Apr 23, 2025

House passes Salisbury bill to help communities fight blight
Apr 23, 2025

House adopts Matzie ‘Safe Digging Month’ resolution
Apr 23, 2025

House adopts Matzie resolution recognizing April 2025 as ‘Limb Loss Awareness Month’ in Pennsylvania
Apr 23, 2025

Ciresi measure to replace state song adopted by PA House
Apr 23, 2025

Reps. Bizzarro, Madden introduce bill to end nursing homes’ crisis
Apr 23, 2025

Rivera’s bill protecting PACE/PACENET eligibility for seniors passes the House
Apr 22, 2025

PA House passes Waxman Holocaust restitution tax exemption bill
Apr 22, 2025

House passes Benham bill to support surviving spouses of firefighters
Apr 22, 2025

Venkat, Flick’s bipartisan legislation to raise awareness on opioid overdoses and save lives passes House with a near unanimous vote
Apr 22, 2025

PA House OKs Williams bill to help municipalities fight blight by tightening LLC permit rules
Apr 22, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Apr 22, 2025

Munroe, Mako introduce bipartisan PFAS bill
Apr 16, 2025

Abney introduces bills for cyber charter school reform, reproductive health care
Apr 16, 2025