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Pennsylvania House lawmakers introduce voting rights protection legislation

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, May 8 -- Members of the Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus today announced the introduction of legislation to strengthen and protect voting rights for Pennsylvanians in response to recent federal court decisions weakening key protections under the Voting Rights Act of 1965. For decades, the Voting Rights Act protected Black voters and other minority communities from discriminatory practices such as racial gerrymandering, voter intimidation and barriers designed to suppress participation in the democratic process. However, the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision in Louisiana v. Callais and Tennessee, increased the burden required to challenge discriminatory voting maps, placing minority voters at greater risk of having their voting power diluted. In response, the proposed legislation would establish stronger protections in Pennsylvania law to safeguard fair representation and equal access to the ballot box. “The Voting Rights Act was the cornerstone of the Civil Rights Movement and has been foundational in the building of a multiracial democracy. And now that democracy is put at risk. Our ancestors fought and died for these protections, and the United States Supreme Court has whisked those sacrifices away with the wave of a hand; silencing the voices of voters that lawmakers will simply choose not to listen to, said state Rep. Napoleon Nelson, chair of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus. Read more

 

Bill protecting children from online victimization unanimously passes PA House: Bill tightens mandated reporter obligations in the age of AI

(May 06, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, May 6 – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives today took a major step to protect child safety from the emerging threat of artificial intelligence by unanimously passing legislation to modernize the Pennsylvania Child Protective Services Law, according to the bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster. House Bill 2474 would require all mandated reporters, not just school personnel, to quickly report sexually explicit deepfake images of minors to law enforcement. The bill would ensure that authorities can immediately act to protect children and prevent further harm. According to Rivera, two incidents in Lancaster and Bucks counties -- both involving students using artificial intelligence to spread sexually explicit materials of their classmates -- prompted her and co-sponsor state Rep. Kristin Marcell, R-Bucks, to introduce the bill. In 2023 in Lancaster County, two private school students used AI to create sexually explicit deepfake images of 48 schoolmates and 12 other students. In 2025 in Bucks County, two public middle school students created sexually explicit deepfake images depicting 12 fellow female students, which were then shared among other students in the district. In both cases, the dissemination of the pornographic AI deepfake images went unreported to law enforcement, resulting in more child sexual abuse material being shared and more victims being targeted. “This bill would eliminate delays in Read more

 

State Rep. Leanne Krueger honored for animal protection leadership

(May 06, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, May 6 – State Rep. Leanne Krueger, D-Delaware, was honored on Monday with the Humane Leadership Award by nonprofit advocacy organization Humane World for Animals. A longtime advocate for better treatment of animals throughout the commonwealth and nationwide, Krueger most recently authored House Bill 994, which would prohibit the trade of animal parts from protected species. The bill passed the PA House in June with bipartisan support. “The trafficking of wild animal parts encourages the senseless poaching of some of the world’s most majestic animal life,” said Krueger. “It upsets ecosystems and threatens endangerment and extinction. My colleagues and I will continue to advance legislation to protect animals in Pennsylvania.” Krueger received the award during a press conference held by Humane World for Animals and the PA House Animal Protection Caucus, of which she is a member. “Humane World for Animals has been a dedicated supporter of our animal protection bills over the years,” said Krueger. “I’m grateful for this recognition and for their continued advocacy for animal welfare.” Read more

 

Governor signs Benham bill closing Pittsburgh firefighter pension loophole

(May 06, 2026) Rep. Jessica Benham

New law will allow spouses of deceased firefighters to continue receiving benefits Read more

 

Ciresi bill to extend state death benefits to public works employees overwhelmingly passes PA House

(May 06, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, May 6 – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives recognized the critical service that public works employees provide in emergency settings by overwhelmingly passing legislation (196–5) Tuesday that would extend to them the same state death benefits that first responders who lose their lives on the job receive. According to the bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, the impetus for H.B. 1485 was to provide parity for public works employees who lose their lives on the job protecting Pennsylvanians -- just as the state does for first responders. “Public works employees are the ‘silent arm of public safety’ -- they’re the first on the scene of an emergency and the last to leave,” Ciresi said. “Our families, our homes, and our lives are safe because these public workers risk their lives daily under all kinds of conditions. It’s past time to give them the recognition and respect they deserve, as we do for first responders.” House Bill 1485 is modeled after a similar law passed in New Hampshire in 2022. The legislation now moves to the state Senate for consideration. Read more

 

O’Mara: Flowers aren’t enough on Mother’s Day

(May 06, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Mothers need more than flowers for Mother’s Day; they need policies in place that will make life easier for working families and prospective parents. Read more

 

Pa. Rep. Bellmon, Congressman Boyle announce legislation fighting back against healthcare cuts in Pennsylvania

(May 06, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, May 5 – Today, state Rep. Anthony Bellmon, D-Phila., and U.S. Rep. Brendan F. Boyle, PA-02, ranking member of the U.S. House Budget Committee, held a news conference at the Pennsylvania State Capitol to announce new legislation and a joint effort to stop the Trump administration’s Medicaid cuts from hurting Pennsylvanians. In 2025, the Republican-controlled U.S. Congress passed Trump’s so-called “One, Big Beautiful Bill Act” which implements over $1 trillion in cuts from Medicaid and other safety-net programs. Pennsylvania is expected to lose more than 300,000 people’s Medicaid coverage. With these Medicaid cuts set to begin at the end of this year, Bellmon and Boyle announced legislation they are introducing in both the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and the U.S. House of Representatives. They both are urging the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to work with states to issue operational guidance on the impending Medicaid cuts. “As public servants, it is our duty to ensure that the most vulnerable of those we represent have access to basic necessities like healthcare,” Bellmon said. “What Republicans in Congress are doing is not governance, it is malice that will be devastating for so many Pennsylvanians. If Pennsylvania is to adhere to this harmful law, we need to be able to communicate it and help those who are affected.” Read more

 

Salisbury bill would create statewide whistleblower office for reporting fraud, waste or abuse of state funds

(May 06, 2026) Rep. Abigail Salisbury

HARRISBURG, May 6 – State Rep. Abigail Salisbury said she will soon introduce legislation that would cut the red tape associated with reporting suspected fraud, waste or abuse of state dollars by creating a statewide whistleblower office and a 24/7 reporting hotline. Salisbury said a statewide office is needed because it can be daunting for citizens to navigate the multiple agencies that handle different types of fraud claims and funding categories. “Suspected misuse of state funds is an urgent matter requiring an urgent response, but the average citizen attempting to report these claims can face a bureaucratic maze, with no clear guidance on who to call,” Salisbury said. “We need to streamline the process by giving people a simple, easily accessible contact point. My bill would do that by creating a statewide whistleblower office with a dedicated hotline and electronic reporting system. “Having a more transparent and accessible method of reporting would make it easier for people to pick up the phone when they see or suspect something is wrong. It would also help the state crack down on these issues.” Salisbury said the statewide whistleblower office would be required to maintain a 24/7 hotline and an online reporting system, allowing residents to submit reports anonymously if they choose and to include documentation and evidence to support their claims. Salisbury is currently Read more

 

Committee advances legislation to set guardrails on AI in healthcare, protect consumers in advertising

(May 05, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, May 5– The PA House Communications & Technology Committee today voted to approve two bills that would establish guardrails for the use of artificial intelligence in advertising and healthcare, and a third bill that would set limits on the sound levels of commercial advertisements in video streaming services. Read more

 

House adopts Matzie resolution designating May 9, 2026, as ‘National Train Day’ in Pennsylvania

(May 05, 2026) Rep. Robert F. Matzie

HARRISBURG, May 5 – The Pennsylvania House today adopted state Rep. Rob Matzie’s resolution designating May 9, 2026, as “National Train Day” in Pennsylvania. Matzie said he introduced H.R. 410 as a reminder of the central role railroads have played in shaping Pennsylvania’s history and their ongoing importance to the commonwealth. “The growth of the railroads literally transformed our landscape, and here in southwestern PA, the impact was profound,” said Matzie, who is chair of the House Majority Caucus and a member of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. “Railroads provided the critical link between our coal mines and steel mills. In return, those industries provided railroads with coal for fuel and steel for cars and track. It was an alliance that powered progress for a century, created communities and left a legacy of pride.” Matzie said that today, trains continue to benefit the commonwealth by reducing highway congestion, substantially cutting emissions, lowering the risk of accidents, connecting the state’s economic centers and providing greater mobility for people with limited transportation options. National Train Day was first established in 2008 and is celebrated annually on the Saturday closest to May 10 – the day the nation’s first transcontinental railway was completed in 1869 in Promontory, Utah. Read more

 

School leaders, education advocates tout success of bipartisan Solar for Schools program, encourage schools to apply

(May 05, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, May 5 – On Monday, Pennsylvania school superintendents from across the state gathered in Harrisburg to celebrate the first successful year of the Solar for Schools program. The group was joined by education advocates who encouraged schools to apply for the bipartisan state grant program’s second year of funding . “With electricity prices rising quickly, schools need a solution to reduce operating costs. The 74 K-12 schools awarded Solar for Schools grants last year expect to save more than $5 million in electricity costs annually. We urge our legislators to continue funding this successful grant program that enables our schools to invest in student learning rather than utility bills,” said Shannon Crooker , Pennsylvania director of Generation180. In January, when the program reopened for applications, a bicameral, bipartisan group of legislators celebrated the program’s second year of funding. Solar for Schools legislation was originally introduced by Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila. “At its core, this project is about more than just energy. It’s about responsibility, innovation and opportunity,” said Willie Slade, superintendent of Steelton-Highspire School District. “As educators, our mission is to prepare students not just for the next test, but for the future they will inherit. That future demands that we think differently about how we use resources, Read more

 

Fiedler celebrates unanimous Pa. House vote for Advanced Transmission Technologies bill and bipartisan passage of PEDA Modernization bill

(May 05, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, May 5 – On Monday, the PA House of Representatives passed legislation that would address the energy affordability crisis by protecting utility customers from expenses related to infrastructure upgrades. The Advanced Transmission Technologies bill (H.B. 2223) passed with unanimous support. The House also passed the PEDA Modernization bill (H.B. 2347) to advance energy generation and grid stabilization.“Pennsylvania needs to make use of efficient energy infrastructure if we’re going to address our energy demand and energy affordability issues. ATTs are a commonsense, cost-effective strategy that will protect customers and help utility companies save money too – I'm glad to see this legislation received bipartisan support,” said Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., chair of the House Energy Committee and author of both bills. Advanced Transmission Technologies are a collection of modern hardware and software tools that increase the capacity, efficiency, and reliability of existing grid infrastructure. This allows consumers to get more out of the existing grid and avoid the need to build new lines, saving families and small businesses money on their bills. House Bill 2223 would require utilities in Pennsylvania to demonstrate that they have evaluated ATTs whenever they file to build or upgrade electric transmission lines. The Public Utility Commission would be prohibited from approving a project unless it determines that the applicant has incorporated all advanced... Read more

 

House unanimously passes Salisbury bill to improve guardianship appointment process

(May 05, 2026) Rep. Abigail Salisbury

HARRISBURG, May 5 – The Pennsylvania House on Monday unanimously passed legislation introduced by state Rep. Abigail Salisbury that would improve the guardianship appointment process by expanding the list of individuals entitled to receive notice of the proceedings. Salisbury said she introduced H.B. 2106 in response to concerns that the current system is failing some of the most vulnerable Pennsylvanians. “When someone is unable to make key decisions about their own welfare and the court determines that a guardian is needed, the inquiry turns to finding the best person for the job,” Salisbury said. “Unfortunately, guardianship case documents are not public records in Pennsylvania, and hearings are not widely publicized. As a result, caring, competent individuals who might be the best choice never step forward because they were never made aware of the proceedings. “My bill would fix that by expanding the list of people who are entitled to receive notice of a guardianship petition and hearing. Doing so would bring greater transparency to the process and help ensure that all interested parties have a chance to advocate for and protect the best interests of a loved one who can no longer advocate for themselves.” Salisbury said the legislation was inspired by constituent Susan Colker, who raised concerns that a lack of adequate notice is leaving some of the most vulnerable people without the care and protection Read more

 

PA House OKs bill to allow roadside emergency vehicles to use flashing blue lights for increased safety

(May 04, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Roadside assistance vehicles should be entitled to the same safety measures as tow trucks, who also work on the shoulders of busy roads. Flashing blue lights would alert passing motorists to the presence of these vehicles in ample time to make room for workers and drivers of disabled vehicles Read more

 

Protecting our children: reporting reform legislation advances from committee: Bill tightens mandatory reporter obligations in the age of AI

(May 04, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, May 4 – The Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee today voted unanimously to approve legislation that would modernize the Pennsylvania Child Protective Services Law, to reflect the emerging threat of artificial intelligence to child safety, according to the bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster. House Bill 2474 would require schools and the more than 70 entities under mandated reporting law to quickly report sexually explicit deepfake images of minors to law enforcement. The bill would ensure that authorities can immediately act to protect kids and prevent further harm. According to Rivera, two incidents in Lancaster and Bucks counties – both of which concerned students using artificial intelligence to spread sexually explicit materials of their classmates – spurred her and co-sponsor, state Rep. Kristin Marcell, R-Bucks, to introduce the bill. In 2023 in Lancaster County, two private school students used AI to make sexually explicit deepfake images of 48 schoolmates and 12 other students. In 2025 in Bucks County, two public middle school students created sexually explicit deepfake images depicting 12 fellow female students, which was then shared among other students in the district. In both cases, the dissemination of the pornographic AI deepfake images went unreported to law enforcement, which resulted in more child sexual abuse material being shared and more victims targeted. “This necessary Read more

 

Sappey highlights impact of public gardens at state Capitol

(May 04, 2026) Rep. Christina Sappey

“Pennsylvania’s public gardens and public horticulture institutions preserve thousands of acres of natural resources through conservation, restored forests, improved watersheds, and healthy private working lands, and bring together a wide array of expertise, approaches, and solutions that are essential for biodiversity in food and agriculture,” Sappey said. “They generate a half-billion dollars in economic impact here in Pennsylvania and employ more than 2,000 people. ‘Go Public Gardens Days’ presents a premier opportunity to celebrate these impacts.” Read more

 

State House passes bipartisan legislation to advance geothermal energy development

(May 04, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, May 4 – With several states beginning to establish regulations for geothermal energy, Pennsylvania has now joined that group with the state House passing bipartisan legislation to foster the development of this clean base load energy source, announced the bill’s co-prime sponsors, state Reps. Arvind Venkat, Craig Williams and Elizabeth Fiedler. House Bill 2076 would establish a framework for the development of geothermal energy, which allows for heat deep beneath the Earth's surface to be harnessed for energy from places it previously was not able to be collected. Before recent technological developments, geothermal energy production historically took place near volcanoes and hot springs. “This legislation will enable us to make bold investments into Pennsylvania’s geothermal resources that we have not been able to use before,” said Venkat, D-Allegheny . “We have been a national leader in energy development, and this legislation would enable us to move forward in the world of clean energy production and create jobs, while also reducing energy costs for consumers.” The framework in this legislation includes several new developments for geothermal energy, including authorizing the state Department of Environmental Protection to regulate geothermal injection wells with a predictable and responsible permitting framework, establish subsurface ownership rights for geothermal resources, Read more

 

House passes Freeman bill to allow roadside assistance vehicles to use blue safety lights

(May 04, 2026) Rep. Robert L. Freeman

“Roadside assistance workers performing any roadside service while cars quickly pass by are at an increased risk of serious or fatal injuries. They deserve the same protections as tow truck drivers and flashing blue lights would provide motorists with a critical visual cue to slow down and move over.” Read more

 

Bill to ensure student access to eyeglasses passed by State House

(May 04, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, May 4 – The Pennsylvania House has passed legislation that would establish a Commission on Children’s Vision to ensure that all students have access to eyeglasses, according to the bill’s prime sponsor, state Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, D-Berks. House Bill 1077 would establish a commission within the Department of Health, made up of the secretaries of Education and Health, along with several healthcare and community representatives, to create a statewide plan to ensure that all students who need follow-up vision examinations have glasses and ensure this comes at little to no cost for the student or their family. “Vision problems can have lifelong impacts, especially on our students,” said Cepeda-Freytiz, who wears glasses herself. “Unaddressed vision problems can cause headaches and a lack of focus in class and can even impact grades. Many students are misidentified as having behavioral issues or are placed on IEPs when all they need are eyeglasses. “The benefits of glasses in the classroom translate to success outside of the classroom. We are working to ensure that our students have access to the resources they need to see a successful future.” The legislation is similar to the Children’s Vision Strike Force launched in Ohio in 2024, which brings together health and education professionals to ensure that students have access to eyeglasses. The bill Read more

 

House Judiciary Committee advances bills to protect trafficking victims and kids

(May 04, 2026) Rep. Tim Briggs

“Today’s votes reflect a clear commitment to protecting vulnerable Pennsylvanians and ensuring our justice system responds with both accountability and compassion,” said House Judiciary Committee Chair Rep. Tim Briggs. “These measures take meaningful steps to close gaps in the law, support survivors, and hold offenders responsible.” Read more

 

Pennsylvania House lawmakers introduce voting rights protection legislation
1 day ago

Bill protecting children from online victimization unanimously passes PA House: Bill tightens mandated reporter obligations in the age of AI
May 06, 2026

State Rep. Leanne Krueger honored for animal protection leadership
May 06, 2026

Governor signs Benham bill closing Pittsburgh firefighter pension loophole
May 06, 2026

Ciresi bill to extend state death benefits to public works employees overwhelmingly passes PA House
May 06, 2026

O’Mara: Flowers aren’t enough on Mother’s Day
May 06, 2026

Pa. Rep. Bellmon, Congressman Boyle announce legislation fighting back against healthcare cuts in Pennsylvania
May 06, 2026

Salisbury bill would create statewide whistleblower office for reporting fraud, waste or abuse of state funds
May 06, 2026

Committee advances legislation to set guardrails on AI in healthcare, protect consumers in advertising
May 05, 2026

House adopts Matzie resolution designating May 9, 2026, as ‘National Train Day’ in Pennsylvania
May 05, 2026

School leaders, education advocates tout success of bipartisan Solar for Schools program, encourage schools to apply
May 05, 2026

Fiedler celebrates unanimous Pa. House vote for Advanced Transmission Technologies bill and bipartisan passage of PEDA Modernization bill
May 05, 2026

House unanimously passes Salisbury bill to improve guardianship appointment process
May 05, 2026

PA House OKs bill to allow roadside emergency vehicles to use flashing blue lights for increased safety
May 04, 2026

Protecting our children: reporting reform legislation advances from committee: Bill tightens mandatory reporter obligations in the age of AI
May 04, 2026

Sappey highlights impact of public gardens at state Capitol
May 04, 2026

State House passes bipartisan legislation to advance geothermal energy development
May 04, 2026

House passes Freeman bill to allow roadside assistance vehicles to use blue safety lights
May 04, 2026

Bill to ensure student access to eyeglasses passed by State House
May 04, 2026

House Judiciary Committee advances bills to protect trafficking victims and kids
May 04, 2026