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Briggs announces package of reform bills approved by House Judiciary Committee

(Apr 09, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, April 9 – Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee Chairman Tim Briggs today announced that a broad package of public safety and justice reform legislation has been voted out of committee, marking a significant step forward for measures aimed at protecting vulnerable Pennsylvanians and strengthening the Commonwealth’s legal system. “Today’s votes show what’s possible when we focus on solutions that put people first,” Briggs said. “These bills reflect a shared commitment to protecting victims, supporting families, and ensuring our justice system is both fair and effective.” House Bill 72 (sponsored by state Rep. Lisa Borowski) would update the Landlord and Tenant Act to better support people experiencing domestic violence. Leaving an abusive relationship is often the most dangerous time, and the last thing someone should have to worry about is whether they can safely stay in—or leave—their home. This bill would allow victims to break a lease early and change locks or other entry points so they can protect themselves and their families right away. Developed with input from advocacy groups, it is designed to give survivors clear, practical options at a time when safety matters most. House Bill 1104 (sponsored by state Rep. Leanne Krueger) would make it easier and more affordable for people to get their medical records in today’s digital world. Even though most records Read more

 

Ciresi introduces legislation to require transparency in data center development

(Apr 07, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, April 7 – Legislation to require transparency in data center development in Pennsylvania, H.B. 2359, was introduced by the PA House Communications & Technology Committee majority chair, state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, this week. According to Ciresi, many developers in Pennsylvania and across the country are requiring local governments to sign non-disclosure agreements to prevent discussion about controversial aspects of data center development and operation. These NDAs prevent officials from sharing data centers’ impact on the environment, zoning issues, and community life with residents. “Public officials’ core responsibility is to clearly inform residents about decisions that could impact their lives, such as data center development in their communities. These NDAs prevent them from fulfilling their essential duties, ultimately misleading the public and limiting Pennsylvanians’ active and informed participation in their self-governance,” Ciresi said. “My legislation would ensure transparency and accountability—the foundations of good governance—by prohibiting state and local government agencies from entering into NDAs with data center developers.” Read more

 

Governor signs Conklin bill to protect self-storage businesses

(Apr 07, 2026) Rep. Scott Conklin

HARRISBURG, April 7 – Pennsylvania’s self-storage facility owners now have more power to protect their business, thanks to legislation introduced by state Rep. Scott Conklin and signed into law by Gov. Josh Shapiro. At a ceremonial bill signing today in the governor’s office, Conklin said that Act 51 of 2025 will help solve a persistent problem that plagues many of the state’s small self-storage businesses. “One of the best ways we can support our small businesses is by making sure they have the tools to help themselves,” said Conklin, who is majority chairman of the state House Commerce Committee. “In the case of small self-storage facilities, that includes making sure these business owners have the enforcement power they need to deal with defaulting customers. “Self-storage facility owners often face a costly problem when a defaulting customer fails to sign or pay their rental agreement. With no timeframe in place to enforce the unsigned or unpaid agreement, the owner’s hands are tied as the unit sits occupied and unrentable, draining income and causing financial hardship. “The new law solves the problem by allowing for the electronic delivery of a rental agreement. This makes the agreement enforceable against the occupant within 30 days of the document’s delivery – the same as if it had been signed. If the occupant fails to sign or pay the agreement, the Read more

 

Bucks County lawmakers speak out against PECO’s proposed gas and electric price hikes

(Mar 31, 2026) Bucks County Democratic Representatives

Pennsylvanians across the state are already dealing with higher PECO costs due in part to the construction of AI data centers that are sapping energy from the electric grid but are currently not compensating consumers, the lawmakers said. Brennan, Davis, Munroe, Prokopiak, and Warren all voted for H.B. 1834, which would begin the process of forcing data centers to pay for their own electricity. The bill passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives last week. Read more

 

Addressing ongoing housing crisis will improve economic development, testifiers say

(Mar 31, 2026) Southeast Delegation

“Whether you’re young or old, renting or buying, housing is a challenge that many people will face in their lifetime. We know that a strong housing market helps build a strong economy. But without it, businesses can’t grow, workers can’t stay, and communities can’t thrive when the cost-of-living pushes people out,” said Kazeem. “Housing is undoubtedly a human right. Making housing more affordable and attainable for everyone is one of the smartest investments we can make to strengthen our neighborhoods and keep our economy moving forward.” Read more

 

Private equity fans flame of apparatus crisis facing firefighters

(Mar 31, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“Private equity consolidation in the fire truck industry is driving up costs beyond what local fire companies can afford, forcing departments to stretch thin budgets just to maintain essential equipment,” said O’Mara. “This isn’t just economic—it’s a safety issue. When outdated equipment fails, lives are at risk. Fire companies shouldn’t face soaring costs and limited options to protect their communities.” Read more

 

Community and Economic Development, Transportation Safety, Fresh Food and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Mar 31, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Here are the latest grant programs that are open for applications. Read more

 

Williams introduces bills to protect employees at warehouse distribution centers

(Mar 30, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. Dan Williams, D-Chester, recently introduced two bills aimed at improving worker protections in warehouse distribution centers across Pennsylvania. Read more

 

Probst ties I-80 wetland loss to rising data center demands, introduces local protection bill

(Mar 30, 2026) Rep. Tarah Probst

Probst’s proposed legislation would require that wetland mitigation occur within the same local watershed, ensuring that restoration efforts directly benefit the communities where impacts happen. Read more

 

House Energy Committee holds public hearing on groundbreaking geothermal energy development bill

(Mar 27, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, March 27 – The PA House Energy Committee convened a public hearing on a bipartisan clean energy bill (H.B. 2076) sponsored by state Reps. Arvind Venkat, D-Allegheny; Craig Williams, R-Chester; and Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., chair of the committee. The bill would establish regulations for the generation of energy from geothermal resources within the Commonwealth. Read more

 

Sappey encouraged by state’s escalated response to Phorid flies in Chester County

(Mar 26, 2026) Rep. Christina Sappey

HARRISBURG, March 26 – State Rep. Christina Sappey today said she is encouraged by actions announced Monday evening by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to combat phorid flies. A quarantine order put in place in January 2025 for mushroom farms in New Garden and Kennett townships will now be expanded to include all of Chester County. The order will also include best management practice requirements and accountability measures. The Shapiro administration has made $1 million in state funds available to those growers in need of resources to comply with the order through the Chester County Conservation District, which includes the creation of an additional local staff position to monitor compliance and accountability. “The increased resources the department is deploying to combat the phorid fly issue in our county demonstrate the high level of commitment necessary to support not only our residents but also our mushroom growers who are in need of resources,” Sappey said. “In particular, the accountability measures included in the order, combined with the continued research being done by Penn State, will deliver positive results for our southern Chester County communities.” According to the updated order, growers must keep records of treatments and the number of insects present. In addition to steam treatment, growers must also implement one of five additional treatments that industry Read more

 

Briggs praises state Supreme Court sentencing decision

(Mar 26, 2026) Rep. Tim Briggs

“Since the felony murder rule has been deemed unconstitutional by the court, we in the legislature must act, and the court has given us 120 days to consider appropriate remedial measures to halt the constitutional violations being experienced by the approximately 1,100 people serving life sentences under this rule. I am especially grateful that the court has made it clear that ‘offenders convicted of second-degree murder must receive a meaningful consideration of release, based upon their individual culpability and the circumstances surrounding their crime.’ Read more

 

House Communications & Technology Committee chairs introduce legislation to start AI public education campaign

(Mar 26, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, March 26 – Legislation to create a campaign to educate Pennsylvanians about the potential benefits and risks of artificial intelligence was introduced as H.B. 2314 this week by the House Communications & Technology Committee chairs, state Reps. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, and Jason Ortitay, R- Washington/Allegheny. “AI is a double-edged technology offering opportunities for greater productivity while requiring the knowledge to know when it’s misused,” Ciresi said. “Pennsylvania residents, from the very young to our seniors, need to be educated about this constantly evolving technology so that they can leverage its capabilities and protect themselves from being misled or manipulated by it.” According to the chairs, the legislation would create a campaign that would aim at educating the general public and vulnerable populations such as seniors and children about the uses and misuses of AI. The campaign would address various topics, including how to identify AI-generated content, avoiding scams that use AI, understanding responsible behavior when engaging with AI chatbots, protecting personal data when using AI, being aware of bias and misinformation ingrained in AI programs, and protecting children from AI misuses. “Many people do not fully understand AI,” Ortitay said. “This legislation will increase knowledge as it is becoming part of everyday life. While AI has many benefits, it can also be used Read more

 

House approves Family Care Act

(Mar 25, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

In bipartisan fashion, the House today approved a bill sponsored by state Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, to bring economic stability to more working families by creating a family and medical leave insurance program in Pennsylvania. Read more

 

Rusnock bill to boost flood insurance awareness passes House

(Mar 25, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Legislation introduced by state Rep. Jacklyn Rusnock, D-Berks, that would require insurance companies to disclose the availability and cost of flood insurance to homeowners has passed the House. Read more

 

Pennsylvania House passes Matzie bill to improve rail safety

(Mar 25, 2026) Rep. Robert F. Matzie

HARRISBURG, March 25 – The Pennsylvania House today passed legislation introduced by state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver, to improve rail safety for both workers and the communities trains pass through. “It’s been three years since the catastrophe in East Palestine. We can’t sit around and wait for that to happen again,” said Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus. “I am glad the House took action to prevent the next rail disaster and make our communities and families safer by passing this bill. H.B. 1191 is a way we can start to reduce derailments and protect workers, first responders and community residents.” Matzie introduced H.B. 1191 to improve public safety at railroad crossings. The bill comes after a February 2023 train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, which released toxic chemicals, causing widespread environmental and health concerns. This bill would: Prohibit trains from blocking crossings, which could delay emergency responders. This can ensure faster response times. Limit the length of freight or work trains to 8,500 feet, or approximately 1.6 miles. Require safe staffing levels for trains or light engines, including a minimum of a two-person crew on a train or light engine. Authorize a union representative to monitor safety practices and operations of a railroad, which would allow a representative to take Read more

 

House passes bill to protect disability accommodations under Right-to-Know Law

(Mar 25, 2026) Rep. Liz Hanbidge

“This legislation closes a gap in the law and protects individuals who rely on assistive tools to perform their duties,” Hanbidge said. “No one should have to worry that using a device or accommodation to participate fully in public service could expose sensitive or personal information.” Read more

 

Advocates speak out in support of Smith-Wade-El, Neilson’s Legionnaires’ disease legislation

(Mar 25, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, March 25 – Patient advocates, disease experts, and water management officials joined state Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, and Ed Neilson, D-Phila., at a news conference Monday at the Capitol in support of the legislators’ H.B. 2085, which is aimed at stopping the spread of a severe type of pneumonia, Legionnaires’ disease, that is on the rise in Pennsylvania. The disease is caused by Legionella bacteria, which are found in freshwater, including water that supplies public water systems. Disease symptoms include high fever, chills, cough, muscle aches, headaches, and diarrhea. Smokers, the elderly, those with asthma, and those with chronic lung disease or suppressed immune systems are particularly vulnerable to the disease. “Pennsylvania has one of the highest rates of Legionnaires’ infection and illness in the country, with case rates increasing over 65% over a five-year period and claiming 10% of the lives of those infected, according to the CDC,” Smith-Wade-El said. “It’s time for Pennsylvania to step up to protect its residents’ water sources, so we’ve introduced legislation that would require government agencies, public water systems and some building owners to maintain new minimum standards to better prevent, detect, and control cases of Legionnaires’ disease.” At the press conference, Neilson spoke about his personal experience contracting the disease and Gwen Read more

 

Bill would tie Pennsylvania lawmakers’ salaries to minimum wage

(Mar 25, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — Each year, no matter what they’ve accomplished in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania lawmakers get a raise.State law has required a yearly increase since 1995 as a way to prevent lawmakers from enriching themselves. The increase is based on an annual cost-of-living-adjustment that matches the federal consumer inflation figure for mid-Atlantic urban areas.Last year, that meant a 3.25% increase — making the $113,500 annual salary the highest in the nation for full-time lawmakers.Pennsylvania’s minimum wage, which has sat at $7.25 since 2009, is the lowest in the nation.Rep. Emilky Kinkead (D-Allegheny) and Rep. G. Roni Green (D-Philadelphia) want to change that by tying lawmakers’ salaries to the state’s lowest-paid workers. The two proposed a bill this week that would require the state’s minimum wage to rise at the same rate as salaries in the General Assembly. Read more

 

Anti-Human Trafficking Caucus Launched in Harrisburg

(Mar 25, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Republican and Democratic lawmakers launched the Anti-Human Trafficking Caucus today in Harrisburg.Pennsylvania ranks 11th in the nation for most reported cases on the National Human Trafficking Hotline. Shared Hope International, an anti-sex trafficking advocacy group, gave the commonwealth an “F” on their 2025 reportcard.“Government is chaotic right now. Everywhere, including here, let’s be honest. But when we can focus on a singular goal to ensure that we are working towards reestablishing that dignity and humanity– It shows up like this,” said Rep. Regina Young, a Democrat for parts of Philadelphia and Delaware counties. Read more

 

Briggs announces package of reform bills approved by House Judiciary Committee
Apr 09, 2026

Ciresi introduces legislation to require transparency in data center development
Apr 07, 2026

Governor signs Conklin bill to protect self-storage businesses
Apr 07, 2026

Bucks County lawmakers speak out against PECO’s proposed gas and electric price hikes
Mar 31, 2026

Addressing ongoing housing crisis will improve economic development, testifiers say
Mar 31, 2026

Private equity fans flame of apparatus crisis facing firefighters
Mar 31, 2026

Community and Economic Development, Transportation Safety, Fresh Food and Additional Grant Opportunities
Mar 31, 2026

Williams introduces bills to protect employees at warehouse distribution centers
Mar 30, 2026

Probst ties I-80 wetland loss to rising data center demands, introduces local protection bill
Mar 30, 2026

House Energy Committee holds public hearing on groundbreaking geothermal energy development bill
Mar 27, 2026

Sappey encouraged by state’s escalated response to Phorid flies in Chester County
Mar 26, 2026

Briggs praises state Supreme Court sentencing decision
Mar 26, 2026

House Communications & Technology Committee chairs introduce legislation to start AI public education campaign
Mar 26, 2026

House approves Family Care Act
Mar 25, 2026

Rusnock bill to boost flood insurance awareness passes House
Mar 25, 2026

Pennsylvania House passes Matzie bill to improve rail safety
Mar 25, 2026

House passes bill to protect disability accommodations under Right-to-Know Law
Mar 25, 2026

Advocates speak out in support of Smith-Wade-El, Neilson’s Legionnaires’ disease legislation
Mar 25, 2026

Bill would tie Pennsylvania lawmakers’ salaries to minimum wage
Mar 25, 2026

Anti-Human Trafficking Caucus Launched in Harrisburg
Mar 25, 2026