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Route 222 corridor, Latino businesses fuel regional, state economy

(29 minutes ago) 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

 

House Transportation Committee unanimously approves e-scooter bill

(Oct 06, 2026) Rep. Emily Kinkead, Rep. Jennifer M. O'Mara

Twenty-six lawmakers vote to advance regulatory framework for e-scooters Read more

 

Pielli’s bill to establish Artificial Intelligence Professional Development Grant Program approved by state House Education Committee

(Oct 06, 2026) Rep. Chris Pielli

“Our schools are struggling as to how they should deal with AI in the classroom. AI can be a beneficial tool in the classroom if incorporated correctly,” Pielli said. “Our children don’t need teachers who can create their lesson plans faster thanks to AI software. What they need are educators who are not dependent on AI but instead use it as another tool in their arsenal to help inspire young minds and get their students engaged in their lessons. Read more

 

House Communications & Technology Committee approves Senate bill requiring disclosure of AI content in advertising

(Oct 05, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 5 – The House Communications & Technology Committee today advanced a Senate bill that would require the disclosure of content generated or substantially modified by artificial intelligence, or AI, when used to sell consumer goods. Read more

 

PA House passes Kosierowski bill to phase out toxic chemical in IV bags, tubing

(Oct 05, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 5 – Legislation that would phase out DEHP, a chemical used to soften plastic in some intravenous solution bags and tubing, unanimously passed the PA House today, the bill's sponsor, state Rep. Bridget Kosierowski, D-Lackawanna, announced. "Every day, patients across the commonwealth may be exposed to a toxic additive, DEHP, found in IV bags and tubing," Kosierowski said. "With a growing body of research linking DEHP exposure to numerous health problems, including breast, liver, lung and testicular cancer, it is time to move away from IV bags and tubing containing that chemical." House Bill 2614 would require manufacturers to stop using DEHP in IV bags beginning in 2030 and IV tubing beginning in 2035, with limited exemptions. The bill would reduce patients' exposure to DEHP while giving medical manufacturers time to transition to safer alternatives, which are readily available. The bill now heads to the state Senate for consideration. Read more

 

Kosierowski kratom bill unanimously passes PA House

(Oct 05, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 5 – Legislation that would regulate the sale of natural kratom products and prohibit the sale of synthetic kratom unanimously passed the House today, the bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Bridget Kosierowski, D-Lackawanna, announced. Kratom is a plant from southeast Asia used for its psychoactive properties. The Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have recommended that the Drug Enforcement Agency classify 7-OH as a Schedule 1 controlled substance – placing it in the same category as heroin and LSD. House Bill 2657 would create a statutory framework for the sale, distribution and quality control of kratom products within Pennsylvania. Retailers registered with the state would be allowed to sell natural-leaf kratom products to people 21 and over. Packaging would have to list the manufacturer's name and address, carry a warning that the products have not been evaluated by the FDA and make no medical claims. Packaging would also have to be child resistant and designed not to appeal to minors. Kratom products would be subject to the tobacco tax. The Pennsylvania Department of Health would enforce standards and collect taxes. The bill would also ban the sale of synthetic or adulterated kratom products, including those that contain more than 0.5% alkaloid composition of 7-hydroxymitragynine or 7-OH, a compound found in only trace amounts in the kratom leaf. Sellers of these illegal products Read more

 

Kosierowski kratom bill unanimously passes PA House

(Oct 05, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 5 – Legislation that would regulate the sale of natural kratom products and prohibit the sale of synthetic kratom unanimously passed the House today, the bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Bridget Kosierowski, D-Lackawanna, announced. Kratom is a plant from southeast Asia used for its psychoactive properties. The Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have recommended that the Drug Enforcement Agency classify 7-OH as a Schedule 1 controlled substance – placing it in the same category as heroin and LSD. House Bill 2657 would create a statutory framework for the sale, distribution and quality control of kratom products within Pennsylvania. Retailers registered with the state would be allowed to sell natural-leaf kratom products to people 21 and over. Packaging would have to list the manufacturer's name and address, carry a warning that the products have not been evaluated by the FDA and make no medical claims. Packaging would also have to be child resistant and designed not to appeal to minors. Kratom products would be subject to the tobacco tax. The Pennsylvania Department of Health would enforce standards and collect taxes. The bill would also ban the sale of synthetic or adulterated kratom products, including those that contain more than 0.5% alkaloid composition of 7-hydroxymitragynine or 7-OH, a compound found in only trace amounts in the kratom leaf. Sellers of these illegal products Read more

 

House passes Davidson’s legislation to prevent abrupt child care closures

(Oct 05, 2026) Rep. Nate Davidson

“When a child care provider shuts its doors overnight, the ripple effects tear through entire communities,” said Davidson. “Children lose trusted routines, staff abruptly lose their paychecks, and parents are thrown into a crisis in the middle of an ongoing shortage. This legislation ensures families have a critical window to secure care and gives dedicated workers fair time to transition.” Read more

 

Rivera bill to lower electricity costs, increase reliability through grid-scale battery storage passes House

(Oct 05, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 5 – Legislation aimed at reducing electricity costs and increasing reliability for Pennsylvania households and small businesses by requiring electric utilities to set targets for and procure grid-stabilizing battery storage passed the House today, the bill’s prime sponsor, state Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster, announced. “Pennsylvania’s aging electricity grid is strained by increasingly violent weather and surging energy demand from cloud computing, artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies,” Rivera said. “My legislation offers a practical, proven solution that will help keep our lights on and our electric bills affordable.” House Bill 2380 would require Pennsylvania’s largest electric utilities to install 3,500 megawatts of battery storage by 2035. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission would assign each utility’s share of 3,500 megawatts based on the service load and annual peak demand of each electric company with more than 600,000 customers. The bill also includes competitive procurement requirements and regulatory oversight to help ensure projects deliver value for ratepayers. Electricity costs are often driven by peak-hour demand, when electric utilities must rely on expensive “peaker” power plants that quickly ramp up to prevent grid failures. Battery storage systems store electricity when demand and prices are low and discharge it when demand is highest. Read more

 

House passes Salisbury bill to restore newborn screening for Gaucher disease

(Oct 05, 2026) Rep. Abigail Salisbury

HARRISBURG, Oct. 5 – The Pennsylvania House today passed legislation introduced by state Rep. Abigail Salisbury that would require all Pennsylvania newborns to be tested for Gaucher disease, an inherited genetic disorder that can have devastating health consequences. Salisbury, D-Allegheny, said H.B. 1652 would allow parents to know at the earliest possible time whether their newborn has the disease so they can obtain timely treatment to help alleviate symptoms. “Pennsylvania screens newborns for a wide array of diseases to ensure that children who are affected can benefit from timely detection and treatment,” Salisbury said. “Until recently, the list of screened diseases included Gaucher disease, a genetic disorder that can cause devastating health problems, including organ, blood, and bone disorders and even certain cancers. “Six years ago, Gaucher was dropped from the list of screened diseases, which means that hospitals and parents are no longer automatically notified if their newborn has the disease, and children are deprived of a vital, early treatment window that can alleviate some health impacts. My bill would reinstate screening for this devastating disease, so parents get the timely information they need to help their children.” Gaucher disease is a genetic condition in which a person is missing an enzyme that breaks down lipids – fatty compounds in the body that serve various Read more

 

Ciresi introduces legislation to give residents a voice on high-impact data centers

(Oct 05, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 5 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, last week introduced H.B. 2821 , which would give residents a say in whether high-impact data centers are approved in their communities. “Data centers can have substantial impacts on local infrastructure, electricity demand and water resources,” Ciresi said. “Pennsylvania residents should be able to have a meaningful opportunity to decide whether a large-scale data center development would be appropriate for their community.” The bill would amend the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code to require municipalities to put the approval of a proposed high impact data center before voters in a local referendum. To make sure voters are informed, a detailed description of the development would appear on the ballot before the referendum question. “This measure would increase transparency, strengthen local decision-making, and give communities a direct voice in determining whether high impact data center developments are appropriate for their municipality,” Ciresi said. Read more

 

Cepeda-Freytiz to host 2-day VSP Eyes of Hope Mobile Clinic event in Reading

(Oct 02, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

READING, Oct. 2 – State Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, D-Berks, along with VSP ® Eyes of Hope, will host a two-day mobile vision clinic from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. October 8 and 9 at Centro Hispano Hispanic Center (25 N. 2nd St.) to help Berks County children and adults receive free vision care and provide families with an opportunity to access state resources. The event will feature a VSP ® Eyes of Hope mobile vision clinic, which will provide free vision care for approximately 250 community members who do not have vision insurance and meet certain income guidelines. “Access to vision care is crucial for everyone,” said Cepeda-Freytiz. “It’s especially important for young children to have access before they enter school. Glasses can help our children learn better and put them on the path to success in life, and a price tag should not keep them from achieving that success. This event will help ensure that children and their family members who otherwise may not be able to get glasses have what they need.” Cepeda-Freytiz is the prime sponsor of H.B. 1077 , legislation that would create a statewide commission to develop a plan that will ensure follow-up vision exams and glasses for all students in Pennsylvania. She also has introduced H.B. 1078, which would require comprehensive eye exams in school upon entry into a new school and at various grades that coincide with a child’s developmental Read more

 

House Energy Committee votes out bills on data center regulations and fair rates for utility customers

(Oct 01, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 1 – Continuing its efforts to mitigate the impact of data centers and rising energy costs, the PA House Energy Committee voted this week to advance several bills that would protect Pennsylvania households and small businesses. Read more

 

Route 222 corridor, Latino businesses fuel regional, state economy
29 minutes ago

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

House Transportation Committee unanimously approves e-scooter bill
Oct 06, 2026

Pielli’s bill to establish Artificial Intelligence Professional Development Grant Program approved by state House Education Committee
Oct 06, 2026

House Communications & Technology Committee approves Senate bill requiring disclosure of AI content in advertising
Oct 05, 2026

PA House passes Kosierowski bill to phase out toxic chemical in IV bags, tubing
Oct 05, 2026

Kosierowski kratom bill unanimously passes PA House
Oct 05, 2026

Kosierowski kratom bill unanimously passes PA House
Oct 05, 2026

House passes Davidson’s legislation to prevent abrupt child care closures
Oct 05, 2026

Rivera bill to lower electricity costs, increase reliability through grid-scale battery storage passes House
Oct 05, 2026

House passes Salisbury bill to restore newborn screening for Gaucher disease
Oct 05, 2026

Ciresi introduces legislation to give residents a voice on high-impact data centers
Oct 05, 2026

Cepeda-Freytiz to host 2-day VSP Eyes of Hope Mobile Clinic event in Reading
Oct 02, 2026

House Energy Committee votes out bills on data center regulations and fair rates for utility customers
Oct 01, 2026