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First-ever digital advertising tax in PA passes state House

(12 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 9 – Today, the PA House of Representatives passed the "Digital Ads Tax Bill" (H.B. 1678) with a bipartisan vote of 139-63. Introduced by state Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila.; Aerion Abney, D-Allegheny; and John Inglis, D-Allegheny, the legislation would update Pennsylvania’s existing gross receipts tax to include the sale of digital advertisements.The vast majority of the tax would be paid by the wealthiest Big Tech corporations, including Google, Meta, Amazon, TikTok, and Microsoft, which represent an almost $300 billion industry in the U.S. The legislation would require multinational corporations to pay their fair share without raising taxes on consumers or small businesses. The tax applies to the platform selling ad space on websites and apps, not the retailer paying to promote their product. Read more

 

House L&I Committee approves Kosierowski bill to expand SWIF’s equity investment authority

(12 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 9 — Legislation to expand the State Workers’ Insurance Fund’s investment authority to enable it to adjust its investment portfolio to changing market conditions was approved by the House Labor & Industry Committee today. The State Workers’ Insurance Fund, or SWIF, was established by statute in 1915 to ensure a stable workers' compensation market in the commonwealth by providing coverage to entities that may otherwise struggle to obtain it in the private market. This legislation, introduced by state Rep. Bridget Kosierowski, H.B. 2499 would make a change to the Workers’ Compensation Act to give SWIF the flexibility to invest up to 20% of its assets in equities from its current limit of 7.5%. According to Kosierowski, SWIF’s investment authority in equities is currently limited to 7.5% of the book value of SWIF’s assets due to a combination of provisions in the Workers’ Compensation Act, the Banking Code and the Fiscal Code. As a result, over 93% of SWIF’s assets locked in fixed-income securities are earning historically low rates and are failing to keep up with inflation. “Under current law, SWIF is sacrificing growth for the sake of stability,” Kosierowski, D-Lackawanna, said. “By consolidating SWIF’s investment authority into a single statutory provision in the Workers’ Compensation Act, my legislation would enable the fund to manage risks and grow, achieving Read more

 

House approves O’Mara bill to protect rights to fertility treatments in PA

(13 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

The state House today approved on a bipartisan vote a bill sponsored by state Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, to protect prospective parents’ rights to fertility treatments in Pennsylvania. Read more

 

House Committee advances bill classifying medetomidine a Schedule III drug

(13 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 9 – State Reps. Greg Scott and Liz Hanbidge, both D-Montgomery, today announced the Pa. House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee advanced their bill (H.B. 2529) that would classify the veterinary medicine medetomidine as a Schedule III controlled substance. Medetomidine is a non-opioid sedative used by veterinarians. It is not approved for use in people. But data now shows that up to 80 percent of fentanyl samples tested in Pennsylvania contain it, increasing the risk of overdose for people who illegally use fentanyl. “Today’s vote is an important first step in getting control of medetomidine’s use in the illegal drug market,” said Scott. “Too many lives are lost to opioids as it is. We don’t need these animal sedatives added to the mix and making it harder to reverse overdoses.” According to Scott, a concern with medetomidine is that its sedative effects do not wear off if the overdose-reversing drug naloxone is used – though the lawmakers caution that in any suspected opioid overdose, naloxone should still be administered. In 2024, Pennsylvania designated another sedative drug, xylazine, a Schedule III controlled substance. In response, the use of xylazine in street drugs declined. The representatives hope repeating this tactic with medetomidine will have the same impact. “The growing presence of Read more

 

Solomon and Phillips discuss nonresident landlord legislation

(14 hours ago) Rep. Darisha Parker

Absentee landlords need to be held accountable to maintain upkeep on the buildings they own. When there’s empty and dilapidated buildings in our neighborhoods, it’s not just discouraging to folks who live there and those who want to own homes here, it increases the risk of crime and other major safety issues. I’m thankful to Representative Solomon and Councilmember Phillips for their work to empower and uplift our city. Great things happen when state and local government can work together. Read more

 

Fiedler, Burgos bill to rein in utility profits, protect consumers reported out of House Consumer Protection Committee

(17 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 9 – Today, the Pennsylvania House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee voted 17-9 to advance the Return on Equity bill, which is co-sponsored by Committee Chair Danilo Burgos, D-Phila., and House Energy Committee Chair Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila.House Bill 2224 would create a default, formula-based return on equity for investor-owned utilities that reflects the true market-based cost of equity. It would ensure that ratepayers pay no more than what is necessary to attract capital investments. Read more

 

PA House passes Guenst bill to honor veterans lost to suicide

(18 hours ago) Rep. Nancy Guenst

Legislation allowing Green Star Service Banner on state property advances Read more

 

House passes Cepeda-Freytiz bill to help businesses become sales tax compliant

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 8 – The Pennsylvania House today passed legislation introduced by state Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, D-Berks, aimed at helping businesses with repeated sales tax filing issues become compliant and avoid falling deeper into tax delinquency. The legislation, H.B. 2300 , would require businesses that either have three non-consecutive non-filed returns or have a delinquent sales tax balance greater than $5,000 to use an authorized service provider to report and remit their sales tax. “As a former small business owner myself, I know that balancing the books is vital for every business, regardless of how well a business owner can do that themselves,” said Cepeda-Freytiz. “This legislation will ensure 100% compliance with Pennsylvania’s sales tax collection and allow businesses to get back on track to continue serving our community.” Prior to her election, Cepeda-Freytiz owned Mi Casa Su Casa Café, a breakfast and lunch café in downtown Reading. The legislation would also require the Department of Revenue to cover the costs of this program for the taxpayer’s first year of enrollment. House Bill 2300 passed the House with a vote of 153-48 and will now move to the state Senate for consideration. Read more

 

State House passes bill to expand public-private transportation projects

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 8 – In an effort to address Pennsylvania’s aging infrastructure, the state House has unanimously passed legislation that would allow local governments to participate in public-private partnerships to improve transportation infrastructure, according to the bill’s prime sponsor, state Rep. Lindsay Powell. House Bill 2469 would allow all counties, as well as the cities of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, to use public-private partnerships, also known as P3s, which authorize governments to coordinate with private entities on the engineering, construction, operation, financing, and maintenance of transportation projects and facilities. “Pennsylvania has some of the oldest infrastructure in the country, and repairs can be daunting for local governments, especially when taxpayers are responsible for the costs,” said Powell, D-Allegheny. “This legislation will allow our counties to deliver large-scale infrastructure projects more efficiently and cost-effectively, ensuring that long-needed repairs -- ranging from aging bridges and congested corridors to major transit and roadway upgrades -- can be completed.” Current law allows only PennDOT and certain transportation agencies to use P3s. Under this legislation, the existing P3 application process would remain unchanged. The American Society of Civil Engineers gave Pennsylvania’s infrastructure a grade of C- in 2022, with Read more

 

Pa. House votes to update infant, toddler, pregnancy lead testing standards

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 8 – State Rep. Jose Giral today announced his bill that would mandate insurance-covered blood lead tests for pregnant women and children at 12 and 24 months of age passed the Pa. House with bipartisan support. This is a change from existing law, which merely recommends lead testing in these groups unless they are deemed high risk. Current law does not require health insurance plans to help cover the costs. “Lead poisoning is a significant health risk for children and for pregnant mothers,” said Giral. “We do a disservice to these vulnerable groups if we only recommend a course of action. This bill would require healthcare practitioners to perform blood lead testing at least once during a woman’s pregnancy, and twice before a child’s second birthday, unless there is express written refusal by the woman or the child’s parent.” According to Giral, lead poisoning in children can lead to developmental delays, seizures and nervous system damage. During pregnancy, lead poisoning raises the risk of miscarriage and can expose the developing baby to lead, leading to premature birth, underdeveloped organs, low birth weight, and future learning and developmental issues. Early blood lead level testing helps identify children who have already been exposed to lead and those who may be living in environments where lead is present. Once lead Read more

 

Pa. House votes to ban PFAS in cosmetics, dental floss, menstrual and baby products

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 8 — State Rep. Greg Scott, D-Montgomery, today announced that the PA House passed his bill that would ban toxic PFAS forever chemicals from high-contact consumer products in Pennsylvania. PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are synthetic chemicals linked to a range of serious health risks, including cancer, immune-system suppression, pregnancy-related hypertension, reduced fertility, and more. House Bill 2145 would ban the use of PFAS in the manufacture of many daily-use household products, including cosmetics, dental floss, infant and children’s products, and menstrual pads and tampons. According to Scott, the focus on cosmetics, dental floss, menstrual products and many products used to care for children and babies is due to their daily, high-contact use. “Pennsylvania’s legislature has been taking steps to reduce PFAS exposure in a variety of situations, and I’m proud to see my bill pass the House in our latest step to protect our residents from these harmful chemicals,” said Scott. “If we continue to allow toxic substances to be used in products that are intended for our most sensitive skin areas, or in products used daily by babies -- we’re not protecting Pennsylvanians. Over a lifetime of use, that’s too significant a risk of health complications. “This bill targets a specific group of consumer products Read more

 

Ciresi introduces bill requiring smart glasses to have visible indicator when recording

(Jun 05, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 4 – House Communications & Technology Committee Majority Chair, state Rep. Joe Ciresi, is taking a stand to protect Pennsylvanians’ security and privacy by introducing legislation that would require all smart glasses manufactured, sold, and used in Pennsylvania to have a visual indicator that shows when the device is recording video or audio. “My legislation, H.B. 2603, would establish common-sense privacy safeguards for smart glasses to help protect Pennsylvanians from potential misuse of this emerging technology,” Ciresi said. “Smart glasses are an innovative technological advancement, but their design also allows them to easily record or stream without anyone noticing. Considering the implications this has for individual privacy and surveillance, we must take thoughtful, proactive steps to address those risks. The same features that make these devices appealing—the ability to communicate, capture audio and video, and share information instantly—can also be exploited by bad actors to secretly record individuals; help facilitate stalking, harassment or intimidation; or potentially employ real-time facial recognition technology without a person’s knowledge or consent.” According to Ciresi, the legislation would fall under Pennsylvania’s current wiretapping laws and would have similar requirements in line with existing laws regarding recording people. The legislation would require Read more

 

Rep. Scott Calls for comprehensive youth violence prevention strategy following tragic Norristown shooting

(Jun 04, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

There is no single solution to youth violence, but there is one thing we know for certain: Doing nothing is not an option. Read more

 

Fiedler celebrates first awardees of Solar for Schools in its second year; School District of Philadelphia to bring solar to three school buildings

(Jun 04, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

PHILADELPHIA, June 4 – The PA Department of Community and Economic Development recently announced a more than $1.9 million investment in five Pennsylvania schools through the Solar for Schools grant program. State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., who introduced the Solar for Schools legislation, celebrated the announcement. “We saw overwhelming demand in the first year of Solar for Schools, with schools requesting more than three times the funding available. I am so glad we have another opportunity this year to award funding to even more schools.” said Fiedler. “From right in my South Philly district all the way to Elk County, these awards show us that what connects Pennsylvania schools is the desire to do right by their communities and invest in their future.” "We are thrilled to celebrate the first round of the 2026 PA Solar for Schools grant program awards! This is a big win for clean energy, education, and local communities across Pennsylvania. We encourage more schools to apply as the DCED is accepting applications on a rolling basis. Every dollar a school district spends on a utility bill is a dollar that is NOT going toward a teacher's salary, a new library, or updated technology for our students," said Shannon Crooker, Generation180's Pennsylvania director. As energy prices rise nationwide, schools are struggling to keep up with utility costs, which are already their Read more

 

State House unanimously adopts Matzie resolution to study costs, benefits of remaining with grid operator PJM

(Jun 04, 2026) Matzie, Rep. Robert F. Matzie

HARRISBURG, June 3 – The Pennsylvania House today unanimously adopted Rep. Rob Matzie’s resolution ( H.R. 361 ) directing the state to study the financial costs and benefits of remaining part of the PJM Interconnection – the regional transmission organization that manages Pennsylvania’s electric grid. Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus, said that a study is needed in light of recent spikes in electricity prices in some parts of the state, which have prompted concerns and calls for reform from lawmakers. “With calls for reform from House lawmakers and the governor, it’s time to take a closer look to ensure that staying with PJM is the best option,” Matzie said. “We hear every day from our constituents about the rising costs of energy. All options should be on the table, and all avenues should be explored. This study will give policy makers the facts and figures needed to make informed decisions moving forward.” Matzie said that the study – which will be conducted by the Joint State Government Commission – will examine the financial risks and benefits associated with PJM membership and evaluate the impact of PJM membership on residential, commercial and industrial electricity customers. The PJM Interconnection manages the electric transmission grid in all or part of 13 states and the District of Columbia. Read more

 

Every missing child matters: New Ebony Alert System legislation seeks equal urgency for missing black and brown youth

(Jun 03, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 3 – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives Children & Youth Committee on Tuesday reported out legislation ( H.B. 434 ) by state Reps. Gina Curry and Carol Kazeem’s that would establish an Ebony Alert System in Pennsylvania dedicated to finding missing Black and Brown youth, including young women and girls. According to the two Delaware County legislators, Black children accounted for 40% of all children under 18 reported missing in the United States in 2023, despite Black Americans comprising only 14% of the nation’s population. Similarly, Black women and girls represent approximately 18% of all missing persons cases while making up just 7% of the population. The lawmakers argue that cases involving missing children of color—particularly Black children—often receive less attention because they are disproportionately classified as runaways . That designation can prevent AMBER Alerts from being issued, reducing the law enforcement and public resources devoted to recovery efforts and limiting media coverage of their disappearances. Lack of media coverage of missing Black children -- just 7% according to one study -- has a devastating impact on the chances of recovery of missing Black children. Media attention raises public awareness and puts law enforcement on alert , resulting in them contributing critical resources to finding children. “Despite making up a significant percentage of missing child cases, Read more

 

House greenlights AI safety education effort

(Jun 03, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 3 – Legislation to direct the Office of Attorney General to conduct a public education campaign about artificial intelligence and to improve AI consumer literacy in Pennsylvania overwhelmingly passed the House today (198-3), said the bill’s prime sponsors, House Communications & Technology Committee chairs Reps. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, and Jason Ortitay, R-Washington/Allegheny. “AI safety starts with informed users,” Ciresi said. “As AI becomes increasingly common in across our daily life, it’s important that we know how to interact with AI safely and responsibly and be educated consumers of online content. Informed public awareness of the risks of AI—from misinformation and hallucinations, emotional dependency, to potentially harmful advice, and more--is essential as we enter this new technological age.” Ciresi believes that while AI has an incredible potential to increase productivity and lead to breakthroughs across countless fields, it is also a Pandora’s box of risks—including bias in outputs, data collection and privacy issues, and “deepfakes” and misinformation—that requires greater public awareness. “Many people don’t yet have a full understanding of AI,” said Ortitay. “As it is becoming a part of everyday life, this legislation will help improve public awareness. Although AI offers significant benefits, it can also be misused. Read more

 

Pennsylvania House passes bill to provide transparency in PUC records

(Jun 03, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 3 – The Pennsylvania House has unanimously passed legislation that would provide greater transparency in the release of Public Utility Commission records in response to the 2023 West Reading R.M. Palmer chocolate factory explosion that killed seven people, announced state Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, D-Berks. After the explosion, the PUC, under Act 156 of 2006 , was unable to give inspection reports with confidential security information to federal investigators who were seeking to find out the cause of the accident. The new proposal, H.B. 306 , would authorize the PUC to share records containing such confidential information with federal agencies investigating safety issues. “We should take every step to ensure that a tragedy like what occurred in my district in West Reading never happens again,” said Cepeda-Freytiz. “Statutory obstacles delayed the creation and release of the federal report into this tragedy, and we should not have to face any delays of this manner when we are working to solve a life-or-death issue. “I am thankful to my House colleagues for taking action on this legislation, and several other natural gas safety bills I have introduced, so that families in my community are not just given words of support, but action so the loss of their loved ones are not in vain. I hope the Senate takes swift action to bring these bills to the governor’s desk.” The Read more

 

Williams bill to protect SNAP benefits advances through committee

(Jun 03, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

House Bill 2540 would transition the EBT cards Pennsylvanians use to access their SNAP benefits to chip-enabled cards. Read more

 

House committee unanimously approves two child welfare reform bills

(Jun 03, 2026) Rep. Rick Krajewski

HARRISBURG, June 3 – The House Children and Youth Committee on Tuesday voted unanimously to report out two pieces of legislation reforming Pennsylvania’s child welfare system. The first bill ( H.B. 133 ) would create a process for reinstating parental rights after they’ve been terminated. Following the lead of 22 states, Pennsylvania would provide the opportunity to petition for the reinstatement of parental rights, in cases where the child has been unable to successfully find an adoptive home and the parent has resolved the cause of their prior termination. “While many states provide an opportunity to reinstate the parent-child relationship under specific conditions, in PA, termination is permanent,” said state Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., the prime sponsor of the legislation. “Even when parents do the work to address the issues that resulted in termination – building a career, finding stable housing, recovering from a substance use disorder or ending a period of incarceration – the loss of the parent-child relationship is a punishment that lasts a lifetime. We must be more compassionate, promote second chances and ensure that children are not left needlessly languishing in county care.” “At its core, House Bill 133 is about creating a pathway that represents the best interests of children and families,” said state Rep. Sheryl Delozier, R-Cumberland, the bill’s Read more

 

First-ever digital advertising tax in PA passes state House
12 hours ago

House L&I Committee approves Kosierowski bill to expand SWIF’s equity investment authority
12 hours ago

House approves O’Mara bill to protect rights to fertility treatments in PA
13 hours ago

House Committee advances bill classifying medetomidine a Schedule III drug
13 hours ago

Solomon and Phillips discuss nonresident landlord legislation
14 hours ago

Fiedler, Burgos bill to rein in utility profits, protect consumers reported out of House Consumer Protection Committee
17 hours ago

PA House passes Guenst bill to honor veterans lost to suicide
18 hours ago

House passes Cepeda-Freytiz bill to help businesses become sales tax compliant
1 day ago

State House passes bill to expand public-private transportation projects
1 day ago

Pa. House votes to update infant, toddler, pregnancy lead testing standards
1 day ago

Pa. House votes to ban PFAS in cosmetics, dental floss, menstrual and baby products
1 day ago

Ciresi introduces bill requiring smart glasses to have visible indicator when recording
Jun 05, 2026

Rep. Scott Calls for comprehensive youth violence prevention strategy following tragic Norristown shooting
Jun 04, 2026

Fiedler celebrates first awardees of Solar for Schools in its second year; School District of Philadelphia to bring solar to three school buildings
Jun 04, 2026

State House unanimously adopts Matzie resolution to study costs, benefits of remaining with grid operator PJM
Jun 04, 2026

Every missing child matters: New Ebony Alert System legislation seeks equal urgency for missing black and brown youth
Jun 03, 2026

House greenlights AI safety education effort
Jun 03, 2026

Pennsylvania House passes bill to provide transparency in PUC records
Jun 03, 2026

Williams bill to protect SNAP benefits advances through committee
Jun 03, 2026

House committee unanimously approves two child welfare reform bills
Jun 03, 2026