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State House adopts Matzie resolution designating Sept. 21-27 as ‘Rail Safety Week’ in Pennsylvania

(6 minutes ago) Rep. Robert F. Matzie

HARRISBURG, June 24 – The Pennsylvania House today adopted state Rep. Rob Matzie’s resolution designating the week of Sept. 21-27, 2026, as “Rail Safety Week” in Pennsylvania. Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus, said he introduced H.R. 537 to raise awareness about preventable rail casualties. “Although the numbers have improved in recent decades, far too many people still die needlessly in crossing collisions or by coming too close to tracks as pedestrians,” Matzie said. “Federal statistics show that a person or vehicle is struck by a train every three hours in the United States. A closer look at the numbers shows Pennsylvania ranks high on the list for both kinds of incidents. Last year, we ranked 11 th in the nation for crossing collisions, with 56 collisions, 3 deaths and 24 injuries, and we ranked 6 th for pedestrian incidents, with 34 deaths and 15 injuries. “We need to do more to educate the public about the reality of rail dangers, including the fact that it can take a freight train traveling 55 mph more than a mile – about 18 football fields – to stop, that freight cars and cargo overhang rails substantially, that engineers face massive blind spots, and other information people need to stay safe.” Matzie’s Rail Safety Week is scheduled to run concurrently with Operation Lifesaver’s nationwide awareness campaign called “See Read more

 

Pa. House passes Friel bill to create ‘pause button’ on data center rush

(1 hour ago) Rep. Paul Friel

HARRISBURG, June 24 – Legislation to give Pennsylvania municipalities the time and authority to rein in data center projects across the state continues its way through the General Assembly, announced the measure’s sponsor, state Rep. Paul Friel, D-Chester. The state House of Representatives today by an overwhelming bipartisan majority passed H.B. 2496 to empower local governments in Pennsylvania to place up to a six-month “pause” on the consideration of any data center application. Municipalities could adopt, amend or repeal sections of their related land-use ordinances during the pause. “This pause window allows local governments the time they need to thoroughly research, draft and pass comprehensive land-use ordinances pertaining to data centers,” Friel said. “The bill gives our local officials necessary breathing room to update these ordinances, evaluating demands like water and energy usage and other considerations related to protecting our communities from potential harms caused by data center development.” Critically, the pause dates back to the moment the public was notified of the meeting agenda, and any application filed during the pause is subject to the new rules. ?“Large-scale data centers cannot be allowed to bypass community scrutiny,” said state Rep. Kyle Mullins, D-Lackawanna. “With development surging across Pennsylvania, this bill ensures Read more

 

Bipartisan legislation to incentivize pharmaceutical & biomedical innovation passes PA House

(1 hour ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

The bipartisan H.B. 2162, co-prime sponsored by state Reps. Lisa Borowski, D-Delaware; Paul Friel, D-Chester; and Thomas Kutz, R-Cumberland, would allow makers of a drug or medical device to apply for a temporary product license from the commonwealth at the same time they begin its FDA approval process. Read more

 

Pennsylvania Common Cents Act passes House

(2 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“When the federal government makes a change, the states need to be ready to react in a way to provide clarity and simplicity to our constituents,” said Davidson. “This is a simple fix. For those Pennsylvanians who choose to pay with cash, this bill gives those individuals, as well as the business or government entity behind the cash register, a plain and predictable response to the penny shortage.” Read more

 

Shusterman’s childcare study resolution passes House

(5 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“For working families, childcare is too expensive and all too often parents struggle to find care,” Shusterman said. “The current situation for working parents, childcare facilities, and the professionals who take care of our children requires that we take action in the General Assembly. We owe it to the working parents, businesses and childcare providers of our Commonwealth to put in the effort and step up to create a viable path forward.” Read more

 

House passes Bizzarro bill to cut taxes for Pennsylvania brewers

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Legislation to provide tax cuts to brewers and bolster Pennsylvania’s craft beer industry has passed the Pennsylvania House with overwhelming bipartisan support, state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, who sponsored the bill, announced Tuesday. Read more

 

Pielli’s bill to protect pollinators by promoting native species landscaping passes Pennsylvania House

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“Without insects and pollinators, our flowers and crops cannot survive,” said Pielli, D-Chester. “This threatens our agricultural industry, which is vital to our state’s economy. Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry generates more than $250 million in profits from crops that benefit from insect pollination, as well as more than $9 million from pollination required to produce seeds. Read more

 

House Communications &Technology Committee prioritizes child safety by advancing bills on AI companions, school safety

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 23 – The Pennsylvania House Communications & Technology Committee today approved legislation that would implement technological safeguards to enhance school safety and protect users of artificial intelligence companion applications. The legislation considered included the following: House Bill 634 (Cepeda-Freytiz) – Requires schools to consider implementing a panic alarm system as part of their reviews of their school safety and security practices. House Bill 2006 (Shusterman) – Establishes safeguards on the use of AI companions, including protocols for detecting and responding to suicidal ideation, self-harm and violent intentions; age assurance, parental consent requirements and protections for minor users; and transparency that the user is not communicating with a human. House Resolution 560 (Pickett) – Recognizes the week of June 22 through 28, 2026 as “Amateur Radio Week” in Pennsylvania. “The two bills advanced today reflect the crucial role that the House Communications & Technology Committee plays in evaluating legislation regarding emerging technologies’ potential impact on our children’s safety,” said state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, chair of the committee. “While the silent panic alarm system can help save lives by alerting law enforcement about a school emergency, we’ve already seen how AI companions can harm individuals—especially those Read more

 

Bill to allow more EV companies to do business in Pennsylvania approved by state House committee

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. Greg Scott today announced the House Commerce Committee approved his bill that would allow more electric vehicle manufacturers to sell directly to consumers in Pennsylvania. Read more

 

House approves legislation to establish processes for reinstating parental rights, protect the rights of incarcerated parents

(1 day ago) Rep. Rick Krajewski

HARRISBURG, June 22 – Today, the House voted with strong bipartisan support to pass two bills introduced by state Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., that would establish a legal petition process to reinstate parental rights (H.B. 133) and protect the rights of incarcerated parents (H.B. 138). Under federal law, when a child has been in the custody of the state for more than 15 months, the Department of Human Services is required to petition for the involuntary termination of parental rights. Krajewski said that Pennsylvania must take measures to provide second chances and support more families. House Bill 133 , which passed 191 to 11, would establish a standard legal framework and procedure for parents whose rights have been terminated to petition to have their rights reinstated. “Even when parents do the work to address the issues that resulted in the termination of their rights – 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,” Krajewski said. “Parents can change. They deserve a fair chance to be reunited with their children, and kids deserve to finally go home.” “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, Read more

 

House passes Rivera bill to increase transparency and accountability in EITC program

(Jun 22, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 22 – The Pennsylvania House today passed legislation (H.B. 2632) introduced by state Rep. Nikki Rivera that would increase accountability and transparency in the state’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit programs. The bill would close reporting gaps and help ensure that program funds are reaching their intended recipients. Rivera noted that EITC programs have grown to a $680 million public investment in nonpublic education for fiscal year 2025-26 -- more than four times the $150 million cap that existed a decade ago. Despite that growth, the Independent Fiscal Office has reported that significant data gaps make it difficult to fully evaluate the programs’ effectiveness. “A $680 million annual scholarship tax program should be transparent and include detailed reporting,” Rivera said. “This bill would ensure that everyone can see how well EITC programs are working, whom they are helping, and whether students in private and parochial schools are receiving tuition relief.” Rivera emphasized that the legislation would not reduce funding for the program. “This bill would not cut one penny from the $680 million EITC program,” she said. House Bill 2632 would require participating schools to provide basic information to the Department of Education, businesses redirecting tax dollars through the program to submit basic information to the Department of Revenue, and participating entities to Read more

 

Friel, Lawrence: Bill to modernize lending for Pa. farmers passes House

(Jun 22, 2026) Rep. Paul Friel

HARRISBURG, June 22 – Bipartisan legislation to give Pennsylvania farmers expanded access to low-interest financing to grow and modernize their operations unanimously passed the state House of Representatives today. State Reps. Paul Friel and John Lawrence said that when signed into law, their H.B. 2207 would go straight to work providing capital for critical agricultural operations in Pennsylvania. The investments will keep Pennsylvania competitive in an increasingly challenging economic environment. The sponsors said that Pennsylvania farmers face rising costs for land, equipment, buildings and other investments necessary to sustain and expand their operations. While the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority's Small Business First Fund provides valuable financing opportunities, agricultural businesses are limited to loans of $400,000, far below the $2 million cap available to non-agricultural enterprises. "Our farmers are small business owners, job creators and essential contributors to Pennsylvania's economy," said Friel, D-Chester . "As costs continue to rise, access to affordable capital is more important than ever. This legislation would ensure that farmers have the same opportunities as other businesses to invest in their operations, create jobs, and strengthen our agricultural economy." “I’m grateful for the strong bipartisan support to modernize agricultural lending at Read more

 

PA House unanimously passes bill that would reduce utility bills, limit shareholder profits

(Jun 22, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 22 – Today, the PA House of Representatives unanimously passed H.B. 2224, the Return on Equity bill, cosponsored by Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, chair of the House Energy Committee, and Rep. Danilo Burgos, chair of the House Consumer Protection, Technology, & Utilities Committee.A significant driver of unnecessarily high monthly energy bills is authorized return on equity which is the measure of the profit that utility shareholders are permitted to receive. In Pennsylvania, even though utilities are guaranteed a virtual monopoly by service region, rates of return on equity are some of the highest in the nation. House Bill 2224 would reform this broken ratemaking system to establish a default, market-based rate of return on equity, limiting the amount of excessive profit utilities can collect for their shareholders. The bill would ensure that ratepayers pay no more than what is necessary to attract capital investments. Read more

 

House lawmakers propose bill to protect preventive medical care

(Jun 18, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 18 – As federal officials continue to threaten public health, state Reps. Arvind Venkat, Tarik Khan and Bridget Kosierowski, all healthcare professionals, have announced their intention to introduce legislation that would require insurers to continue to cover previously recommended forms of preventive care and allow the Pennsylvania Department of Health to update those recommendations based on the best scientific evidence informed by healthcare professional organizations. The proposed legislation would require insurers in Pennsylvania to cover all forms of preventive services recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and the Health Resources and Services Administration as of Jan. 1, 2025. These three agencies have seen significant leadership changes since that time, raising concerns over their independence and scientific credibility. Under the Affordable Care Act, insurers must cover preventive medical care services recommended by these federal bodies without patient financial responsibility. With the federal changes in these critical entities, Venkat said the validity of their recommendations is very much in question, threatening the insurance coverage of preventive medical care for all Pennsylvanians. “As a physician-legislator, I have seen how access to evidence-based preventive medical care is under attack,” said Venkat, Read more

 

Ciresi bill requiring transparency in data center development advances

(Jun 18, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 18 – Legislation introduced by state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, to increase transparency in data center development was approved Wednesday by the House Energy Committee by a 23-3 vote and now advances to the full House for consideration. House Bill 2359 would require developers of data centers with a peak electrical demand of over 10 megawatts to engage with local communities and their residents before construction and disclose information about the facilities’ impact to qualify for a sales tax exemption for data center-related computer equipment. The legislation specifically targets large-scale/high-impact data centers and excludes smaller data centers that do not pose the same environmental or quality-of-life risks to nearby residents. Qualifying data centers would specifically be required to: submit a “community protection plan” documenting the owner/operator’s engagement with the community and municipality before construction, including holding public meetings and pre-construction consultations with the municipality. complete an annual project footprint report on estimated local water and energy usage. refrain from entering any non-disclosure agreement with government agencies. “This legislation would help level the playing field between data center developers and local communities,” Ciresi said. “It would require developers to be open and transparent about the environmental impact Read more

 

New bill cracks down on crypto ATM scams targeting Pennsylvania consumers

(Jun 18, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 18 – House Communications & Technology Committee Majority Chair Joe Ciresi and state Rep. Liz Hanbidge, both D-Montgomery, today introduced H.B. 2643 to regulate and institute consumer safeguards to cryptocurrency kiosks prevent fraud while allowing responsible use of digital assets. “Scammers are weaponizing a recent financial innovation—cryptocurrency ATMs—and people’s lack of understanding of it to steal their hard-earned savings,” Ciresi said. “This bill would stop that by regulating their operation, instituting necessary safeguards and holding bad actors accountable.” According to Ciresi and Hanbidge, the rapid growth of virtual currency kiosks—commonly known as cryptocurrency ATMs—have expanded access to digital asset transactions while exposing consumers to significant risks. Bad actors increasingly use these machines in scams to target seniors and other vulnerable individuals, who are often directed to deposit cash with little understanding of the transaction or any ability to recover their money. Even for regular users, these kiosks often involve excessive fees and limited consumer protections. The legislation would establish a licensing and regulatory framework for cryptocurrency kiosk operators in Pennsylvania to strengthen transparency, accountability and consumer protection. Operators would be licensed by the Department of Banking and Securities and required to comply with Read more

 

New bill cracks down on crypto ATM scams targeting Pennsylvania consumers

(Jun 18, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 18 – House Communications & Technology Committee Majority Chair Joe Ciresi and state Rep. Liz Hanbidge, both D-Montgomery, today introduced H.B. 2643 to regulate and institute consumer safeguards to cryptocurrency kiosks prevent fraud while allowing responsible use of digital assets. “Scammers are weaponizing a recent financial innovation—cryptocurrency ATMs—and people’s lack of understanding of it to steal their hard-earned savings,” Ciresi said. “This bill would stop that by regulating their operation, instituting necessary safeguards and holding bad actors accountable.” According to Ciresi and Hanbidge, the rapid growth of virtual currency kiosks—commonly known as cryptocurrency ATMs—have expanded access to digital asset transactions while exposing consumers to significant risks. Bad actors increasingly use these machines in scams to target seniors and other vulnerable individuals, who are often directed to deposit cash with little understanding of the transaction or any ability to recover their money. Even for regular users, these kiosks often involve excessive fees and limited consumer protections. The legislation would establish a licensing and regulatory framework for cryptocurrency kiosk operators in Pennsylvania to strengthen transparency, accountability and consumer protection. Operators would be licensed by the Department of Banking and Securities and required to comply Read more

 

Rivera bill to lower electricity costs, increase reliability through grid-scale battery storage advances from committee

(Jun 18, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 17 – 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 cleared the Pennsylvania House Energy Committee today, the bill’s prime sponsor, state Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster, announced. “Increasing demand for energy for cloud computing, artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies is rapidly driving up electricity costs for Pennsylvanians,” Rivera said. “My legislation offers a practical, proven solution to help keep the lights on and electric bills affordable by requiring electric utilities to set targets for and invest in grid-stabilizing battery storage.” House Bill 2380 would require Pennsylvania’s largest electric utilities to install 3,000 megawatts of battery storage by 2033. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission would assign the shares of the 3,000 megawatts based on the service load and annual peak demand of each electric company with more than 600,000 customers. Rivera’s plan would help lower costs by reducing congestion on the electric grid, limiting the need for expensive infrastructure upgrades and reducing reliance on costly peak-period power purchases. The bill also includes competitive procurement requirements and regulatory oversight to help ensure that projects deliver value for ratepayers. Read more

 

New bill would create critical pause button for data center development in Pa.

(Jun 17, 2026) Rep. Paul Friel

HARRISBURG, June 17 – A fast-tracking state House bill empowering Pennsylvania municipalities to pause data center projects advanced unanimously from the House Local Government Committee this morning, said the legislation’s sponsor, state Rep. Paul Friel, D-Chester. Under H.B. 2496 , which Friel said is expected to pass the House as early as next week, municipalities could enact up to a 180-day pause on data center application considerations by adopting a resolution. During a pause municipalities could adopt, amend or repeal parts of their land use ordinances relating to data centers. Critically, the pause dates back to the moment the public was notified of the meeting agenda, and any application filed during the pause is subject to the new rules. “This bill gives Pennsylvania officials – who have an extremely tough job right now managing this unprecedented sector growth – the time needed to research, draft and pass comprehensive land-use ordinances updated and fit for data centers,” Friel said . “Data centers are not a customer that all states saw coming. It will allow our local elected supervisors and councilmembers to develop protections for their communities, who face real negative consequences from unchecked development.” In Pennsylvania, a municipality may use its zoning powers to regulate development, but it cannot outright prohibit a specific development. Data centers, which are large Read more

 

House continues efforts to update modern terminology in state law

(Jun 17, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Recognizing the need to change outdated terminology in laws to better reflect modern language, the Pennsylvania House today passed legislation introduced by state Rep. Darisha Parker, D-Phila., that would update references to the agency in charge of providing human services to Pennsylvanians. Read more

 

State House adopts Matzie resolution designating Sept. 21-27 as ‘Rail Safety Week’ in Pennsylvania
6 minutes ago

Pa. House passes Friel bill to create ‘pause button’ on data center rush
1 hour ago

Bipartisan legislation to incentivize pharmaceutical & biomedical innovation passes PA House
1 hour ago

Pennsylvania Common Cents Act passes House
2 hours ago

Shusterman’s childcare study resolution passes House
5 hours ago

House passes Bizzarro bill to cut taxes for Pennsylvania brewers
1 day ago

Pielli’s bill to protect pollinators by promoting native species landscaping passes Pennsylvania House
1 day ago

House Communications &Technology Committee prioritizes child safety by advancing bills on AI companions, school safety
1 day ago

Bill to allow more EV companies to do business in Pennsylvania approved by state House committee
1 day ago

House approves legislation to establish processes for reinstating parental rights, protect the rights of incarcerated parents
1 day ago

House passes Rivera bill to increase transparency and accountability in EITC program
Jun 22, 2026

Friel, Lawrence: Bill to modernize lending for Pa. farmers passes House
Jun 22, 2026

PA House unanimously passes bill that would reduce utility bills, limit shareholder profits
Jun 22, 2026

House lawmakers propose bill to protect preventive medical care
Jun 18, 2026

Ciresi bill requiring transparency in data center development advances
Jun 18, 2026

New bill cracks down on crypto ATM scams targeting Pennsylvania consumers
Jun 18, 2026

New bill cracks down on crypto ATM scams targeting Pennsylvania consumers
Jun 18, 2026

Rivera bill to lower electricity costs, increase reliability through grid-scale battery storage advances from committee
Jun 18, 2026

New bill would create critical pause button for data center development in Pa.
Jun 17, 2026

House continues efforts to update modern terminology in state law
Jun 17, 2026