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Firefighter legislation backed by Scott signed into law

(2 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 23 - Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro on Thursday signed into law two bills championed by state Rep. Greg Scott, who serves as a volunteer firefighter. Scott’s H.B. 2014, now law, allows minors to engage in training and firefighting activities until 10 p.m. any night of the year. “The number of Pennsylvania residents volunteering for their local fire companies has been in steady decline since the 1970s,” said Scott, D-Montgomery. “We’re in crisis. Many of our emergency response organizations are chronically understaffed and unable to respond efficiently to calls. This bill helps position us to grow our volunteer base, starting with our youngest volunteers.” Under the state’s Child Labor Act, minors can engage in training or firefighting activities until 10 p.m. the night before a school day. Yet on weekends, holidays and over summer academic breaks, that curfew was only 9 p.m. Scott said that this updated curfew will help support the pipeline of trained volunteers needed to respond to community emergencies. Senate Bill 804 was amended in the state House to include protections Scott fought for regarding PFAS, known as “forever chemicals.” The new law bans firefighting foam containing PFAS. It also requires labels on firefighting gear containing PFAS — per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances that are linked to increased risks of cancer, Read more

 

PA Animal Protection Caucus celebrates “Beagle Bill” signature into law

(2 hours ago) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

“My colleagues and I in the Animal Protection Caucus have spent years advocating for this vital legislation which gives dogs and cats the chance to be adopted into loving homes after their experiments are over and creates greater transparency in animal testing facilities,” Shusterman said. “This is a tremendous step forward and an historic commitment to animal welfare in our Commonwealth. I want to thank my colleagues in the House and Senate and Governor Shapiro for all coming together to make this bill into a law!” Read more

 

House adopts Matzie resolution calling attention to Agent Orange impact on Vietnam War veterans, families

(6 hours ago) Rep. Robert F. Matzie

HARRISBURG, Oct. 23 – The Pennsylvania House on Wednesday unanimously adopted state Rep. Rob Matzie's H.R. 539, designating October 2026 as "Agent Orange Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. Matzie, who is chairman of the House majority caucus, said he introduced the resolution to raise awareness about the devastating impact of Agent Orange exposure and its continuing effects on some Pennsylvania veterans and their families. "While thousands of our troops were fighting in Vietnam, nearly 20 million gallons of Agent Orange and other herbicides were being sprayed to clear trees and other foliage that provided enemy cover,” Matzie said. “Exposure to Agent Orange was later linked to severe health problems, including heart disease, nervous system disorders like Parkinson's disease, birth defects like spina bifida, and various cancers including prostate, blood, bladder, respiratory and other cancers. Because the effects of exposure can take years to show up, many veterans are still discovering and being diagnosed with these conditions. "I introduced this resolution to make sure we remember and honor the sacrifice of those who died as a result of their exposure to this deadly chemical and those who continue to live with the consequences decades after they've served." Matzie said that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes certain conditions as "presumptive" Read more

 

Briggs’ anti-swatting bill signed into law

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG , Oct. 22 – State Rep. Tim Briggs, D-Montgomery, announced today that Gov. Josh Shapiro has signed his anti-swatting legislation into law, giving Pennsylvania schools, colleges and universities stronger protections against false emergency reports that put lives at risk and disrupt campus communities. Act 75 addresses “swatting,” when someone makes a false report of a serious emergency, such as a school shooting, to trigger a large police and emergency response. These hoaxes can force schools to lock down or evacuate, frighten students and families, and pull first responders away from other emergencies. The new law strengthens the consequences for people convicted of making these threats against schools and institutions of higher education. It also allows courts to require those convicted to pay back the costs of the response, including supplies, equipment, employee wages and overtime, and the cost of work by police, firefighters, emergency medical personnel and other first responders. “Swatting is not a harmless prank. It creates fear, disrupts learning and puts students, educators and first responders in danger,” Briggs said. “When someone makes a false report to convince people there is an active shooter or another serious emergency, the consequences are real. This law makes clear that those who target our schools and college campuses will be held accountable, including for the costs Read more

 

Freeman bill to allow more land banks for community revitalization poised to become law

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“Land banks help affected neighborhoods and business districts to be revitalized. We should be doing everything we can at the state level to encourage economic development, transform communities and improve quality of life in municipalities of all sizes,” said Freeman. Read more

 

Senate passes Salisbury bill to mandate newborn screening for Gaucher disease

(1 day ago) Rep. Abigail Salisbury

HARRISBURG, Oct. 21 – The Pennsylvania Senate today passed state Rep. Abigail Salisbury’s bill to restore newborn testing for Gaucher disease – an inherited genetic disorder that can cause wide-ranging damage in affected children and adults. Salisbury said her H.B. 1652 would give parents the timely information they need for early medical intervention that can alleviate symptoms. “Until recently, Pennsylvania newborns were screened for Gaucher disease, along with a wide array of other diseases, but the condition was dropped from the panel of screened diseases several years ago without good reason,” Salisbury said. “Other states, including neighboring New Jersey, still screen for Gaucher, and it can lead to arbitrary, unfair results for families. For example, a baby born in New Jersey can be diagnosed and taken to Philadelphia for expert treatment, while a baby born right here in the commonwealth would miss that chance for early intervention. “I’m thrilled to know that we’re one step closer to restoring this screening, so parents can have critical information they need as early as possible, and infants born with this condition can get the early treatment they need to give them a better outcome.” Gaucher disease is a genetic condition in which a person is missing an enzyme that breaks down lipids, or fatty compounds, in the body. The disease can cause devastating Read more

 

House adopts Matzie resolution designating Oct. 11-17 as ‘Credit Union Week’ in Pennsylvania

(1 day ago) Rep. Robert F. Matzie

HARRISBURG, Oct. 22 – The Pennsylvania House on Wednesday adopted state Rep. Rob Matzie's H.R. 536, designating the week of Oct. 11-17, 2026, as “Credit Union Week” in Pennsylvania. Matzie, who is chairman of the House majority caucus, said he introduced the resolution to highlight the advantages credit unions can provide for consumers and how these nonprofit organizations differ from traditional banks. “Credit unions are owned and operated by their member account holders,” Matzie said. “They function as financial democracies, with each member having an equal vote, regardless of the size of their account. Because they are not obligated to turn a profit for shareholders, they can return surplus income to members in the form of lower fees and loan rates and higher savings dividends. “As member-owned organizations, they also tend to be community-focused, sponsoring local events and financial seminars and supporting members’ charitable work. For all of these reasons, they can be a good choice for consumers.” According to recent regulatory reports, there are nearly 270 credit unions headquartered in Pennsylvania, including 32 state-chartered credit unions and 236 federally chartered credit unions. State-chartered credit unions are regulated and supervised by the state Department of Banking and Securities, while federally chartered credit unions Read more

 

Neilson celebrates historic passage of statewide electrical licensing legislation

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Today, state Rep. Ed Neilson celebrated the final passage of Senate Bill 1260, legislation establishing statewide licensing standards for electrical contractors and electricians in Pennsylvania. The legislation now heads to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk. Read more

 

Rivera legislation protecting children from online victimization and hazing heads to the governor’s desk: Bill tightens mandated reporter obligations in the age of AI

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 21 – Bipartisan legislation to better protect Pennsylvania’s children from sexually explicit Artificial Intelligence-generated deepfakes and hazing is headed to the governor’s desk, according to the bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster. Read more

 

Elijah’s Law to put lifesaving epinephrine in PA childcare centers heads to governor’s desk

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 21 – Children with life-threatening food allergies will be safer at child care centers thanks to H.B. 928 that heads to the governor’s desk with bipartisan support, according to the bill’s sponsors, state Reps. Bridget Kosierowski, D-Lackawanna, and Kristen Marcell, R-Bucks. Read more

 

Steele applauds Senate approval of bill to ban cell phones in schools

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

A proposal backed by state Rep. Mandy Steele, D-Allegheny, to restrict cellphone use in Pennsylvania schools passed the state Senate today on a bipartisan vote and is headed to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk. Read more

 

House passes companion to Matzie bill that would require automated external defibrillators at utility and electrical linework job sites

(1 day ago) Rep. Robert F. Matzie

HARRISBURG, Oct. 21 – The Pennsylvania House today passed S.B. 1328 – companion legislation to state Rep. Rob Matzie’s bill that would mandate the availability of automated external defibrillators at utility and electrical linework job sites in Pennsylvania. Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus, said he introduced his companion bill with state Rep. Jason Ortitay to address a major gap in the law and ensure that workers on some of the highest-risk job sites have access to lifesaving medical equipment. “When seconds count, AEDs save lives,” Matzie said. “Using them immediately on site after cardiac arrest dramatically increases survival compared to situations that rely on EMS arrival alone. It’s why we mandate these devices in schools, hotels, health clubs and coal mines. “But there is a critical gap in the law – there’s no similar requirement for AEDs to be available at utility and linework job sites, even though these are some of the most dangerous jobs around. We introduced this legislation in conjunction with the Senate bill passed today to address that gap and ensure that our workers have the protections they need when doing the essential work that keeps our lights on. I was glad to see the bill move forward and will push to ensure it gets to the governor’s desk.” “Line workers routinely work on energized electrical systems, at Read more

 

Benham bill classifying 911 dispatchers as first responders to become law

(Oct 21, 2026) Rep. Jessica Benham

Legislation recognizing telecommunicators, expanding access to benefits heads to governor’s desk Read more

 

Bill promoting early colorectal cancer detection heads to governor’s desk

(Oct 21, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 21 – Legislation ( H.B. 1123 ) that would require health insurance policies to cover colorectal cancer screenings beginning at age 45 with no cost-sharing is headed to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk for his signature. House Bill 1123 would update current law to reduce the age at which colorectal cancer screenings are covered from 50 to 45, update the guidelines referenced in the law to the most recent edition, and update the tests covered by insurance to those recommended by those guidelines. The bill was introduced by state Rep. Pat Gallagher, D-Phila., who is a survivor of colorectal cancer. “As a survivor of colorectal cancer, I know firsthand the impact that early detection and proper care can have on an individual's journey through the labyrinth of cancer,” said Gallagher. “This legislation is not just about updating insurance coverage; it's about saving lives and ensuring that no one has to face the challenges of colorectal cancer alone and that every Pennsylvanian, regardless of their circumstances, can access the screenings that could make all the difference.” Current insurance law requires health insurance coverage for routine colorectal cancer screenings starting at age 50, but that requirement is based on American Cancer Society standards published in 2008. Several other states have updated to the more recent American Cancer Society guidelines from 2018, which Read more

 

Legislation to unleash local bridge funds passes PA Senate, heads to governor’s desk

(Oct 21, 2026) Rep. Nate Davidson

“This bill is a commonsense solution that shifts our bridge maintenance strategy from reactive to proactive,” said Davidson. “County commissioners and local officials live in these communities and know their roads and bridges far better than anyone in the Capitol. The money is already sitting there in local accounts; this legislation simply cuts the red tape so local leaders can put those dollars to work and keep our drivers safe before a bridge reaches the brink of failure.” Read more

 

Briggs announces Judiciary Committee advances warrant requirement, transit protections and court security review

(Oct 21, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 21 – State Rep. Tim Briggs, chair of the House Judiciary Committee, announced that the committee has approved three measures aimed at protecting private property rights and improving safety for public transit workers, passengers and people who work in or visit local courts. “These measures address important protections for Pennsylvanians — on their property, on public transit and in their local courts,” Briggs said. “Each takes a practical step toward making sure people’s rights and safety are respected.” Briggs said the following bills will now head to the full House for consideration: Senate Bill 1431 , sponsored by Sen. Daniel Laughlin, would require Pennsylvania Game Commission personnel to get a valid warrant before entering private property outside of buildings, whether or not the land is posted against trespassing. The bill would add a warrant requirement to the sections of Pennsylvania’s Game Code governing commission personnel and enforcement officers. Current law gives Game Commission personnel broad authority to enter private land outside of buildings, including property marked with no-trespassing signs. Senate Bill 210 , sponsored by Sen. Joe Picozzi, would make it a felony to attack transit workers, physically threaten them with immediate serious injury or death or interfere with their work in a way that injures or kills someone else. The bill Read more

 

Adjusted curfew for youth EMS volunteers to become law

(Oct 21, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 21 – The Pennsylvania Senate yesterday passed H.B. 2014, which would adjust the current curfew rules for minors volunteering with emergency services. The bill, introduced by state Rep. Greg Scott, D-Montgomery, allows minors to engage in training and firefighting activities until 10 p.m. any night of the year. “The number of Pennsylvania residents volunteering for their local fire companies has been in steady decline since the 1970s,” Scott said. “We’re in crisis. Many of our emergency response organizations are chronically understaffed and unable to respond efficiently to calls. This bill helps position us to grow our volunteer base, starting with our youngest volunteers.” Under the state’s Child Labor Act, minors can engage in training or firefighting activities until 10 p.m. the night before a school day. Yet on weekends, holidays and over summer academic breaks, that curfew is only 9 p.m. Scott said that this updated curfew will help support the pipeline of trained volunteers needed to respond to community emergencies. “The restrictions in the old law are arbitrary and only added a barrier for some companies to adequately train new volunteers,” Scott said. “Making the curfew 10 p.m. year-round is a small change that can make scheduling and holding trainings easier on many volunteer-run outfits. That can Read more

 

Neilson applauds passage of Road Work Safety Zone legislation

(Oct 20, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

House Bill 2336 will require the Pennsylvania Transportation Department to educate prospective drivers about safety in work zones and the related penalties. PennDOT must also include at least one question relating to safe driving in work zones on the Pennsylvania driver’s license exam. Read more

 

Green bill to make parking fees transparent headed to governor’s desk

(Oct 20, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 20 – A bill sponsored by state Rep. Roni Green, D-Phila., that would require transparency of residential parking fees for tenants has been approved by the Pennsylvania state Senate and is headed to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk for his signature. House Bill 344 would require landlords to define parking availability and the associated fees to prospective tenants before they sign a lease. Green said transparency is needed so people aren’t stuck with unexpected parking fees after moving into a new home. Read more

 

Fiedler celebrates House passage of utility rate transparency bill

(Oct 20, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct 20 - Today, H.B. 2584, a bill to create a user-friendly public utility rate case record, passed the PA House with unanimous support. State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., introduced the bill as a companion to a Senate bill (S.B. 1254), sponsored by state Sen. Michele Brooks, R-Crawford/Mercer/Lawrence. The bill would direct the Public Utility Commission to create a centralized, searchable database containing information on all utility rates under the commission’s jurisdiction. Currently, information relating to utility rate increases is accessible only on a case-by-case basis on various pages of the PUC’s website. “As utility bills continue to rise month after month, electric customers deserve to know how those decisions were made — without having to spend countless hours researching and tracking down information,” Fiedler said. “This is a practical change that gives Pennsylvanians more access to information that should already be accessible to them.” Last month, the House Consumer Protection, Technology & Utilities Committee unanimously approved the bill with an amendment clarifying the exemption for telecommunications carriers. The bill has no known opposition and is supported by the Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate. “I appreciate Representative Fiedler introducing H.B. 2584, companion legislation to my S.B. 1254, and am thankful the House Read more

 

Firefighter legislation backed by Scott signed into law
2 hours ago

PA Animal Protection Caucus celebrates “Beagle Bill” signature into law
2 hours ago

House adopts Matzie resolution calling attention to Agent Orange impact on Vietnam War veterans, families
6 hours ago

Briggs’ anti-swatting bill signed into law
1 day ago

Freeman bill to allow more land banks for community revitalization poised to become law
1 day ago

Senate passes Salisbury bill to mandate newborn screening for Gaucher disease
1 day ago

House adopts Matzie resolution designating Oct. 11-17 as ‘Credit Union Week’ in Pennsylvania
1 day ago

Neilson celebrates historic passage of statewide electrical licensing legislation
1 day ago

Rivera legislation protecting children from online victimization and hazing heads to the governor’s desk: Bill tightens mandated reporter obligations in the age of AI
1 day ago

Elijah’s Law to put lifesaving epinephrine in PA childcare centers heads to governor’s desk
1 day ago

Steele applauds Senate approval of bill to ban cell phones in schools
1 day ago

House passes companion to Matzie bill that would require automated external defibrillators at utility and electrical linework job sites
1 day ago

Benham bill classifying 911 dispatchers as first responders to become law
Oct 21, 2026

Bill promoting early colorectal cancer detection heads to governor’s desk
Oct 21, 2026

Legislation to unleash local bridge funds passes PA Senate, heads to governor’s desk
Oct 21, 2026

Briggs announces Judiciary Committee advances warrant requirement, transit protections and court security review
Oct 21, 2026

Adjusted curfew for youth EMS volunteers to become law
Oct 21, 2026

Neilson applauds passage of Road Work Safety Zone legislation
Oct 20, 2026

Green bill to make parking fees transparent headed to governor’s desk
Oct 20, 2026

Fiedler celebrates House passage of utility rate transparency bill
Oct 20, 2026