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Bill supporting EMS participation by minors passes Pa. House

(7 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 29 – The state House today voted unanimously to update the Pennsylvania Child Labor Act to allow 14- and 15-year-old emergency service volunteers to engage in training and firefighting activities until 10 p.m. on any night of the year. The bill’s prime sponsor, state Rep. Greg Scott, D-Montgomery, said that this change will help support the pipeline of trained volunteers needed to respond to community emergencies. “By some estimates, Pennsylvania has one-tenth of the volunteer firefighters we had in the 1970s,” Scott said. “Many of our emergency response organizations are chronically understaffed and unable to respond efficiently to calls. It’s a bad situation, and without action, it’s only going to get worse.” 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. “The difference between school nights and non-school nights is an oversight that prevents engaged, ambitious young people from helping their communities after an arbitrary timepoint. Making their curfew 10 p.m. all year is a small change that can make a huge difference in an emergency,” Scott said. Under state law, youth may join a volunteer fire company as young as age 14 with Read more

 

Legislation to ban surveillance prices by ride-hailing companies passes House

(7 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Legislation to ban surveillance prices by ride-hailing companies passes House Read more

 

Cryptocurrency corruption prevention bill passes the House

(7 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Cryptocurrency corruption prevention bill passes the House Read more

 

Grant Memo: Nonprofit security, Redevelopment, Scholarship, and Additional Grant Opportunities for your District

(13 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Emergency Management Agency: Nonprofit Security Grant Who May Apply: Nonprofit organizations Use: Provides funding for physical and cybersecurity enhancements and other security-related activities to nonprofit organizations that are at high-risk of a terrorist or other extremist attack. Funds: This program is funded through FEMA using federal dollars. The maximum award request is $200,000. Application Deadline: July 14, 2026 More information: PEMA Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2026 First Chance Trust Fund Who May Apply: Eligibility for these funds is open to any school district identified as having statistically higher high school dropout and incarceration rates based on data from the PA Department of Education and the PA Department of Corrections. Please refer to Appendix A for a full listing of eligible school districts. Use: Direct financial support to eligible students via scholarship, administrative support directly related to the administration of student scholarships and connecting at-risk youth with community-based organizations, or community-based organization (CBO) direct programming support. Funds: A total of $3.3 million in state funding is being made available to support this initiative. PCCD anticipates awarding up to $150,000 per grantee for an initial two-year project period. Application Deadline: August 11, 2026 More Read more

 

Kenyatta votes ‘yes’ on historic $1.7 billion tax cut for Pennsylvanians

(Jun 25, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Affordability is one of the biggest problems facing Pennsylvania residents right now, I’m happy to vote for any legislation that lessens financial burden on people across the commonwealth. Read more

 

House Adopts Guzman Resolution Designating July 2026 as Culinary Arts Month in Pennsylvania

(Jun 25, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 29 — State Rep. Manuel Guzman, D-Berks, today announced H.R. 345 , designating July 2026 as “Culinary Arts Month” in Pennsylvania, a statewide initiative highlighting culinary education, professional training, and the Commonwealth’s food and hospitality industries. Adopted by the House of Representatives on June 10, the resolution recognizes the contributions of career and technical education programs and postsecondary institutions that prepare students for employment in food service, hospitality, and culinary innovation. It also highlights Pennsylvania’s restaurants, wineries, and food producers, which contribute to local economies and attract visitors from across the region. The Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association has expressed support for the measure, citing the importance of strengthening Pennsylvania’s hospitality talent pipeline. “Pennsylvania’s culinary and hospitality industries play a vital role in our economy, our communities and the experiences that define our Commonwealth,” said Joe Massaro, president & CEO of the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association. “Culinary Arts Month is an opportunity to celebrate the talented chefs, culinarians, educators, and hospitality professionals who create memorable dining experiences every day while inspiring the next generation of industry leaders. Through programs like Pennsylvania ProStart , students Read more

 

Probst votes for bill to strengthen support for private and parochial school students

(Jun 25, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 25 – State Rep. Tarah Probst voted to advance legislation on Monday that would strengthen how Pennsylvania supports students while ensuring taxpayers can clearly see how their dollars are being used—including for students in Monroe and Pike counties who benefit from these programs. House Bill 2632 would maintain the full $680 million currently allocated to the Educational Improvement Tax Credit and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit programs for the 2026-27 fiscal year. The legislation would also expand eligibility for early childhood education programs serving children from birth to age 2, broaden access for some of Pennsylvania’s lowest-income students and strengthen reporting and oversight requirements so taxpayers can better understand how scholarship funds are distributed and who benefits from the program. “Unfortunately, there has been a lot of misinformation circulating about this bill,” Probst said. “Contrary to recent text messages sent by a third party to residents throughout Monroe and Pike counties, this legislation would not cut a single dollar from these scholarship programs. The bill we voted on would maintain the full $680 million in educational tax credits for the 2026-27 fiscal year. Students currently receiving scholarships would continue to do so without interruption.” The legislation would provide additional oversight through the Auditor General’s Read more

 

Briggs announces Judiciary Committee advances six key bills

(Jun 25, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, JUNE 25 – State Rep. Tim Briggs, chairman of the Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee, announced today that the committee has approved several bills aimed at protecting children, strengthening public safety, improving fairness in the legal system and supporting the work of corrections and parole officials. “These bills tackle real issues affecting communities across Pennsylvania,” Briggs said. “They protect children, support victims of exploitation, improve transparency and fairness and help ensure that important public safety agencies can do their jobs effectively. I’m pleased the committee moved these measures forward so the full House can consider them.” The bills approved by the committee include: House Bill 1434 (Sponsored by Rep. Amen Brown) would increase penalties for retailers who illegally sell electronic cigarettes and vaping products to minors. Retailers would face fines of up to $5,000 for each violation, and businesses that repeatedly break the law would lose their license after a third offense. House Bill 2273 (Sponsored by Rep. Tom Jones) would require law enforcement agencies to provide clear written information when property is seized through civil asset forfeiture. The notice would explain a person's rights and provide information on how to seek the return of their property through the courts. Senate Bill 45 (Sponsored by Sens. Cris Dush and Maria Collett) Read more

 

Bill to protect benefits for foster youth in Pa. unanimously approved by House committee

(Jun 24, 2026) Rep. Rick Krajewski

HARRISBURG, June 24 – B ipartisan legislation sponsored by state Reps. Rick Krajewski and Sheryl Delozier that would end the practice of intercepting public benefits intended for foster youth was reported out of committee today with a unanimous vote and is ready for a vote by the full House . The bill (H.B. 151) would prevent PA agencies from intercepting the Social Security benefits intended foster youth receive, such as survivors benefits, and instead require those benefits to be conserved in a savings account for when a foster youth exits care. The federal Office of Administration for Children and Families in December demanded that states no longer intercept benefits, and 10 states have already worked to prohibit it. “These are funds that for many could mean the difference between homelessness and stable housing, between needing to work multiple jobs and having time to attend college, between lacking healthcare and receiving necessary treatment. These youth are not asking for handouts, they’re asking for what’s already theirs,” said Delozier, R-Cumberland, the co-prime sponsor of the bill. “It’s a bipartisan issue. Not one that’s defined by Republicans or Democrats, urban or rural. This is an issue that affects children in the foster care system no matter where they live.” “What makes up a fraction of our state’s spending could make a huge difference in the lives of foster youth, who often Read more

 

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

(Jun 24, 2026) 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

(Jun 24, 2026) 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

(Jun 24, 2026) 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

(Jun 24, 2026) 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

(Jun 24, 2026) 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

(Jun 23, 2026) 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

(Jun 23, 2026) 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

(Jun 23, 2026) 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

(Jun 23, 2026) 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

(Jun 22, 2026) 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

 

Bill supporting EMS participation by minors passes Pa. House
7 hours ago

Legislation to ban surveillance prices by ride-hailing companies passes House
7 hours ago

Cryptocurrency corruption prevention bill passes the House
7 hours ago

Grant Memo: Nonprofit security, Redevelopment, Scholarship, and Additional Grant Opportunities for your District
13 hours ago

Kenyatta votes ‘yes’ on historic $1.7 billion tax cut for Pennsylvanians
Jun 25, 2026

House Adopts Guzman Resolution Designating July 2026 as Culinary Arts Month in Pennsylvania
Jun 25, 2026

Probst votes for bill to strengthen support for private and parochial school students
Jun 25, 2026

Briggs announces Judiciary Committee advances six key bills
Jun 25, 2026

Bill to protect benefits for foster youth in Pa. unanimously approved by House committee
Jun 24, 2026

State House adopts Matzie resolution designating Sept. 21-27 as ‘Rail Safety Week’ in Pennsylvania
Jun 24, 2026

Pa. House passes Friel bill to create ‘pause button’ on data center rush
Jun 24, 2026

Bipartisan legislation to incentivize pharmaceutical & biomedical innovation passes PA House
Jun 24, 2026

Pennsylvania Common Cents Act passes House
Jun 24, 2026

Shusterman’s childcare study resolution passes House
Jun 24, 2026

House passes Bizzarro bill to cut taxes for Pennsylvania brewers
Jun 23, 2026

Pielli’s bill to protect pollinators by promoting native species landscaping passes Pennsylvania House
Jun 23, 2026

House Communications &Technology Committee prioritizes child safety by advancing bills on AI companions, school safety
Jun 23, 2026

Bill to allow more EV companies to do business in Pennsylvania approved by state House committee
Jun 23, 2026

House approves legislation to establish processes for reinstating parental rights, protect the rights of incarcerated parents
Jun 22, 2026

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