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Giral bill encouraging nuclear energy development passes Pa. House

(Feb 04, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Feb. 4 — Energy developers may soon find advancing smaller, more efficient nuclear reactors more affordable in Pennsylvania, thanks to legislation by state Rep. Jose Giral that passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today. House Bill 2017, which passed unanimously, would update the state’s fee structure for operators of nuclear energy sites to reflect how modern small modular reactors and micro reactors differ from traditional light-water reactors. Traditional light-water nuclear reactors typically operate on one site that has multiple reactors. “The nuclear reactors we all recognize today are housed on very large, sprawling sites,” said Giral, D-Phila. “They take extensive time and money to construct and to run. The up-front capital needed to build new ones is prohibitively expensive, and that’s making it harder for us to grow our nuclear power footprint here in Pennsylvania.” In contrast, SMRs require more, smaller sites with fewer reactors per site, which allows them to be built in areas with less access to existing power grids, like rural Pennsylvania. Their small size also allows them to be factory-built, rather than built on-site, so that they can be transported to areas where large-scale construction is difficult. And technological developments have made these smaller reactors more efficient than light-water Read more

 

Pa. House approves expansion of youth diversion programs with broad bipartisan support

(Feb 04, 2026) Rep. Rick Krajewski

“Diversion helps youth take accountability, saves taxpayer dollars and makes our communities safer,” said state Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., prime sponsor of H.B. 144. “It shouldn’t depend on what county you’re from; all of our children should have access to these services.” Read more

 

Pa. House passes Haddock bill to protect food processing workers

(Feb 04, 2026) Rep. Jim Haddock

Workers in the dangerous meat packing and food processing industries would be better protected under legislation passed today by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, according to prime sponsor state Rep. Jim Haddock. Read more

 

Briggs announces advancement of five bills from Judiciary Committee

(Feb 04, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Feb. 4 – State Rep. Tim Briggs, D-Montgomery, chair of the PA House Judiciary Committee, announced today that five bills have been voted out of committee and will now advance to the full House for further consideration. The legislation addresses a wide range of issues, including workplace protections, cultural institution support, construction law, and estate planning. House Bill 603 , sponsored by state Rep. Mary Isaacson, would extend the time employees have to file complaints under the Whistleblower Law from 180 days to two years, would allow for jury trials, and would permit recovery of punitive damages in cases of workplace discrimination, sexual harassment, or other harassment. House Bill 713 , sponsored by state Rep. Kristine Howard, would expand protections under Pennsylvania’s SLAPP law, which shields individuals from meritless lawsuits intended to intimidate or silence them for speaking out on matters of public concern. The bill specifically covers good-faith disclosures of sexual offenses, helping protect victims from costly defamation suits that often discourage reporting of sexual abuse or harassment. House Bill 1541 , sponsored by state Rep. Joe Hohenstein, would make it clear that contractors cannot be held responsible for mistakes or accidents caused by other parties. The bill also explains how insurance should cover additional people or companies involved in a project. Read more

 

PA House adopts Matzie resolutions on government transparency, Pennsylvania charter, multiple sclerosis

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

HARRISBURG, Feb. 4 – The Pennsylvania House today adopted two resolutions introduced by state Rep. Rob Matzie to highlight the importance of government transparency and the unique history of the commonwealth’s government, and a third resolution to raise awareness about multiple sclerosis. Matzie’s H.R. 398 designates March 15-21 as “Sunshine Week” in Pennsylvania to promote dialogue about the importance of open government and public access to government documents and meetings. “ The framers added freedom of speech and freedom of the press to the U.S. Constitution to ensure people have the power to openly question and challenge government actions and decisions and hold government accountable when it acts irresponsibly,” said Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus. “People lose that power when actions and decisions are made behind closed doors. “Pennsylvania’s Sunshine Act and Right to Know Law ensure that those decisions are made in the light of day and that citizens and the press have access to the meetings and documents that reveal critical information, including where tax dollars are being spent and what interests are being considered when decisions are made. In the digital age, with AI deepfakes and disinformation being used more and more to manipulate and distort the truth, that transparency has never been more Read more

 

Ciresi highlights focus on safeguards and protections for AI use, correcting a legacy of education underfunding and upgrading transit infrastructure in Governor Shapiro’s budget proposal

(Feb 04, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Feb. 4 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, reacted to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2026-27 budget unveiled Tuesday before a joint session of the General Assembly. “As Majority Chair of the House Communications & Technology Committee, I was very impressed and pleased to hear the Governor’s plan to position Pennsylvania as a leader in the race for AI supremacy in a way that puts Pennsylvanians first and protects our environment. The Governor is clear about setting strong guardrails and protections, especially for the most vulnerable users, reinforcing the critical role of human judgement in the operation of AI, and expanding digital and AI literacy in the commonwealth. I look forward to our committee’s important work on these issues in the months ahead. “The budget will continue to make historic investments in our schools, with $8.31 billion (a $50 million increase) for Basic Education Funding, $1.58 billion (a $50 million increase) for Special Education Funding and $1.95 billion (a $565 million increase) to fulfill the court-mandated third installment to close the funding gap between wealthy and underfunded districts. “As a longtime advocate of cyber charter reform, I was pleased to hear that the necessary reforms we still need to make, which will save school districts and taxpayers another $75 million each year, remains a priority. This would build on the $178 million in estimated savings from the 2025-2026 Read more

 

Two bills supporting local journalism approved in committee

(Feb 04, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Feb. 4 – The Pennsylvania House Communications and Technology Committee today advanced two bills aimed at supporting the development of local journalism across the commonwealth. “For the past 20 years, we’ve seen a troubling decline in the number of local newspapers and reporters covering important community issues,” said state Rep. Joseph Ciresi, D-Montgomery. “Thousands of newspapers have closed, and the number of newsroom employees has dropped by more than half. Local journalism in Pennsylvania needs support. The first weeks of 2026 underscore the urgency: the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette announced it will shut down, the Clinton County Record ceased publication, and the LNP Media Group in Lancaster, along with Lehigh Valley Public Media, announced significant layoffs. “The decline in local news reporting is having a devastating impact on our democracy,” Ciresi added. “If residents don’t know what’s happening in their towns and cities, how can they understand what issues need attention or hold leaders accountable? An informed electorate is the foundation of an engaged one.” Ciresi noted that the proposed bills aim to reduce news deserts by placing journalists in communities where they are needed most, preserving a strong local media environment across Pennsylvania. Introduced by state Rep. Chris Rabb, D-Phila., the legislative package addresses the growing shortage of Read more

 

Briggs anti-swatting bill passes House

(Feb 04, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Feb. 4 – Legislation introduced by state Rep. Tim Briggs, D-Montgomery, to strengthen penalties for swatting incidents targeting school entities and institutions of higher education passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today and now heads to the Senate for further consideration. House Bill 1935 would increase penalties for anyone convicted of making fake emergency reports—commonly known as “swatting”—that target school entities and institutions of higher education. Specifically, the bill would require the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing to provide for a sentencing enhancement in cases involving a terroristic threat against a school entity or an institution of higher education. It also allows judges to order restitution to cover the cost of emergency responses, supplies, equipment and overtime pay for first responders and affected employees. “Swatting is not a prank — it’s a dangerous and costly crime that puts lives at risk, wastes valuable resources, and causes real trauma,” Briggs said. “We saw this firsthand when a false report of an active shooter at Villanova University last year led to a massive police response. Dozens of public schools, colleges and universities across Pennsylvania have faced these types of threats, and it’s time to send a clear message that there will be serious consequences.” In August 2025, Villanova Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation supports Shapiro budget proposal

(Feb 03, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Feb. 3 – The Philadelphia House Delegation offered their support for the 2026-27 state budget proposed today by Gov. Josh Shapiro. Chairwoman Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., said the proposal is a great starting point that would deliver for all Philadelphians. Read more

 

Conklin: Proposed budget spends responsibly to help students and working families

(Feb 03, 2026) Rep. Scott Conklin

“The governor’s plan makes sense to me because it focuses on helping working families thrive, boosting jobs, and strengthening our public schools – all without raising taxes." Read more

 

Steele welcomes governor's support for restricting cell phones in schools

(Feb 03, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. Mandy Steele, D-Allegheny, today expressed strong support for Gov. Josh Shapiro’s renewed backing of restrictions on cell phone use in Pennsylvania schools, highlighted in his annual budget address. Read more

 

Matzie: governor’s proposed budget would deliver dollars where they’re needed

(Feb 03, 2026) Rep. Robert F. Matzie

HARRISBURG, Feb. 3 – State Rep. Rob Matzie issued the following statement in response to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget address today: “The governor’s address was a positive first step in the budget process,” said Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus. “The proposed budget plan would deliver needed investments to our public schools, our workforce, and initiatives to make life more affordable for Beaver County residents – all without adding any new taxes. “To continue leveling the playing field for all public school students – regardless of ZIP code – the new budget would invest more than $500 million in additional equity funding that will provide block grants to historically underfunded districts. The new plan would also increase funding for basic and special education by $50 million each. Our Beaver County schools would see across-the-board increases to help our students thrive. “To strengthen our workforce and create more jobs, the plan would increase funding for career and technical education and vocational rehabilitation, childcare recruitment and retention, and teacher professional development and stipends. “Housing costs take the largest chunk out of a family’s budget, so having access to safe, affordable housing is key to financial stability. To increase the availability of affordable housing, the proposed budget would create a Read more

 

Burns welcomes governor’s call to fight waste, fraud, abuse

(Feb 03, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

As he works to crack down on financial waste, fraud and abuse, state Rep. Frank Burns today said he welcomes the support Gov. Josh Shapiro announced for protecting taxpayers with a state False Claims Act in his annual budget address. Read more

 

Schlossberg applauds governor’s proposed investments in schools, job creation, mental health care

(Feb 03, 2026) Rep. Mike Schlossberg

“Pennsylvania needs to be a strong partner for education, job creation and mental health care. Governor Shapiro’s proposal reflects that strong partnership with our schools, businesses and workers, and mental health care providers. This is the first step in the process. Working with my colleagues in the Pennsylvania House, I am eager to get to work on the 2026-27 budget.” Read more

 

House Energy Committee advances bill to address energy affordability

(Feb 03, 2026) Rep. Kyle T. Donahue

HARRISBURG, Feb. 3 – On Monday, the PA House Energy Committee voted to advance legislation aimed at protecting consumers from rising costs associated with data center projects. Separately, the committee heard testimony on bills that would enhance reporting and transparency from data centers and provide local officials with a model ordinance to guide responsible development.Data center projects are rapidly proliferating nationwide due to the explosive growth of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and video streaming.As chair of the House Energy Committee, state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., has made it a priority to shield consumers from bearing additional costs related to these projects.“People’s bills are too high. We need to do everything we can to keep bills down and ensure the heat and lights come on when Pennsylvanians need them,” said Fiedler. “Affordability and reliability are at the heart of the work we are doing on the Energy Committee, and these bills are a key part of that. Without accountability, big for-profit tech companies could try to push more costs onto everyday consumers.”The Data Center Consumer Protection Bill (H.B. 1834), sponsored by state Rep. Robert Matzie, D-Beaver, was amended and approved by the committee. A public hearing on the bill was held in October 2025. If enacted, the legislation would protect ratepayers by establishing a regulatory framework for data centers operating in Pennsylvania.“Today’s vote brings us one step closer to... Read more

 

House passes Bizzarro bill to bolster representation for drivers with disabilities

(Feb 03, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Legislation aimed at giving drivers with disabilities a stronger voice in state licensing decisions passed the Pennsylvania House Tuesday with overwhelming bipartisan support, Rep. Ryan Bizzarro (D-Erie), the bill’s sponsor, announced. Read more

 

Salisbury bill would help protect tree canopy for communities

(Feb 02, 2026) Rep. Abigail Salisbury

HARRISBURG, Feb. 3 – Legislation newly introduced by state Rep. Abigail Salisbury would help preserve the tree canopy in Pennsylvania communities by requiring utility companies to plant a new tree for each one they cut down. Salisbury, D-Allegheny, said she introduced H.B. 2161 after residents and environmental advocates in her district expressed growing concerns that trees were being unnecessarily removed, rather than simply pruned or trimmed. “Preserving the tree canopy is critical for urban environments – not just because trees beautify the landscape, but because they provide so many other benefits, from reducing air pollution and stormwater runoff to providing cooling shade and reducing energy costs, to raising property values and increasing pedestrian traffic for local businesses. “Residents recognize the need for utilities to trim and prune trees – and sometimes even remove them – to ensure vegetation does not interfere with power lines. But it’s critical to ensure that those management efforts are done with an eye toward what is best for residents and the environment. My bill would do that by requiring a utility that removes a tree to plant a new one, within two years, in a location of the municipality’s choice.” Salisbury said her bill would align tree removal by electric utilities with existing regulations that require utilities to repair damage Read more

 

Bipartisan lawmakers gather to create a pro-housing agenda for Pennsylvania

(Feb 02, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“Every person deserves a safe place to call home, yet far too many Pennsylvanians lack access to this basic human right,” Solomon concluded. “Today was a call to action for all of us to work together to solve the housing crisis. This is an issue we can all agree on -- people deserve to live with dignity.” Read more

 

Scott bill requiring stays on evictions during extreme weather approved by committee

(Feb 02, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

House Bill 2023 would require a judge to halt the execution of an eviction order on a day-to-day basis when below-freezing temperatures, winter storm or blizzard warnings, excessive heat warnings, and hurricane or tropical storm warnings are in effect. Read more

 

House passes Freeman bill to allow memorials for first responders

(Feb 02, 2026) Rep. Robert L. Freeman

“First responders are there whenever we need them in an emergency and they deserve to be honored by their communities,” Freeman said. Read more

 

Giral bill encouraging nuclear energy development passes Pa. House
Feb 04, 2026

Pa. House approves expansion of youth diversion programs with broad bipartisan support
Feb 04, 2026

Pa. House passes Haddock bill to protect food processing workers
Feb 04, 2026

Briggs announces advancement of five bills from Judiciary Committee
Feb 04, 2026

PA House adopts Matzie resolutions on government transparency, Pennsylvania charter, multiple sclerosis
Feb 04, 2026

Ciresi highlights focus on safeguards and protections for AI use, correcting a legacy of education underfunding and upgrading transit infrastructure in Governor Shapiro’s budget proposal
Feb 04, 2026

Two bills supporting local journalism approved in committee
Feb 04, 2026

Briggs anti-swatting bill passes House
Feb 04, 2026

Philadelphia House Delegation supports Shapiro budget proposal
Feb 03, 2026

Conklin: Proposed budget spends responsibly to help students and working families
Feb 03, 2026

Steele welcomes governor's support for restricting cell phones in schools
Feb 03, 2026

Matzie: governor’s proposed budget would deliver dollars where they’re needed
Feb 03, 2026

Burns welcomes governor’s call to fight waste, fraud, abuse
Feb 03, 2026

Schlossberg applauds governor’s proposed investments in schools, job creation, mental health care
Feb 03, 2026

House Energy Committee advances bill to address energy affordability
Feb 03, 2026

House passes Bizzarro bill to bolster representation for drivers with disabilities
Feb 03, 2026

Salisbury bill would help protect tree canopy for communities
Feb 02, 2026

Bipartisan lawmakers gather to create a pro-housing agenda for Pennsylvania
Feb 02, 2026

Scott bill requiring stays on evictions during extreme weather approved by committee
Feb 02, 2026

House passes Freeman bill to allow memorials for first responders
Feb 02, 2026