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Isaacson, Bellmon legislation enhancing judicial protections passes PA General Assembly

(Oct 09, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 9 – Today, legislation authored by state Reps. Mary Isaacson and Anthony Bellmon, both D-Phila., to enhance protections for federal judges, judicial officers and their families, passed the Pennsylvania General Assembly. House Bill 1700 would prohibit disclosing the personally identifiable information of federal judges, judicial officers and their families when there is intent to cause harm or interrupt the person from carrying out their duties. “Judges and judicial officers serve a crucial role as arbiters of a fair and balanced justice system,” Isaacson said. “In recent years, we have seen core pillars of our democracy attacked, which causes irreputable harm to our democracy and society. This legislation will serve to provide additional protections so judges can uphold their duty without threats of violence or intimidation.” "The justice system serves as a pillar of American Democracy. Threats and acts of violence against the judicial branch affect each and every one of us," Bellmon said. “As the number of threats against the judiciary continues to rise, we must ensure judges are protected from retaliation so that they can properly serve justice in our commonwealth." The bill passed the PA House unanimously in December and passed the state Senate unanimously today. It now heads to Gov. Shapiro’s desk for his signature to become state law. Read more

 

Bill to designate Diwali as an official Pa. holiday passes General Assembly

(Oct 09, 2024) Rep. Arvind Venkat

HARRISBURG, Oct. 9 – Legislation that would make Diwali an official holiday in Pennsylvania passed the General Assembly with a bipartisan majority today and will soon become law. Senate Bill 402 was introduced by state Sens. Greg Rothman, R-Cumberland/Dauphin/Perry, and Nikil Saval, D-Phila., and would not require school, government or employer closings. “Thousands of Pennsylvanians celebrate Diwali each year, as a time of reflection and gathering,” Rothman said. “Recognizing Diwali as an official state holiday upholds and celebrates our commonwealth’s rich cultural diversity.” “Wherever we’re from and whatever our background, all of us deserve to have our cultures recognized and honored. As the number of Asian Americans grows steadily here in Pennsylvania and across the country, our commonwealth’s official recognition of Diwali sends a clear message of inclusion,” Saval added. “I am so proud to have worked with my colleagues in the state legislature to put Pennsylvania at the forefront by acknowledging Diwali’s deep cultural significance and inviting all people to reflect on the endless struggle of light over darkness.” State Rep. Arvind Venkat’s companion legislation, House Bill 436 , passed the Pennsylvania House in April of last year. “Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated by over a billion Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists worldwide, including hundreds Read more

 

Neilson committee advances legislation to increase transit funding in all 67 PA counties

(Oct 09, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. Ed Neilson, majority chair of the PA House Transportation Committee, announced today that the committee has advanced legislation (H.B. 2625) to increase state funding for transit agencies in all 67 counties. “Residents of all 67 counties rely on public transportation for their employment, education or health care, all of which play a part to keep our economy strong,” Neilson said. “Rural, suburban, and urban communities all need reliable and accessible transit services.” This bill would increase the allocation of existing sales tax revenue going to transit agencies from 4.4% to 6.15% without raising taxes. This increase will provide an additional $1.5 billion over the next five years to transit agencies across Pennsylvania. This amount of funding was recommended by Gov. Josh Shapiro during his 2024-25 budget address last February. The House previously approved two other proposals this session to increase transit funding, but they have not been considered by the state Senate. “I am hopeful that the House and Senate can come together to reach a solution as soon as possible,” Neilson said. The legislation was introduced after Neilson led the House Transportation Committee on a statewide tour, listening to Pennsylvanians and transit experts speak about the importance of a robust and reliable public transportation system throughout Pennsylvania. “We visited Read more

 

Rabb disappointed at lack of perceptible change in Juvenile Justice Task Force-informed legislation

(Oct 09, 2024) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

HARRISBURG, Oct. 9 – Yesterday, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed S.B. 169 , which would accept certain recommendations put forth by Pennsylvania’s Juvenile Justice Task Force that state Rep. Chris Rabb, D-Phila., said represent little to no real change when compared to the breadth and scope of the task force’s full recommendations . The bill would require courts to hold disposition review hearings at least every three months for the purpose of ensuring that each child committed to out-of-home placement is receiving necessary services and treatment. “I can’t help but to feel like this legislation represents reform in only the most minimalist of ways,” Rabb said. “The Juvenile Justice Task Force put forth recommendations that would represent substantial change to the commonwealth’s juvenile legal system. We must act as a legislative body to enact the more substantive proposed reforms in service of justice for adjudicated youth of Pennsylvania.” Recommendation 9 from the task force, which stated that the commonwealth should narrow the criteria for trying youth as adults by eliminating statutory exclusion — also known as “direct file” — from juvenile court, echoed part of legislation, H.B. 1551 , that Rabb introduced this session that would end the charging of youths as adults. That legislation is Read more

 

Howard’s horseracing regulation extension bill passes House

(Oct 09, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“Sadly, the prior safety standards of racehorses in Pennsylvania were lacking and threatened the health of horses,” Howard said. “These standards adopted by the State Horse Racing Commission ensure horseracing is safe for the horses involved until the new federal requirements are known and can be incorporated into the industry. I thank my colleagues for uniting on this issue to keep these great standards in place, instead of allowing horseracing to fall by the wayside.” Read more

 

Warren measure advances Flood Insurance Premium Assistance Task Force’s recommendation

(Oct 09, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE State Rep. Perry Warren D-Bucks County www.pahouse.com/ Warren Warren measure advances Flood Insurance Premium Assistance Task Force’s recommendation HARRISBURG, Oct. 8 – Acting on a recommendation from the Flood Insurance Premium Assistance Task Force, state Rep. Perry Warren successfully amended Senate legislation (S.B. 1241) to add two hours of flood insurance training to the continuing education requirements of insurance brokers. The bulk of S.B. 1241 , sponsored by state Sen. Chris Gebhard, R-Berks/Lancaster/Lebanon, deals with pre-examination education requirements for insurance producer licensees. The bill passed the House today and heads back to the state Senate for a concurrence vote. Warren, the vice-chair of the House Insurance Committee, proposed the flood insurance continuing education amendment in the committee. “The House passed this bill as Hurricane Milton is approaching landfall in the United States. The Flood Insurance Premium Assistance Task Force met throughout the first half of this year to work to lower the rates of flood insurance and mitigate the impact of floods for residents and municipalities,” Warren said. “This amendment implements one of the recommendations of the task force and I look forward to working Read more

 

Ciresi presents $50K check for The Carousel at Pottstown’s renovations

(Oct 08, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 8 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, presented a mock check representing the $50,000 grant he secured from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development for renovations to The Carousel at Pottstown. Read more

 

Pa. House passes legislation freezing property taxes for longtime homeowners

(Oct 08, 2024) Rep. Christina Sappey

HARRISBURG, Oct. 8 – The Pennsylvania House on Monday unanimously passed a bill aimed at freezing property taxes for longtime homeowners. House Bill 2536 would amend the state constitution by removing the limitation permitting Longtime Owner-Occupant Programs only in Allegheny and Philadelphia counties, thereby enabling future legislation to allow all local taxing authorities the option to adopt such a program to provide greater levels of tax relief to seniors. LOOPs provide property tax relief to homeowners who have lived in their homes for at least 10 years by exempting or deferring property tax increases – even if their home assessment values increase in future years. “We’ve been hearing about the impact high property taxes have, particularly on our senior citizens, for decades, so I am very pleased that my colleagues in the House unanimously supported our bill,” said state Rep. Christina Sappey, D-Chester , who sponsored the bill. “This legislation would provide local governments a way to help those who have lived in their homes over a decade and have felt the burden of rapidly rising property taxes the most. Our state constitution already allows Philadelphia and Allegheny counties the option of creating LOOPs. It’s time to make this mechanism available to the whole state. I believe creating options to address property tax burdens on an ever-aging state is a worthwhile endeavor.” Read more

 

Children & Youth Committee hosts informational meeting on protecting public benefits for foster youth

(Oct 08, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

The PA House Children & Youth Committee held an informational meeting today to discuss legislation (H.B. 2617) recently introduced by state Reps. Rick Krajewski and Sheryl Delozier. By requiring counties to screen for and conserve foster youth benefits in a savings account for when a foster youth exits care, the bill would ensure that foster youths receive the public benefits to which they are legally entitled, such as Social Security, disability and veterans’ benefits. Under existing state regulations, and despite efforts for reform in Philadelphia , county foster care agencies regularly intercept and spend tens of thousands in benefits intended for foster youth. “Orphaned and disabled foster youth are some of the most vulnerable children in the state and have extremely limited resources. Just like other foster youth, children who receive public benefits should not be charged for their own care,” said Krajewski . “This legislation will give our counties the go-ahead they need to fully advocate for the youth in their care and provide many children life-altering financial support when they age out of the system.” “The children in the foster care system deserve for their government to do everything they can to help them,” said Delozier . “The testimony we heard at our informational meeting will help us craft a bill to make sure the youth in our foster system get the benefits Read more

 

House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee advances Senate bills mirroring House PA One Call, motorcycle lemon law bills

(Oct 07, 2024) Rep. Robert Matzie

HARRISBURG, Oct. 7 – The PA House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee today advanced two Senate bills that match or closely track previously approved House bills, moving the proposed laws closer to the governor’s desk, Majority Chair Rob Matzie announced. Matzie said he was encouraged by the alignment of the House and Senate bills – which deal with reauthorizing PA’s One Call safe digging law and establishing Lemon Law protections for motorcycle consumers – because that meeting of the minds promises speedy enactment of both measures. “We’re always glad when we can successfully negotiate both across the aisle and across chambers with our colleagues in the state Senate,” Matzie said. “Today, our committee advanced two important pieces of legislation – one that closely mirrors my bill the House recently passed to reauthorize PA One Call and a second that is identical to my House colleague’s bill to establish a motorcycle Lemon Law in PA. “It’s great to have that meeting of the minds, because it allows us to get important legislation across the finish line quickly, where it can go to work protecting folks.” The bills are S.B. 1237 and H.B. 2189 (reauthorizing PA One Call) and S.B. 155 and H.B. 360 (amending the state Lemon Law Read more

 

Probst looks to enhance computer literacy skills in K-12

(Oct 07, 2024) Rep. Tarah Probst

"Research has shown that exposure to computer science as part of school curricula can lead to more students pursuing careers in computer science,” said Probst. Read more

 

Matzie receives 2024 Distinguished Service Award from Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association

(Oct 04, 2024) Rep. Robert Matzie

HARRISBURG, Oct. 4 – State Rep. Rob Matzie has been awarded the Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association’s 2024 Distinguished Service Award for his legislative efforts to strengthen protections for ratepayers and municipal water authorities. Matzie – who has introduced legislation to protect the interests of consumers when private companies seek to purchase municipal water and wastewater systems – said he was honored to work with PMAA to safeguard ratepayers and bring greater fairness to these transactions. “Municipal water authorities and their workers provide safe and reliable water to millions of Pennsylvanians, including those in my legislative district,” said Matzie, who is majority chairman of the Pennsylvania House Consumer Protection, Technology, and Utilities Committee. “I appreciate PMAA’s work to support and strengthen those authorities. “I’m honored and humbled to receive this award, and I continue to advocate for Act 12 reform in Harrisburg to protect ratepayers and ensure an even playing field between municipal authorities and private water companies.” “Representative Matzie has been instrumental in raising awareness about Act 12 reform and the impact of so-called ‘fair market value’ on the ratepayer,” said PMAA President Bill Ross. “He is also the prime sponsor of House Bills 1862, 1863, 1864 Read more

 

Ciresi’s bill to prevent confusion in insurance ambulance reimbursement

(Oct 03, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 3 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today introduced legislation (H.B. 2618) designed to prevent confusion when patients receive insurance reimbursement checks for ambulance services. According to Ciresi, many people receiving these payments from their insurance company in the mail misspend the funds, not realizing the money is to pay for an ambulance ride or other EMS services and are then liable for delayed or missed payments to the EMS provider, collection efforts, or even theft charges. Ciresi stressed that EMS providers are losing hundreds of thousands of dollars in needed revenue as a result of this confusion and are forced to divert resources to trying to collect that money. “My legislation would resolve this confusion by simply requiring a noticeable, red-colored letter to be included with any insurance reimbursement checks for EMS services sent directly to the patient,” Ciresi said. “The letter would clearly explain the purpose of the check and outline the patient’s responsibilities so that they don’t keep or spend it by mistake. At a time when our EMS agencies are already struggling with funding, they would greatly benefit from this simple solution to a chronic issue that is causing them financial distress.” Read more

 

Rabb lauds passage of consumer protection legislation tackling utility reconnection fees

(Oct 02, 2024) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

HARRISBURG, Oct. 2 – Legislation ( H.B. 675 ) introduced by state Rep. Chris Rabb, D-Phila., that would better protects consumers in danger of having their utilities shut off was included in a bill ( H.B. 1077 ) passed by the PA House today. The legislation would reauthorize Chapter 14 and protect consumers with lower incomes from public utility reconnection fees by prohibiting reconnection fees for customers below 250% of the federal poverty level and requiring a provision for fees paid by consumers between 250% and 400% of the federal poverty to be applied to any arrearage they have. “This win for consumers is a result of diligent work, tireless effort and constant communication with the House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee,” Rabb said. “It’s not perfect, but it will help a lot of folks. I am thrilled that legislation I’ve been continuously fighting for years for could play a part in getting this process underway.” The PA House-passed bill will now go to the state Senate for consideration. Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation applauds the work of the Stop and Go Legislative Task Force

(Oct 02, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

The Philadelphia House Delegation today applauded the efforts of the Stop and Go Legislative Task Force as they released their final report and recommendations. The task force was charged with suggesting remedies to quality-of-life issues in communities surrounding nuisance establishments. The group studied existing laws, toured impacted neighborhoods and establishments, and held public hearings to receive testimony to inform their work. Read more

 

Rabb highlights legislation to remedy wrongful convictions on International Wrongful Conviction Day

(Oct 02, 2024) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

HARRISBURG, Oct. 2 – On this International Wrongful Conviction Day, state Rep. Chris Rabb, D-Phila., highlighted legislation ( H.B. 987 ) that would compensate people who have been wrongfully convicted in Pennsylvania. “When the state unjustly takes a person’s liberty, it has a responsibility to help repair the damage,” Rabb said . “Pennsylvania, as one of 15 states that does not have a law to compensate the wrongfully convicted, is not upholding its responsibility to exonerees who have lost years of their lives to wrongful imprisonment.” This legislation would help exonerees re-enter society by: Providing monetary compensation to those wrongfully convicted and those wrongfully imprisoned. Providing additional monetary compensation to those wrongfully placed on the state sex offender registry, on parole or on death row. Establishing a mechanism for additional supports, including education, housing and reasonable reintegrative mental and physical health services. This legislation would also establish the Exoneree Community Trust Fund, a restricted fund housed in the Office of the State Treasurer. Staff would be responsible for creating an investment policy statement, managing these investments and reporting to members of the fund’s investment advisory board, some of whom may be exonerees themselves, Rabb said. “This bill is the result of extensive conversations with, Read more

 

Rabb ‘greenwashing’ legislation passes Pa. House Judiciary Committee

(Oct 02, 2024) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

HARRISBURG, Oct. 2 – Legislation, H.B. 2525 , introduced by state Rep. Chris Rabb, D-Phila., that would prohibit corporations from engaging in the deceitful and manipulative practice of “greenwashing” in the commonwealth passed out of the Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee today. This legislation would ensure that there is truth in marketing by amending the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law to explicitly prohibit deceptive environmental marketing claims. “For decades now, corporations have taken advantage of environmentally conscious consumers by intentionally marketing their products in a manner that makes them appear better for the planet than they really are. This devious and manipulative practice is known as ‘greenwashing.’ You often see it when companies use terms such as ‘net zero,’ ‘low carbon’ or ‘cleaner energy,’ even if those claims are not based in reality or are aspirational at best,” Rabb said . “As we increasingly experience the drastic effects of the climate crisis, such as more intense storms, floods, droughts and wildfires, the last thing Pennsylvania consumers need is to be lied to as they try to make informed purchasing decisions.” Rabb, a four-term lawmaker representing four neighborhoods in northwest Philadelphia, is a founding member of the PA Climate Caucus and serves on the Read more

 

House passes Matzie bills to keep important protections in place for consumers, workers

(Oct 02, 2024) Rep. Robert Matzie

HARRISBURG, Oct. 2 – The Pennsylvania House today passed two bills by state Rep. Rob Matzie that would reauthorize soon-to-expire laws protecting utility customers and safeguarding workers and underground utilities from excavation damage. Matzie’s H.B. 1077 would reauthorize Chapter 14 utility shutoff protections. “Our laws need to reflect people’s real-world needs, especially when they involve essential services,” said Matzie, who is majority chairman of the House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee. “Our utility shutoff law does this by providing customers with a range of payment plans, but the law is set to expire by the end of the year. My bill would reauthorize the law and strengthen it, so it provides more options to help folks keep the power on.” The House also passed Matzie’s H.B. 2189 , which would reauthorize the soon-to-expire PA One Call law that safeguards workers and prevents major damage to underground utility lines. “PA One Call – which requires anyone planning to do any digging to call 8-1-1 beforehand – has been keeping workers safe and preventing damage to underground lines for 50 years,” Matzie said. “The law is about to expire in a few short months, and we can’t afford to let these critical protections lapse. I was glad to see a strong, bipartisan majority pass my bill, and hope we can get Read more

 

House committee approves Probst bill to increase awareness of 988 hotline

(Oct 02, 2024) Rep. Tarah Probst

“I believe we need to create a public education campaign within the PA Department of Human Services to increase public understanding and engagement with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline," Probst said. Read more

 

House Commerce Committee approves Conklin resolution calling on PIAA to hold separate playoffs for public and private schools

(Oct 02, 2024) Rep. Scott Conklin

HARRISBURG, Oct. 2 – The Pennsylvania House Commerce Committee on Tuesday advanced a resolution by Majority Chairman Scott Conklin urging the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association to establish separate playoffs and championships for public schools and private/charter schools. Conklin said he introduced H.R. 443 to encourage the PIAA to reform a system that gives private school athletes an unfair advantage over their public school counterparts, both on the field and beyond. “Unlike public schools, which must recruit student athletes from within their district’s geographic boundaries, private and charter schools can hand-select the best athletes from anywhere they choose,” Conklin said. “The result is that they end up with all-star teams and a deeply unfair advantage over public schools. “The impact goes far beyond a win or a loss. It leaves public school athletes behind when it comes to important life opportunities like scholarships and recruitment for college and pro sports. Public school is supposed to be about opening doors for students and teaching them the importance of fair play, and PIAA needs to help reinforce those lessons. “The association has the authority to make this change. It’s my hope that this resolution will bring them closer to doing so.” The committee approved the resolution by a vote of 24-1. Read more

 

Isaacson, Bellmon legislation enhancing judicial protections passes PA General Assembly
Oct 09, 2024

Bill to designate Diwali as an official Pa. holiday passes General Assembly
Oct 09, 2024

Neilson committee advances legislation to increase transit funding in all 67 PA counties
Oct 09, 2024

Rabb disappointed at lack of perceptible change in Juvenile Justice Task Force-informed legislation
Oct 09, 2024

Howard’s horseracing regulation extension bill passes House
Oct 09, 2024

Warren measure advances Flood Insurance Premium Assistance Task Force’s recommendation
Oct 09, 2024

Ciresi presents $50K check for The Carousel at Pottstown’s renovations
Oct 08, 2024

Pa. House passes legislation freezing property taxes for longtime homeowners
Oct 08, 2024

Children & Youth Committee hosts informational meeting on protecting public benefits for foster youth
Oct 08, 2024

House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee advances Senate bills mirroring House PA One Call, motorcycle lemon law bills
Oct 07, 2024

Probst looks to enhance computer literacy skills in K-12
Oct 07, 2024

Matzie receives 2024 Distinguished Service Award from Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association
Oct 04, 2024

Ciresi’s bill to prevent confusion in insurance ambulance reimbursement
Oct 03, 2024

Rabb lauds passage of consumer protection legislation tackling utility reconnection fees
Oct 02, 2024

Philadelphia House Delegation applauds the work of the Stop and Go Legislative Task Force
Oct 02, 2024

Rabb highlights legislation to remedy wrongful convictions on International Wrongful Conviction Day
Oct 02, 2024

Rabb ‘greenwashing’ legislation passes Pa. House Judiciary Committee
Oct 02, 2024

House passes Matzie bills to keep important protections in place for consumers, workers
Oct 02, 2024

House committee approves Probst bill to increase awareness of 988 hotline
Oct 02, 2024

House Commerce Committee approves Conklin resolution calling on PIAA to hold separate playoffs for public and private schools
Oct 02, 2024