Continuing to bolster PA's education system

Rep. Tim Brennan November 1, 2026

PA Representative Tim Brennan banner image

Dear Neighbor,

I was glad to join Sen. Steve Santarsiero and the teachers and students at Lenape Middle School on Tuesday to witness Gov. Josh Shapiro sign legislation establishing a bell-to-bell cell phone ban in Pennsylvania classrooms.

Every school across the commonwealth — public, private, charter, cyber charter, and career and technical schools — must adopt, in time for the 2027-28 school year, a policy prohibiting students from using personal cell phones throughout the school day. This includes during lunch, recess, and between classes.

The new law also recognizes that circumstances exist when students need access to a phone and makes exceptions for certain medical needs and disability accommodations. Schools are also required to communicate with parents about how they can reach their children during the school day, including in an emergency.

I've spent a lot of time discussing this issue with parents, students, and educators here in Central Bucks. Technology is an important part of our lives, and there's no question it can be a valuable tool for learning and communication. But we also have to recognize the risks that come with giving young people constant access to connected devices. Distractions, like the pull of social media, can come at the expense of learning and developing important social skills.

Some Central Bucks schools have already implemented cell phone restrictions, with students and teachers reporting better engagement in the classroom as a result.

I know it may take some getting used to. Most K-12 students these days have grown up with a phone always within reach. But I believe this is a key step toward revitalizing our education system, in large part by giving young people the space to experience the world around them without a screen competing for their attention.

Ultimately, this is about making sure our schools remain places where students can focus on learning and growing.

Sincerely,

Harrisburg Update

Supporting suicide awareness

At least two young men in our region have died by suicide since April, and my heart goes out to their families and loved ones. With this weighing on my mind, I recently took the opportunity to urge my House colleagues to remind people in their own communities about the rapid help available to those experiencing suicidal thoughts and to their families.

988 is the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It's a free, confidential resource available 24/7. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for Americans ages 10 to 44 and the leading cause of death for young men ages 18 to 24.

In moments of crisis, people need a response that is immediate, compassionate, and easy to access. 988 provides that connection, and we can never have too many people helping spread the word about this excellent resource.

Legislative recap & outlook

As I prepare for the remaining days of the current legislative session in November, I’m reflecting on the issues our votes in the House chamber aimed to address, particularly those related to health and public safety.

We passed legislation to require health insurers to cover cancer screenings for firefighters, establish guidelines for law enforcement’s use of Flock cameras, and prevent data centers from obtaining public utility status. Sadly, these bills will most likely have to be reintroduced next session to have another chance of becoming law, as Senate leaders have made it clear they will not bring them up for a vote before the end of the year.

Some bills that did make it to Governor Shapiro’s desk, which I have been proud to co-sponsor or support, include:

Senate Bill 416: Allows volunteer fire companies and youth sports leagues (& other nonprofits who depend on small games of chance to raise money) to accept payment via platforms such as Venmo and PayPal for raffle tickets and other games.

House Bill 453: Defines 911 operators as first responders. This important recognition of their essential position on the front lines of emergency care allows them to access the health benefits their work necessitates.

House Bill 1123: Insurance companies now have to cover colorectal cancer screenings for patients starting at age 45. Early diagnosis saves lives!

House Bill 2474: State law is now modernized to clarify that deepfakes created by AI are under the umbrella of suspected child sexual abuse material that teachers and other workers who deal with children are required to report to law enforcement.

Visiting Schuylkill Co. with the Tourism Committee

I had a great time joining my colleagues on the Tourism, Recreation & Economic Development Committee for a tour of Schuylkill County, where I grew up!

We visited the Mrs. T’s Pierogies factory, one of my Pennsylvania favorites, along with local businesses that reflect the region’s economic roots and strengths, including the Yuengling Brewery, Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine & Steam Train... and Muhammad Ali's training camp, Fighter's Heaven!

And while Mrs. T’s pierogies are hard to beat, I still have a soft spot for the pierogies at the annual Polish Festival at the Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa!

In the District

Honey Contest

My Chief of Staff Kelly and I were delighted to serve as guest judges at this year's Bucks County Beekeepers Association’s annual honey contest. It was a sweet (and sometimes savory) opportunity to celebrate local Bucks County producers!

There were more than 50 entries this year across the Light/Medium, Dark, and Specialty honey categories, with creative infusions ranging from vanilla beans to habanero peppers (now that was some hot honey!).

Protecting native plants and pollinator habitats is essential to keeping our local farms, honey production and agricultural traditions thriving for generations to come.

A special thanks to Board Members Kurt Skowronek and Steve Briegel, as well as Queen Bee Diana Contine, for keeping the event buzzing. Congratulations to the winners and to ALL the beekeepers who made this such a honey of an event!

Appreciation for Michener's Bruce Katsiff

Congratulations to Bruce Katsiff on receiving the Herman Silverman Cultural Leadership Award in recognition of his lasting contributions to arts and culture in Bucks County. Trish and I recently enjoyed a wonderful evening celebrating him at the Michener Art Museum’s Business Partners Appreciation Reception.

As the Michener’s founding director, Bruce helped build the museum into a cornerstone of our region’s arts community while continuing to make his own mark as an accomplished photographer.

Thank you to the Michener and the many dedicated business partners whose support helps sustain our museums and keep the arts thriving in our community.

Checking in on DCC Cares

In just its first year, the new local nonprofit DCC CARES has made an impact on our community by supporting local organizations working to meet the needs of individuals and families across Bucks County.

Through partnerships with groups like Bucks County Housing Group and the New Britain Food Pantry, DCC CARES is helping connect community generosity with organizations doing important work on the ground.

I was especially glad to see our friends from The Next Step Programs and to celebrate the people who make this kind of local philanthropy possible. Congratulations to DCC CARES on a successful first year and thank you to everyone helping strengthen our community through service and giving!

Girl Scout Troop 2114 visits our office

I enjoyed welcoming Girl Scout Troop 2114 to our district office to learn about state government and the role of a state representative. Our student intern, Ethan, helped explain how our office assists constituents and connects residents with important state resources.

Thanks to the Scouts for their thoughtful questions and to their troop leaders for encouraging civic engagement, leadership and service!

FYI

Get out and vote!

Election Day is this coming Tuesday, Nov. 3, and polls will be open from 7 AM to 8 PM. Take a moment now to make a plan for when and how you will vote.

You can be confident that if you’re a registered voter in PA, you can vote by mail safely and securely. On Election Day, you may still turn in your mail-in ballot in person at one of Bucks County’s ballot drop-off locations. Completed mail-in and absentee ballots must be received by the Bucks County Board of Elections by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.

Carbon monoxide alarm reminder

As Pennsylvanians turn back their clocks, the I am urging residents to replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms; free smoke alarms can be requested from the American Red Cross via Ready PA. Pennsylvania reported 153 home fire deaths in 2025—the most in the nation—and nonworking or missing smoke alarms are a common factor in fatal fires.

Checking alarms and replacing batteries save lives. Home fires can leave fewer than two minutes to escape, so residents should practice an escape plan with two exits per room, an outside meeting place, and help for children, older adults, and people with access needs. CO is odorless and colorless; working CO alarms provide early warning.

Test alarms monthly, replace them every 10 years, and consider alarms with flashing lights, vibration, or voice alerts. Contact local fire departments for installation help; renters should check landlord requirements.

Pennie open enrollment

Pennie’s Open Enrollment begins November 1. Explore affordable health coverage options, including plans that cover 10 essential health benefits, such as preventive care, emergency services, and prescription drugs. Visit pennie.com to explore your options and check eligibility.