My Bill Creating New Safety Rules for E-Foils and Jetboards Advances to Senate, Hispanic Heritage Month Townhall, Turn Your Ideas Into Safer Work Zones, and more!

Rep. Robert Merski October 10, 2025 | 11:40 AM

Modernizing Pennsylvania Boating Laws for E-Foils and Jetboards

The Pennsylvania House passed H.B. 1418, a bipartisan bill I helped lead to update our boating laws for the rise of e-foils and jetboards. The bill requires vessel registration, Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices while operating, and basic onboard equipment including a fire extinguisher, sound-producing device, and navigation lights.

This legislation preserves recreational access to our lakes and rivers while improving safety for all users. By establishing clear, common-sense requirements, we protect families, reduce accidents, and support responsible use of emerging watercraft technologies.

Click on the video below to hear my speech on the Floor of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives on this important issue.

Online Townhall for National Hispanic Heritage Month — October 15, 2025

Join us for an online Townhall in observance of National Hispanic Heritage Month on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 from 3:00–4:00 PM. I look forward to celebrating the contributions of Pennsylvania’s Hispanic communities, answering your questions, and hearing your priorities for our district.

Please RSVP by emailing Repmerski@pahouse.net or calling 814-455-6319 and provide your email address so we can send you the meeting link.

Erie’s Haley Poe Crowned Miss Earth USA

I’m proud to share that Waterford native Haley Poe was crowned Miss Earth USA and will represent the United States at the international Miss Earth pageant this fall in the Philippines.

Haley, a 2025 Gannon University biology graduate and classically trained ballerina, promotes the Microplastic Awareness Project, which advances community cleanups, aims at reducing single-use plastics, and supports legislation to protect our environment and public health.

We welcomed Haley to the floor of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and she was formally recognized for her achievement before the full chamber.

Meetings with UAW and Environmental Groups

It was a busy week at the Capitol. I welcomed members of the United Auto Workers and local environmental advocates to Harrisburg to listen, discuss priorities, and work toward practical solutions that support workers and protect our natural resources.

Encouraging Students to Enter the PennDOT Innovations Challenge

We invite Pennsylvania high school students to submit creative solutions to improve work zone safety and protect the people who build and maintain our roads. The statewide winning team will receive a monetary award. Teams should focus on practical, scalable ideas that can help reduce risk for workers and drivers.

To participate, form a team, review the challenge rules on PennDOT’s website, and submit your proposal before the deadline.

Key Election Dates

Are you registered to vote? ???

Pennsylvania voters have until Monday, October 20, to register and be ready to vote in the Municipal Election occurring on Tuesday, November 4!

Don’t miss your chance to make your voice heard. Register now at vote.pa.gov/Register