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Protecting our children: reporting reform legislation advances from committee: Bill tightens mandatory reporter obligations in the age of AI

(May 04, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, May 4 – The Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee today voted unanimously to approve legislation that would modernize the Pennsylvania Child Protective Services Law, to reflect the emerging threat of artificial intelligence to child safety, according to the bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster. House Bill 2474 would require schools and the more than 70 entities under mandated reporting law to quickly report sexually explicit deepfake images of minors to law enforcement. The bill would ensure that authorities can immediately act to protect kids and prevent further harm. According to Rivera, two incidents in Lancaster and Bucks counties – both of which concerned students using artificial intelligence to spread sexually explicit materials of their classmates – spurred her and co-sponsor, state Rep. Kristin Marcell, R-Bucks, to introduce the bill. In 2023 in Lancaster County, two private school students used AI to make sexually explicit deepfake images of 48 schoolmates and 12 other students. In 2025 in Bucks County, two public middle school students created sexually explicit deepfake images depicting 12 fellow female students, which was then shared among other students in the district. In both cases, the dissemination of the pornographic AI deepfake images went unreported to law enforcement, which resulted in more child sexual abuse material being shared and more victims targeted. “This necessary Read more

 

Sappey highlights impact of public gardens at state Capitol

(May 04, 2026) Rep. Christina Sappey

“Pennsylvania’s public gardens and public horticulture institutions preserve thousands of acres of natural resources through conservation, restored forests, improved watersheds, and healthy private working lands, and bring together a wide array of expertise, approaches, and solutions that are essential for biodiversity in food and agriculture,” Sappey said. “They generate a half-billion dollars in economic impact here in Pennsylvania and employ more than 2,000 people. ‘Go Public Gardens Days’ presents a premier opportunity to celebrate these impacts.” Read more

 

State House passes bipartisan legislation to advance geothermal energy development

(May 04, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, May 4 – With several states beginning to establish regulations for geothermal energy, Pennsylvania has now joined that group with the state House passing bipartisan legislation to foster the development of this clean base load energy source, announced the bill’s co-prime sponsors, state Reps. Arvind Venkat, Craig Williams and Elizabeth Fiedler. House Bill 2076 would establish a framework for the development of geothermal energy, which allows for heat deep beneath the Earth's surface to be harnessed for energy from places it previously was not able to be collected. Before recent technological developments, geothermal energy production historically took place near volcanoes and hot springs. “This legislation will enable us to make bold investments into Pennsylvania’s geothermal resources that we have not been able to use before,” said Venkat, D-Allegheny . “We have been a national leader in energy development, and this legislation would enable us to move forward in the world of clean energy production and create jobs, while also reducing energy costs for consumers.” The framework in this legislation includes several new developments for geothermal energy, including authorizing the state Department of Environmental Protection to regulate geothermal injection wells with a predictable and responsible permitting framework, establish subsurface ownership rights for geothermal resources, Read more

 

House passes Freeman bill to allow roadside assistance vehicles to use blue safety lights

(May 04, 2026) Rep. Robert L. Freeman

“Roadside assistance workers performing any roadside service while cars quickly pass by are at an increased risk of serious or fatal injuries. They deserve the same protections as tow truck drivers and flashing blue lights would provide motorists with a critical visual cue to slow down and move over.” Read more

 

Bill to ensure student access to eyeglasses passed by State House

(May 04, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, May 4 – The Pennsylvania House has passed legislation that would establish a Commission on Children’s Vision to ensure that all students have access to eyeglasses, according to the bill’s prime sponsor, state Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, D-Berks. House Bill 1077 would establish a commission within the Department of Health, made up of the secretaries of Education and Health, along with several healthcare and community representatives, to create a statewide plan to ensure that all students who need follow-up vision examinations have glasses and ensure this comes at little to no cost for the student or their family. “Vision problems can have lifelong impacts, especially on our students,” said Cepeda-Freytiz, who wears glasses herself. “Unaddressed vision problems can cause headaches and a lack of focus in class and can even impact grades. Many students are misidentified as having behavioral issues or are placed on IEPs when all they need are eyeglasses. “The benefits of glasses in the classroom translate to success outside of the classroom. We are working to ensure that our students have access to the resources they need to see a successful future.” The legislation is similar to the Children’s Vision Strike Force launched in Ohio in 2024, which brings together health and education professionals to ensure that students have access to eyeglasses. The bill Read more

 

House Judiciary Committee advances bills to protect trafficking victims and kids

(May 04, 2026) Rep. Tim Briggs

“Today’s votes reflect a clear commitment to protecting vulnerable Pennsylvanians and ensuring our justice system responds with both accountability and compassion,” said House Judiciary Committee Chair Rep. Tim Briggs. “These measures take meaningful steps to close gaps in the law, support survivors, and hold offenders responsible.” Read more

 

Hidden Parking Fees Targeted in Unanimous House Vote

(May 04, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania lawmakers have unanimously approved a bill that would require landlords to disclose parking availability and fees upfront, aiming to prevent renters from facing unexpected costs after signing a lease. Read more

 

Bill directing state education secretary to assess Keystone Exams passes Pa. House

(May 04, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, May 4 – State Rep. Gina H. Curry, D-Delaware, today announced that her legislation pushing for a Keystone Exam Alternative Feasibility Study passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives by a bipartisan vote of XX to XXX. Should the state Senate also pass H.B. 1752, the Pennsylvania Department of Education secretary would be tasked with contracting an independent study to determine whether the academic SAT, ACT, and Smarter Balanced high school assessments could be used in place of the 11 th grade Keystone Exams in Pennsylvania. “Since 2012, the Keystone Exams have helped schools and the state and federal government keep track of student subject competency and teaching accountability,” Curry said. “They have also had many pros and cons, and this bill’s intent is to alleviate some of those cons.” According to Curry, one downside to assessments such as the Keystone Exams is the cost of administering them to students. In 2019, a report by the state Auditor General found that while the Keystone Exams cost approximately $17.6 million annually to administer and score for all high school juniors, the cost of administering and scoring the SAT for both juniors and seniors was only $13.3 million per year. “Like the Keystones, the SAT and other college-readiness tests assess student competency of certain subjects – these tests are all largely Read more

 

Matzie resolution designates May 5 as World Asthma Day

(May 01, 2026) Rep. Robert F. Matzie

HARRISBURG, May 1 – As National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month begins today, the Pennsylvania House has recognized May 5 as “World Asthma Day” in the Commonwealth, through a resolution introduced by state Rep. Rob Matzie. Matzie said he introduced H.R. 405 , which the House adopted, to foster greater awareness and improve asthma care throughout Pennsylvania and beyond. “So many of us aren’t thinking about of how poor air quality, pollen, smoke and other airborne irritants can trigger someone’s symptoms and worsen asthma attacks,” said Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus. “By making efforts to raise awareness, we can help ensure more Pennsylvanians have the support they need to breathe easier every day.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 1 million adults and 300,000 children live with this condition in Pennsylvania alone, with more than 21 million adults and over 4.2 million children living with asthma nationwide. “ Recognizing this day encourages individuals to focus on daily asthma management and to identify allergens and irritants that can lead to and worsen asthma attacks,” Matzie said. “We are supporting those living with asthma and encouraging others to help them control their symptoms.” More information about asthma can be found here . Read more

 

Committee OKs Haddock measure to create new $30 million state grant program for fire companies

(May 01, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Eligible fire companies would include municipal, volunteer, and combination companies. Grants would support equipment, facilities, staffing, and recruitment efforts. Read more

 

Transportation, Environmental, Community and Economic Development and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Apr 30, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Learn more about the latest grant opportunities. Read more

 

New legislation to tax Big Tech’s digital advertising considered by PA House committee

(Apr 29, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, April 29 - The PA House Finance Committee today considered H.B. 1678 , new legislation that would tax revenue derived from digital advertising platforms. The bill, known as the Digital Ads Tax, was introduced by state Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., Aerion Abney, D-Allegheny, and John Inglis, D-Allegheny. House Bill 1678 would extend the existing gross receipts tax -- a 5% tax already paid by telecommunications and other industries -- to revenue from digital advertising platforms, which sell ad space on websites and apps. Digital ads subject to the tax would include banners, search engine results, and full-screen interstitial ads. The vast majority of the tax will be paid by the wealthiest Big Tech corporations, including Google, Meta, Amazon, TikTok, and Microsoft, the sponsors said. “Working people are struggling under the weight of the rising cost of groceries, gas, and housing, but still manage to pay their taxes. This legislation calls on some of the biggest corporations in the world to pay their fair share,” said Fiedler. “This legislation doesn’t cost people in Pennsylvania a penny. But with investment by these huge for-profit corporations, we can fund the infrastructure we all count on: roads, bridges, schools, and transit.” “I appreciate Chair Fiedler for introducing this legislation and thank the members of the committee for their thoughtful discussion on the Read more

 

House Consumer Protection Committee advances bill banning forever chemicals in cosmetics, dental floss, menstrual products

(Apr 29, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. Greg Scott, D-Montgomery, today announced that his bill banning toxic PFAS forever chemicals from high-contact consumer products in Pennsylvania was approved by the House Consumer Protection Committee, advancing to the full House of Representatives for further consideration. Read more

 

Pennsylvania House passes Conklin bill to protect student athletes from unfair, risk-laden competitions

(Apr 29, 2026) Rep. Scott Conklin

HARRISBURG, April 29 – The Pennsylvania House today passed legislation introduced by state Rep. Scott Conklin that would better protect public school athletes by allowing the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association to create separate playoffs and championships for boundary and non-boundary schools. Conklin, D-Centre, said he introduced H.B. 41 because the existing competition structure administered by PIAA is unfair and jeopardizes athletes’ health and safety. “Student athletes and their parents recognize that contact sports pose certain physical risks, which schools try to minimize through protective equipment, training, and policies like concussion protocols,” Conklin said. “Unfortunately, our schools can’t protect against a playoff system that needlessly escalates those risks through unfair competitions. “PIAA’s existing playoff system forces athletes from public schools, which are limited to recruiting from within district boundaries, to compete against athletes from private schools, which can recruit from anywhere and amass larger, stronger teams. The result is unfair, lopsided competitions that leave public school students on a dangerously unlevel playing field, subjecting them to added physical risks and even depriving them of scholarship and recruitment opportunities. School sports are supposed to be about building confidence and teaching kids lessons in fair Read more

 

House approves Steele bill to strengthen school counseling services

(Apr 29, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

The House today approved a bill sponsored by state Rep. Mandy Steele, D-Allegheny, to standardize and improve school counseling services for students in all grades in Pennsylvania schools by ensuring that counselors aren’t pulled away from their needed counseling duties. Read more

 

PA House unanimously approves Green bill to make parking fees transparent

(Apr 29, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, April 29 – Today, the PA House of Representatives passed a bill sponsored by state Rep. Roni Green, D-Phila., that would increase transparency of residential parking fees for tenants. House Bill 344 would require landlords to define parking availability and the associated fees to prospective tenants before they sign a lease. Green said this transparency is needed so people aren’t stuck with unexpected parking fees after moving into a new home. “This will empower tenants to hold their landlords accountable if they were unaware of required parking fees when they signed their lease,” said Green.“Tenants deserve to know everything about a rental property before they enter into a lease agreement, and that includes whether parking is provided and any associated costs. The cost of housing is already unbearably high; unexpected parking fees added to monthly expenses are unethical at best and can, in extreme cases, cause people to lose their housing. We need to help people keep a roof over their heads and not be forced out due to surprise costs,” said Green.Green said that while this is becoming a bigger problem with the condo-building boom in Philadelphia, the measure would create accountability and provide recourse by allowing parking fee disputes to be heard in court, enhancing protections for renters throughout Pennsylvania.The bill was approved unanimously in the House and now goes to the state Senate for consideration. Read more

 

House approves O’Mara bill to require parental notification of bullying in schools

(Apr 29, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

The House today approved a bipartisan bill sponsored by state Reps. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, and Danillo Burgos, D-Phila., that makes strides toward protecting children and addressing the youth mental health crisis. Read more

 

House approves Burns’ American-made flag bill

(Apr 29, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

On a unanimous vote, the House this week approved a bipartisan bill sponsored by state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, that would require all American flags purchased and displayed by the state to be made in America. Read more

 

Committee advances legislation to inform the public on safe AI use

(Apr 29, 2026) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

HARRISBURG, April 29 – The House Communications & Technology Committee today reported out three bills that would increase protections against the misuse of artificial intelligence in the commonwealth. The following legislation was considered: House Bill 95 (Pielli) would amend the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law to require disclosure of content in advertising that has been generated or substantially modified by AI. House Bill 2314 (Ciresi) would direct the Office of Attorney General to conduct a public education campaign about AI and to improve AI consumer literacy. House Resolution 425 (Haddock) would urge the U.S. Congress and the White House to suspend efforts to impose a moratorium on state-level AI regulation and would reaffirm Pennsylvania’s right to legislate on AI and emerging technologies. “While Pennsylvania is experiencing significant economic growth thanks to AI, the technology also poses potential dangers such as misinformation and manipulation which require the Legislature to implement strong guardrails to protect the public from its misuse,” House Communications & Technology Committee Majority Chair Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, said. “As the federal government has abandoned efforts to regulate the technology while overriding states’ sovereign right to enact AI-related measures, we must reassert our legislative authority and pass laws Read more

 

Powell introduces bill to expand public-private transportation projects

(Apr 29, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, April 29 – Pennsylvania has some of the oldest infrastructure in the country, and local governments are facing major difficulty and expenses in funding projects—especially for transportation purposes. This is why state Rep. Lindsay Powell has introduced legislation that would allow local governments to take part in public-private partnerships to improve transportation infrastructure. House Bill 2469 would allow all counties, as well as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, to use public-private partnerships, also known as P3s, which authorize governments to coordinate with private entities for the engineering, construction, operation, financing and maintenance of a transportation project or facility. “From aging bridges and congested corridors to major transit and roadway upgrades, we have all seen transportation projects in our communities that need urgent support,” said Powell, D-Allegheny. “These projects can be daunting to take on, especially because taxpayers are footing the bill. My legislation would allow counties to partner with private groups to deliver large-scale infrastructure projects more efficiently and cost-effectively.” Current law allows only PennDOT and certain transportation agencies to use P3s. With this legislation, the current P3 process would remain unchanged. The American Society of Civil Engineers gave Pennsylvania’s infrastructure a grade of C- in 2022, Read more

 

Protecting our children: reporting reform legislation advances from committee: Bill tightens mandatory reporter obligations in the age of AI
May 04, 2026

Sappey highlights impact of public gardens at state Capitol
May 04, 2026

State House passes bipartisan legislation to advance geothermal energy development
May 04, 2026

House passes Freeman bill to allow roadside assistance vehicles to use blue safety lights
May 04, 2026

Bill to ensure student access to eyeglasses passed by State House
May 04, 2026

House Judiciary Committee advances bills to protect trafficking victims and kids
May 04, 2026

Hidden Parking Fees Targeted in Unanimous House Vote
May 04, 2026

Bill directing state education secretary to assess Keystone Exams passes Pa. House
May 04, 2026

Matzie resolution designates May 5 as World Asthma Day
May 01, 2026

Committee OKs Haddock measure to create new $30 million state grant program for fire companies
May 01, 2026

Transportation, Environmental, Community and Economic Development and Additional Grant Opportunities
Apr 30, 2026

New legislation to tax Big Tech’s digital advertising considered by PA House committee
Apr 29, 2026

House Consumer Protection Committee advances bill banning forever chemicals in cosmetics, dental floss, menstrual products
Apr 29, 2026

Pennsylvania House passes Conklin bill to protect student athletes from unfair, risk-laden competitions
Apr 29, 2026

House approves Steele bill to strengthen school counseling services
Apr 29, 2026

PA House unanimously approves Green bill to make parking fees transparent
Apr 29, 2026

House approves O’Mara bill to require parental notification of bullying in schools
Apr 29, 2026

House approves Burns’ American-made flag bill
Apr 29, 2026

Committee advances legislation to inform the public on safe AI use
Apr 29, 2026

Powell introduces bill to expand public-private transportation projects
Apr 29, 2026