In Harrisburg, legislation can be introduced whenever a member wants to publish a bill, but if that bill doesn’t make it through the House and Senate and on to the Governor’s desk by the end of November in even years (like this one), that bill dies and must start the process all over again in the new year.
For that reason, the final legislative session days before the end of November become VERY busy. This last week was a perfect example of that.
So far in this 2025-26 term, we passed 65 new laws in 2025 (perhaps a record low) and 116 laws in 2026. No less than 58 bills, half of those 116 new laws for the entire year, were passed this week.
That’s a dizzying pace, and not a reflection of how government is supposed to work, but is a classic example of folks not agreeing until we absolutely have to. If you read our newsletters and follow our “How I Voted” section, I frequently talk about legislation that is moving, and its chances of getting to the Governor's desk. Here are a few of those 58 bills that finally made it, including when the bill concept began.
HB 2299, introduced by Erie Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, would allow counties to issue body cameras to county probation officers. The bill supports greater transparency and accountability while giving public safety officials the tools and training they need to do their jobs.
Critics worry that video footage could lead to harsher punishments for probationers and parolees when violations are discovered during video review. This is a valid concern that deserves consideration. However, I believe that if we equip officers and parole agents with badges and firearms, we should also equip them with body cameras to promote transparency, accountability, and public trust.
I voted for this bill. HB 2299 was introduced in March of this year, passed the House by a vote of 195-7 on June 17th, passed the Senate by a vote of 42-8 on October 21st, and became Act 81 of 2026 on the 22nd after Governor Shapiro signed it.
HB 2474 was introduced by Lancaster County Rep. Nikki Rivera. This bill did some small cleanup of our laws for mandated reporting of child abuse and added the use of sexually explicit deepfake child pornographic images to the law. It was introduced in April of 2026 and passed the House unanimously on May 6th of this year.
It then sat in the Senate for a few months with no movement.
However, Sen. Art Haywood got the Senate to consider it and had it amended just this Monday to add juvenile hazing to the child abuse mandate reporting statute. This was a priority of both of our offices following the District Attorney’s grand jury report on the Cheltenham football team incident. This expanded bill was unanimously approved by the Senate on the 21st and also signed by the Governor on the 22nd. Act 87 of 2026 reflects the legacy of tragedy that often undergirds legislative action.
One final example that I want to highlight for this year is SB 1014. This legislation from Allegheny County Sen. Devlin Robinson is a school cell phone ban.
This concept is certainly not new to this legislative term. In fact, I’d be surprised if anyone who has served on a school board or as a school building administrator in the last 20 years hasn’t considered a local policy banning cell phones. I know we did in Cheltenham when I was serving.
This legislation will now require school boards to craft and implement a policy that restricts student access to cell phones during the school day. There is clearly a great deal of data that illustrates the distraction and mental anguish of unchecked cell phone access for kids. This bill was introduced in the Senate in October of 2025, advanced out of the Senate after a 46-1 vote in February of 2026, was advanced right up to the point of final passage in the House in May of 2026 (presumably as a possible trade during budget negotiations), and was then taken up and passed finally out of the House on October 19th by a vote of 141-62. It received bipartisan support… and bipartisan opposition.
This bill was presented to the Governor on the 22nd of this month but hasn’t yet been signed into law. I suspect that Governor Shapiro is planning a formal bill signing somewhere soon.
This has been a long and grueling session, but one that did bring some great wins.
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The General Election is coming up on November 3, and now is the time to make sure you are ready to cast your ballot. Whether you plan to vote in person or by mail, there are a few important deadlines to keep in mind.
If you are not registered to vote, OR you need to change your address, that deadline has passed. You will need to call Montco Voter Services (610-278-3280) to find out what your options are, or go to Norristown (One Montgomery Plaza, 425 Swede Street, Norristown, PA, 19401), or one of the satellite offices (you can find the addresses here).
If you prefer to vote by mail, October 27th, by 5 p.m. is the deadline to request a mail-in or absentee ballot. Be sure to give yourself enough time to complete the process and return your ballot.
On Election Day, November 3, polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Take a moment now to make a plan for when and how you will vote.
For voter registration, mail-in ballot applications, and additional election information, visit vote.pa.gov. Make your voice heard this November and make a plan to vote!
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Secure ballot drop boxes are available 24/7 through 8 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Montgomery County Board of Elections will operate multiple secure ballot drop boxes throughout the County to help voters meet the November 3, 2026 deadline. Residents can deposit mail-in ballots and absentee ballots at a secure ballot drop box as an alternative to returning their ballot by USPS mail.
Remember, you may only return your own ballot to a secure ballot drop box. Click here if you need a designated agent form.
Ballots are collected from the drop boxes daily by County Security and stored securely at the Voter Services office.
There are multiple secure ballot drop boxes in our area. Find the one closest to you:
- Abington Municipal Building: 1176 Old York Road, Abington
- Cheltenham Tax Office: 8230 Old York Road, Cheltenham
- Upper Dublin District Court: 1301 Old Bethlehem Pike, Ambler
- Upper Dublin Library: 520 Virginia Drive, Fort Washington
- Upper Moreland: Willow Grove Annex, 102 North York Road.
- Whitemarsh District Court: 4002 Center Ave., Lafayette Hill
Secure ballot drop boxes are available 24/7 through 8 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, 2026. To find other drop boxes in the area, click here.
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Annual Drug Take-Back Day
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Spider-Med: Brand New Take Back Day! ???
With unused or expired medications comes great responsibility! On October 24, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., safely dispose of unwanted or expired medications at a participating drop-off location near you.
Hosted twice a year by the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office and Police Chiefs’ Association, Drug Take Back Day helps prevent overdoses and accidents while keeping homes and communities safer.
Check with your local police department for participating locations and a list of accepted medications. Since 2010, the program has collected more than 147,500 pounds of unwanted medications!
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I’m hosting a town hall for Beaver Hill and Jenkintown Borough residents, and I want to hear directly from you. Join me for an evening conversation where we can talk through the issues, questions, and concerns affecting our community.
Wednesday, October 28
5:30 to 7 p.m.
Beaver Hill Community Room
309 Florence Ave., Jenkintown, PA 19046
Bring your questions, concerns, or ideas. I’ll be there to listen, answer questions, and help connect you with the resources and services my office can provide.
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Click Below for Information on Township Events & Updates
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The Working for You page has moved!
Click below for information on active programs
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NEW! Click Below for Road Work in Our Area
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Our veterans have given so much to our communities, and I want to make sure they know about the resources and support available to them. That’s why I’m bringing together organizations from across the region for our Veterans Resource Fair this November.
Join me on Wednesday, Nov. 18, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Grace Presbyterian Church in Jenkintown to connect with state, local, and federal agencies and organizations that offer a range of services and resources for veterans and their families. My office will also be there to help with state-related resources and services.
Come out, ask questions, make connections, and learn what’s available to you.
RSVP here.
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7th Annual Pitties & Pumpkins
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Just a little over a week away! Join the Philly Bully Team for the 7th Annual Pitties & Pumpkins Festival on Sunday, October 25th, from 12–4 p.m. at the Stray Dog Tavern in Skippack! It’s going to be a fun-filled afternoon for the whole family, with plenty of fall festivities, delicious treats, and adorable pups!
Here’s what you can look forward to:
?? Adoptable dogs looking for their forever homes
?? Beer for the adults
?? Activities for the kiddos
??? Dozens of exciting raffles
?? Great food
?? Delicious fall treats
?? And so much more!
Bring your family, invite your friends, and come enjoy a fantastic fall afternoon while supporting a great cause. They can’t wait to see you there!
?? Stray Dog Tavern
3911 Skippack Pike, Skippack, PA
??? Sunday, October 25th | 12–4 p.m.
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Did you know?
January Jones' Mad Men character, Betty Draper, grew up in Elkins Park!
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325 Irvis Office Building
PO Box 202154
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 783-1079
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115 East Glenside Avenue
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Glenside, PA 19038
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