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House adopts Matzie resolution designating May 9, 2026, as ‘National Train Day’ in Pennsylvania

(May 05, 2026) Rep. Robert F. Matzie

HARRISBURG, May 5 – The Pennsylvania House today adopted state Rep. Rob Matzie’s resolution designating May 9, 2026, as “National Train Day” in Pennsylvania. Matzie said he introduced H.R. 410 as a reminder of the central role railroads have played in shaping Pennsylvania’s history and their ongoing importance to the commonwealth. “The growth of the railroads literally transformed our landscape, and here in southwestern PA, the impact was profound,” said Matzie, who is chair of the House Majority Caucus and a member of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. “Railroads provided the critical link between our coal mines and steel mills. In return, those industries provided railroads with coal for fuel and steel for cars and track. It was an alliance that powered progress for a century, created communities and left a legacy of pride.” Matzie said that today, trains continue to benefit the commonwealth by reducing highway congestion, substantially cutting emissions, lowering the risk of accidents, connecting the state’s economic centers and providing greater mobility for people with limited transportation options. National Train Day was first established in 2008 and is celebrated annually on the Saturday closest to May 10 – the day the nation’s first transcontinental railway was completed in 1869 in Promontory, Utah. Read more

 

School leaders, education advocates tout success of bipartisan Solar for Schools program, encourage schools to apply

(May 05, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, May 5 – On Monday, Pennsylvania school superintendents from across the state gathered in Harrisburg to celebrate the first successful year of the Solar for Schools program. The group was joined by education advocates who encouraged schools to apply for the bipartisan state grant program’s second year of funding . “With electricity prices rising quickly, schools need a solution to reduce operating costs. The 74 K-12 schools awarded Solar for Schools grants last year expect to save more than $5 million in electricity costs annually. We urge our legislators to continue funding this successful grant program that enables our schools to invest in student learning rather than utility bills,” said Shannon Crooker , Pennsylvania director of Generation180. In January, when the program reopened for applications, a bicameral, bipartisan group of legislators celebrated the program’s second year of funding. Solar for Schools legislation was originally introduced by Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila. “At its core, this project is about more than just energy. It’s about responsibility, innovation and opportunity,” said Willie Slade, superintendent of Steelton-Highspire School District. “As educators, our mission is to prepare students not just for the next test, but for the future they will inherit. That future demands that we think differently about how we use resources, Read more

 

Fiedler celebrates unanimous Pa. House vote for Advanced Transmission Technologies bill and bipartisan passage of PEDA Modernization bill

(May 05, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, May 5 – On Monday, the PA House of Representatives passed legislation that would address the energy affordability crisis by protecting utility customers from expenses related to infrastructure upgrades. The Advanced Transmission Technologies bill (H.B. 2223) passed with unanimous support. The House also passed the PEDA Modernization bill (H.B. 2347) to advance energy generation and grid stabilization.“Pennsylvania needs to make use of efficient energy infrastructure if we’re going to address our energy demand and energy affordability issues. ATTs are a commonsense, cost-effective strategy that will protect customers and help utility companies save money too – I'm glad to see this legislation received bipartisan support,” said Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., chair of the House Energy Committee and author of both bills. Advanced Transmission Technologies are a collection of modern hardware and software tools that increase the capacity, efficiency, and reliability of existing grid infrastructure. This allows consumers to get more out of the existing grid and avoid the need to build new lines, saving families and small businesses money on their bills. House Bill 2223 would require utilities in Pennsylvania to demonstrate that they have evaluated ATTs whenever they file to build or upgrade electric transmission lines. The Public Utility Commission would be prohibited from approving a project unless it determines that the applicant has incorporated all advanced... Read more

 

House unanimously passes Salisbury bill to improve guardianship appointment process

(May 05, 2026) Rep. Abigail Salisbury

HARRISBURG, May 5 – The Pennsylvania House on Monday unanimously passed legislation introduced by state Rep. Abigail Salisbury that would improve the guardianship appointment process by expanding the list of individuals entitled to receive notice of the proceedings. Salisbury said she introduced H.B. 2106 in response to concerns that the current system is failing some of the most vulnerable Pennsylvanians. “When someone is unable to make key decisions about their own welfare and the court determines that a guardian is needed, the inquiry turns to finding the best person for the job,” Salisbury said. “Unfortunately, guardianship case documents are not public records in Pennsylvania, and hearings are not widely publicized. As a result, caring, competent individuals who might be the best choice never step forward because they were never made aware of the proceedings. “My bill would fix that by expanding the list of people who are entitled to receive notice of a guardianship petition and hearing. Doing so would bring greater transparency to the process and help ensure that all interested parties have a chance to advocate for and protect the best interests of a loved one who can no longer advocate for themselves.” Salisbury said the legislation was inspired by constituent Susan Colker, who raised concerns that a lack of adequate notice is leaving some of the most vulnerable people without the care and protection Read more

 

PA House OKs bill to allow roadside emergency vehicles to use flashing blue lights for increased safety

(May 04, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Roadside assistance vehicles should be entitled to the same safety measures as tow trucks, who also work on the shoulders of busy roads. Flashing blue lights would alert passing motorists to the presence of these vehicles in ample time to make room for workers and drivers of disabled vehicles Read more

 

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

 

House adopts Matzie resolution designating May 9, 2026, as ‘National Train Day’ in Pennsylvania
May 05, 2026

School leaders, education advocates tout success of bipartisan Solar for Schools program, encourage schools to apply
May 05, 2026

Fiedler celebrates unanimous Pa. House vote for Advanced Transmission Technologies bill and bipartisan passage of PEDA Modernization bill
May 05, 2026

House unanimously passes Salisbury bill to improve guardianship appointment process
May 05, 2026

PA House OKs bill to allow roadside emergency vehicles to use flashing blue lights for increased safety
May 04, 2026

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