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Fiedler, Powell, Khan, Probst bill to address school facilities crisis in Pa. passes House

(Oct 10, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct 10 – On Wednesday, the School Facilities Inventory Bill, H.B. 1701, passed in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. The bill, introduced by Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, Rep. Tarik Khan, D-Phila., and Rep. Tarah Probst, D-Monroe/Pike, would address the issue of outdated and unsafe school buildings in Pennsylvania, facilitating the process by which school facilities are assessed and prioritized. “You can’t fix a problem until you know the scope of what you’re dealing with, and this bill gets us to that place,” Fiedler said. “H.B. 1701 would help us compile comprehensive data on Pennsylvania’s school buildings and ensure that recommendations on our most urgent funding needs are made by experts. That way, we can move quickly and efficiently to support schools in making repairs.” Fiedler noted that a wide scope of important building information would be provided, including the age of the buildings and their renovation history, building size and enrollment capacity. The assessments would also consider factors such as heating and ventilation, ADA compliance and environmental risk factors such as asbestos and mold. Currently, there is no statewide inventory of the condition of school buildings, nor is there statewide criteria for assessing facilities’ needs. The legislation passed Wednesday would create a comprehensive Read more

 

Sen. Saval and Rep. Smith-Wade-El announce legislation to end the criminalization of homelessness

(Oct 09, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 9 – With World Homeless Day being recognized tomorrow, state Sen. Nikil Saval, D-Phila., and state Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, announced plans to introduce companion legislation in the Pennsylvania Senate and House that would decriminalize homelessness across the commonwealth. World Homeless Day, observed annually on Oct. 10, aims to raise awareness about homelessness and encourage people to come together to help the unhoused in their communities. Saval’s and Smith-Wade-El’s Shelter First Act legislation would allow people experiencing homelessness to conduct life-sustaining activity in public spaces when no reasonable, alternative options for housing are offered or available. Municipalities would be required to provide adequate indoor spaces for people experiencing homelessness before the municipality could enforce any ordinance that would criminalize living outside. “Criminalizing individuals or families for being homeless condemns the unhoused to an unending cycle of heavy fines, arrests and incarceration, perpetuating their poverty and exacerbating the larger social crisis,” said Smith-Wade-El. “We’ve introduced the Shelter First Act in a fierce rejection of the denigration of the unhoused and a profound belief that our communities are stronger and safer when everyone’s dignity and rights --including their right to a place to place to sleep -- are respected.” “The Read more

 

House approves Goughnour bill to allow premixed cocktails on tap

(Oct 08, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

With strong bipartisan support, the PA House today passed a bill sponsored by state Rep. Dan Goughnour, D-Allegheny, that would modernize state liquor laws by allowing businesses with liquor licenses to have premixed cocktails on tap, just like beer. Read more

 

Powell bill to provide flexibility for spending on transit development passes state House

(Oct 08, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 8 – As transit agencies across Pennsylvania request additional funds to keep operating at current rates, the state House has passed a bill introduced by state Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, that would provide greater flexibility in funding for local transit-related redevelopment projects. The legislation, H.B. 1874 , would update funding policies for the Transit Revitalization Investment District program, also known as TRID. TRIDs are special districts that use future tax revenue growth in a neighborhood to pay for projects such as transit access, housing and development near busways or train stations. “The projects TRIDs support do not just improve our transit system,” said Powell. “They improve our economy by attracting private investment, creating jobs and opportunities, and bringing new life to our communities.” Under current law, once a TRID ends, redevelopment authorities lose access to the funding the TRID provided, even if redevelopment work is ongoing. Powell’s legislation would ensure that redevelopment authorities can keep a small share of the increased tax revenue after a TRID ends. “This would provide a major boost to the tax base for our local governments,” said Powell. “It would also ensure that redevelopment authorities have the resources they need to keep improving our neighborhoods, even well beyond the TRID boundaries.” Read more

 

Rivera bill allowing first-class townships to increase funding for fire and EMS reported out of committee

(Oct 08, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

support financially struggling local fire and emergency services, introduced by state Rep. Nikki Rivera, was reported out of the House Finance Committee today. Read more

 

Schlossberg releases statement on today’s House budget vote

(Oct 08, 2025) Rep. Mike Schlossberg

“Once again, the House of Representatives has approved a budget for 2025-2026. It continues to move Pennsylvania further than ever before to secure fair funding for schools in Parkland and Allentown, greatly bolsters resources for mental and behavioral health care, adds to services available for seniors, and does what the Pennsylvania Senate Republicans cannot seem to do -- GET STUFF DONE FOR PENNSYLVNIA. Read more

 

House Commerce Committee advances Conklin bill to strengthen security for Pa. businesses

(Oct 08, 2025) Rep. Scott Conklin

HARRISBURG, Oct. 8 – Pennsylvania businesses are a step closer to accessing high-tech perimeter security systems more easily after the Pennsylvania House Commerce Committee yesterday approved committee Chairman Rep. Scott Conklin’s bill to cut the red tape associated with these systems. Conklin said he introduced H.B. 1871 after becoming aware that regulatory red tape often slows or stops businesses from installing electrified security systems. “Security is critical to successful business operations, and there are highly effective, state-of-the-art electrified security systems that can be installed inside a business’s existing fences and walls,” Conklin said. “Unfortunately, red tape prevents many Pennsylvania businesses from accessing the technology. “My legislation would cut the red tape and make it simpler for businesses to install and use these systems. Twenty-nine other states have already enacted similar legislation, and it’s time for the commonwealth to join them, to ensure our businesses remain as competitive as possible. I’m glad we moved a step closer to that today.” The bill is currently being considered by the full House. Read more

 

Three Venkat bills to protect vaccine access, stand up for pharmacists, move out of committee

(Oct 08, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 8 – As access to vaccines and the vital work of pharmacists are under attack by the federal government, three bills introduced by state Rep. Arvind Venkat, D-Allegheny, that would ensure Pennsylvanians can continue to have affordable and accessible vaccines and pharmacists can continue to keep communities healthy have been reported out of committees in the state House. The first bill, H.B. 1828 , would require that private insurers cover vaccines recommended by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, which can draw upon the expertise of several professional medical societies for recommendation. This bill is being co-sponsored with state Reps. Tarik Khan, D-Phila., and Bridget Kosierowski, D-Lackawanna. “This legislation is absolutely necessary to make sure Pennsylvanians have the access to vaccines they currently have,” said Venkat. “Due to the chaos in Washington, we will be at the judgement and altruism of insurance companies as to whether coverage of vital vaccines will be in place in Pennsylvania. This bill would ensure that Pennsylvanians are kept safe and healthy with affordable vaccines, regardless of what insurance companies or the federal government may push for.” The second bill, H.B. 1881 , would allow pharmacists to administer vaccines that are recommended by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, which can draw upon the expertise of several professional medical societies for Read more

 

PA House approves unemployment for striking workers

(Oct 07, 2025) Rep. Rick Krajewski, Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler

HARRISBURG, Oct. 7 - Today, the Pennsylvania State House voted 106-97 to pass H.B. 145, providing unemployment compensation to striking workers. Current Pennsylvania statute explicitly bans working people who are on strike from receiving unemployment compensation, leaving many striking workers unable to pay rent or mortgage payments, buy groceries, and afford other necessities during contract negotiations. Read more

 

House Agriculture, Education committees hear testimony on Keystone Fresh Act

(Oct 07, 2025) Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski, Rep. Danilo Burgos, Rep. Peter G. Schweyer

HARRISBURG, Oct. 7 – The Pennsylvania House Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee and House Education Committee held a joint hearing today on H.B. 1768, the Keystone Fresh Act, introduced by state Reps. Danilo Burgos and Jonathan Fritz. The bipartisan legislation would expand access to fresh, locally sourced foods in school meals while supporting Pennsylvania farmers and strengthening local economies. The complete hearing can be viewed here . "Schools across Pennsylvania serve more than 168 million lunches per year , providing critical nutrients to children across the state and making them one of the largest potential markets for agricultural producers in Pennsylvania,” said Burgos, D-Phila. “However, school board food service providers reportedly only spend 9% of their total food costs on local foods. Local food purchasing incentive legislation , like the Keystone Fresh Act, would establish a grant program incentivizing schools to purchase, promote and serve local foods in their meal programs.” The Keystone Fresh Act would provide funding for schools to buy more local foods, and resources for farmers to meet school market needs. Research shows that for every $1 spent on local food purchasing initiatives, $1.40 circulates back into local economies. With Pennsylvania’s diverse agriculture sector, this program would improve student nutrition, stimulate the farm economy, and strengthen connections among Read more

 

House Communications & Technology Committee approves bills to increase consumer protections and strengthen state government’s digital defenses

(Oct 07, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 7– Legislation to increase consumer protections and strengthen the state government’s information technology defenses was approved by the PA House Communications and Technology Committee today and sent to the full House for further consideration, state Rep. Joe Ciresi, majority chair of the committee, announced. The bills would protect Pennsylvanians by prohibiting the use of “grinch bot” or “scalper bot” software that automatically purchases event tickets and resells them at a higher price, and by requiring all state IT contracts to meet the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s cybersecurity standards. “These bills will help inform, empower and protect Pennsylvanians from digital technologies used to rip off consumers and compromise residents’ personal data,” said Ciresi, D-Montgomery. Additionally, the committee approved a House resolution recognizing the historic role newspapers have played in Pennsylvania. The following measures were approved: House Resolution 322 (State Rep. Ben Waxman) would recognize the vital role of the newspaper industry as a pillar of democracy and designate Oct. 5–11, 2025, as National Newspaper Week in Pennsylvania. “I’m glad we are passing this resolution during National Newspaper Week, recognizing the historic role that newspapers have played in the flourishing of democracy in Pennsylvania from colonial times to the Read more

 

PA House Energy Committee holds public hearing on solar-ready warehouse legislation; labor and environmental leaders weigh-in

(Oct 07, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Continuing its efforts to ensure the commonwealth’s energy resources can meet surging demand and curb rising costs, Chair Elizabeth Fiedler convened a meeting of the PA House Energy Committee to discuss solar-readiness requirements for commercial buildings as proposed in H.B. 1260.Also known as the Solar-Ready Warehouse bill, the legislation would incentivize new warehouses to be built to accommodate solar panels and encourage existing warehouses to be retrofitted for them. Read more

 

Salisbury: State Police Autism Spectrum Disorder interaction card can be valuable resource for autistic Pennsylvanians

(Oct 06, 2025) Rep. Abigail Salisbury

BRADDOCK, Oct. 6 – State Rep. Abigail Salisbury wants autistic Pennsylvanians or people with loved ones on the spectrum to be aware of the Pennsylvania State Police’s Autism Spectrum Disorder interaction card. Salisbury said the “ASD card” – which can be downloaded for free and carried in a wallet or saved on a phone – may be a helpful option for people on the autism spectrum when they are dealing with law enforcement in some situations. “In certain situations, interactions with police can be difficult for some people on the autism spectrum,” said Salisbury, who is chair of the Pennsylvania Autism Caucus and the first person with an autism diagnosis to hold that position. “Some people may experience sensory overload in situations involving lights and sirens, loud noises or other high-stress events, which can cause them to shut down and appear uncooperative or unpredictable. “ As someone on the spectrum, I understand these challenges, which is why I was glad to see the Pennsylvania State Police develop this resource in conjunction with an autistic consultant. Presenting the card can help communicate critical information at a stressful time. It’s one more tool in our toolbox to improve interactions for people with autism.” Lieutenant Adam Reed, of the Pennsylvania State Police, said the card is equally helpful to law enforcement officers. “As police Read more

 

Ciresi, Friel to hold town hall with Pottstown NAACP on impact of federal budget cuts, delayed state budget Oct. 15

(Oct 06, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

ROYERSFORD, Oct. 6 – State Reps. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, and Paul Friel, D-Chester, will hold a town hall with the NAACP’s Pottstown chapter at 7 p.m. Oct. 15 at the TriCounty Active Adult Center, 288 Moser Road, Pottstown. The representatives’ discussion will focus on the impact of the impact of federal budget cuts and the delayed passage of the state budget on Pennsylvania. Audience participation is strongly encouraged. Read more

 

Neilson issues statement on fire risks in SEPTA railcar fleet

(Oct 06, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

After the National Transportation Safety Board urged the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority to act on safety recommendations to reduce the risk of future fire incidents on its Silverliner IV railcars, state Rep. Ed Neilson, chair of the House Transportation Committee, made the following statement: “While I’m thankful that the NTSB identified the problem posing risks to public safety and SEPTA is acting quickly to inspect and remove affected railcars, this is the exact reason that House Democrats fought for a long-term, comprehensive funding plan for public transit across the commonwealth,” Neilson said. “We passed bipartisan legislation multiple times in the House that would have provided long-term, sustainable funding for all mass transit systems and kept SEPTA from having to use its capital funds to operate. SEPTA’s capital fund should be for situations like this – to mitigate any public safety risk – not for daily operations. “I am working closely with SEPTA, House Democratic leadership and Governor Shapiro’s office to determine the next step in fixing this crisis, but if a long-term funding solution isn’t a part of the conversation, this will continue to happen to transit agencies across Pennsylvania. “We need a long-term, comprehensive funding plan for transit agencies in all 67 counties, as well as for roads and bridges.” Read more

 

State lawmakers introduce bipartisan legislation to regulate the use of artificial intelligence in health care

(Oct 06, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 6 – To ensure all Pennsylvanians, especially patients, can be assured that artificial intelligence technology is being used in a beneficial manner, state Reps. Arvind Venkat, Joe Hogan, Tarik Khan, Bridget Kosierowski and Greg Scott have proposed bipartisan legislation that would regulate the application of AI in health care. AI is being rapidly implemented across the health care industry by insurers, hospitals and clinicians. It has been utilized for patient care, billing, research, claims management, utilization reviews, and assessments of cost-effectiveness. The legislation, H.B. 1925 , would provide new regulations for how AI is utilized and reported by insurers, hospitals and clinicians. These groups would need to provide transparency to patients and the public as to how AI is being used in their companies or practice settings. "As the only physician in the General Assembly, I have seen the rapid growth of AI usage in health care in real time,” said Venkat, D-Allegheny. “I am grateful for my bipartisan colleagues, including fellow health professionals, who are joining me on this legislation to make sure Pennsylvanians can be confident that AI is being used responsibly and effectively in the health care industry.” To prevent clinicians from overly relying on AI, the legislation would also ensure that a human decisionmaker would make the ultimate decision based on an Read more

 

Ciresi introduces legislation to extend deadlines to appeal Turnpike ‘V-Tolls’

(Oct 03, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 3 –State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, this week introduced House Bill 1916 that would allow drivers at least six months to appeal E-ZPass video tolls and flat video tolls, also known as “v-tolls.” A v-toll is a flat $10 charge made by the Pennsylvania Turnpike to the account of an E-ZPass customer when their E-ZPass transponder was not read by the sensor at a toll booth or gantry. This can occur for a variety of reasons, including if the transponder is improperly installed or malfunctioning, or if there is a technical issue with turnpike sensors. “I’ve introduced this legislation to make sure drivers on the Pennsylvania Turnpike have the opportunity to correct mistakes on their E-ZPass statements and only have to pay what they should owe,” Ciresi said. “The shift to a cashless turnpike and the end of paper tickets and toll booth exit messages makes it less clear if you’re being charged correctly and your transponder is working. Giving drivers more time to appeal overcharges is the fair thing to do.” The Pennsylvania Turnpike began implementing all-electronic tolling in 2016, ending physical cash tolls in 2020 and launching Open Road Tolling in 2025. Read more

 

Pa. House Tourism Committee discusses bill to fight human trafficking

(Oct 02, 2025) Rep. Mary Jo Daley, Rep. Regina Young

HARRISBURG, Oct. 2 – The state House Tourism, Recreation and Economic Development Committee today held a hearing on a bill to train Pennsylvania employees of hotels, motels, online lodging and reservation companies, and other establishments to identify and report signs of human trafficking. House Bill 1286 is sponsored by state Rep. Regina Young , D-Phila./Delaware, and would provide for mandatory human trafficking awareness training for Pennsylvania workers in the hospitality industry, including online lodging and reservation companies. “Since I’ve been a legislator, I’ve been working to end human trafficking,” Young said. “It’s an unfortunate evil that lurks in our region because of easy access to interstate and international transportation hubs. The heartfelt testimony we heard today confirms the need to train hotel, motel and other lodging employees to be aware of the warning signs and report them. We can end human trafficking through education and speaking up for these most vulnerable victims.” The full hearing can be watched at https://youtube.com/live/MoNweqGt3eo . The Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts in January 2025 revealed 1,235 human trafficking offenses filed across 366 cases in the state between 2020 and 2024. During the hearing, expert testimony laid out the case for Pennsylvania to do more in its fight against human trafficking. Testifiers also Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Oct 02, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities Read more

 

Ciresi’s legislation to expand access to simplified unclaimed property claims unanimously passes the House

(Oct 01, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 1 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi’s longstanding commitment to legislation making it easier and less expensive for Pennsylvanians to claim property that’s rightfully theirs, H.B. 1176, unanimously passed the PA House today. The legislation would: Increase the amount of unclaimed property that heirs can claim from the Pennsylvania Treasury using a notarized relationship affidavit from $11,000 up to $20,000. Raise the amount a financial institution may release to a family member of a deceased individual from $10,000 to $20,000 if the family member presents a receipt verifying funeral expenses have been paid. Redirect the estates of decedents who die with no will and no heirs to an endowed community fund near the place of the decedent’s last residence. The legislation included language from state Rep. Tim Bonner’s H.B. 167 and state Rep. Torren Ecker’s H.B. 1091, both of which were passed approved unanimously by the House Judiciary Committee earlier this year. “Look, millions of properties totaling more than $4 billion are currently sitting in the PA Treasury as unclaimed property because the process to claim it is just too challenging or too expensive -- or both,” Ciresi said. “Part of the reason the money is just sitting there is because we haven’t updated the $11,000 limit for simplified heir claims Read more

 

Fiedler, Powell, Khan, Probst bill to address school facilities crisis in Pa. passes House
Oct 10, 2025

Sen. Saval and Rep. Smith-Wade-El announce legislation to end the criminalization of homelessness
Oct 09, 2025

House approves Goughnour bill to allow premixed cocktails on tap
Oct 08, 2025

Powell bill to provide flexibility for spending on transit development passes state House
Oct 08, 2025

Rivera bill allowing first-class townships to increase funding for fire and EMS reported out of committee
Oct 08, 2025

Schlossberg releases statement on today’s House budget vote
Oct 08, 2025

House Commerce Committee advances Conklin bill to strengthen security for Pa. businesses
Oct 08, 2025

Three Venkat bills to protect vaccine access, stand up for pharmacists, move out of committee
Oct 08, 2025

PA House approves unemployment for striking workers
Oct 07, 2025

House Agriculture, Education committees hear testimony on Keystone Fresh Act
Oct 07, 2025

House Communications & Technology Committee approves bills to increase consumer protections and strengthen state government’s digital defenses
Oct 07, 2025

PA House Energy Committee holds public hearing on solar-ready warehouse legislation; labor and environmental leaders weigh-in
Oct 07, 2025

Salisbury: State Police Autism Spectrum Disorder interaction card can be valuable resource for autistic Pennsylvanians
Oct 06, 2025

Ciresi, Friel to hold town hall with Pottstown NAACP on impact of federal budget cuts, delayed state budget Oct. 15
Oct 06, 2025

Neilson issues statement on fire risks in SEPTA railcar fleet
Oct 06, 2025

State lawmakers introduce bipartisan legislation to regulate the use of artificial intelligence in health care
Oct 06, 2025

Ciresi introduces legislation to extend deadlines to appeal Turnpike ‘V-Tolls’
Oct 03, 2025

Pa. House Tourism Committee discusses bill to fight human trafficking
Oct 02, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Oct 02, 2025

Ciresi’s legislation to expand access to simplified unclaimed property claims unanimously passes the House
Oct 01, 2025