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Gergely’s bill to advance PA health care initiative becomes law

(May 01, 2024) Rep. Matthew R. Gergely

HARRISBURG, May 1 – State Rep. Matthew R. Gergely’s bill to protect plasma donated throughout Pennsylvania and preserve its suitability for use in health and medical forums has been signed into law by Gov. Josh Shapiro at the state Capitol. Act No. 6 of 2024 , formerly H.B. 1795, requires that source plasma undergoes extensive testing upon donation and before it is ultimately integrated into essential pharmaceuticals The new law, co-sponsored by state Rep. Tim Briggs, D-Montgomery, also allows more focus to be devoted to developing such pharmaceuticals by eliminating a signification portion of subsequent testing conducted in labs during the clinical development phase. “Not only am I thrilled that my bill is officially on the books in PA, I’m thrilled to help put a positive step forward into place for Pennsylvanians who depend on donated plasma. Safeguarding their health is crucial, and I’m grateful to Gov. Shapiro for getting this legislation across the finishing line.” said Gergely, D-Allegheny. “Having been in office for a little over a year, I’m proud to be able to facilitate the passage of this bill and work with the Pennsylvania House and Senate and the governor.” “We're thrilled to join the governor in signing this bill and providing a beacon of hope for those facing serious medical challenges,” Briggs added. “Let's celebrate this milestone together and continue to fight for real Read more

 

Warren legislation to protect consumers, insurance brokers passes PA House

(May 01, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE State Rep. Perry Warren D-Bucks County www.pahouse.com/ Warren Warren legislation to protect consumers, insurance brokers passes PA House HARRISBURG, April 30 – State Rep. Perry Warren’s bipartisan bill that would codify the surplus insurance lines fee structure for personal surplus lines transactions passed the PA House unanimously this week. House Bill 2096 now heads to the PA Senate for consideration. The surplus lines insurance market serves customers who need rare, specialty or high-risk coverage unavailable on the regular market in Pennsylvania. High-risk flood insurance is one common example. Insurance agents selling surplus lines insurance typically receive a smaller commission than they would with regular insurance. To ensure that Pennsylvania insurance agents can afford to serve this specialty insurance market, the bill would both permit and cap the fee that a Pennsylvania insurance agent can charge for placing a surplus lines insurance policy. “This legislation creates a win-win situation for both consumers and their insurance agents,” Warren said. “Consumers get to keep their insurance when there is not a product available in the Pennsylvania admitted market, and Read more

 

Consumer Protection Committee approves bill to set energy efficiency and water conservation standards for appliances sold in Pa.

(May 01, 2024) Rep. Robert Matzie

HARRISBURG, May 1 – The House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee yesterday approved H.B. 1615 , which would set energy efficiency and water conservation standards for new residential and commercial appliances sold in Pennsylvania, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced. “This is a good, commonsense bill that will benefit consumers,” Matzie said. “Nobody has to replace anything, nobody has to buy anything, nothing is banned. Appliances meeting these standards are already on the market and competitively priced. Implementing the standards for new appliances sold here in Pennsylvania could save consumers nearly $250 million annually on their utility bills by 2030.” The bill passed by a vote of 17-8. The committee also heard testimony on H.B. 1977 , which would require businesses to clearly post notice of any surcharges on credit and debit card transactions in a location easily visible to consumers, and H.B. 2186 , which would help protect consumers from gift card scams by requiring retailers to post signs warning consumers about these scams and train employees on how to identify and respond to gift card fraud. “Today’s hearing was an important consumer protection hearing addressing fees when it comes to using your credit or debit card at a point of sale as well as the gift card scams that are happening, not only here in Read more

 

Powell’s bill to prohibit remote stalking passes Pa. House

(Apr 30, 2024) Rep. Lindsay Powell

HARRISBURG, April 30 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell’s bill that would ban tracking via a feature on devices manufactured by Apple Inc. passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today. The legislation, H.B. 416 , would forbid the use of AirTags for any nefarious motive, with an emphasis on remote stalking. Bad actors have utilized AirTags to put trackers on vehicles and pinpoint the location of their victims. “Stalking in any form directly or indirectly impacts far too many residents in our state, country and worldwide. Not only that, the consistent advent of new technologies has made life even more perilous for people subjected to this crime,” Powell, D-Allegheny, said. “This bill would help neighbors stay safer across the commonwealth and keep them on level ground with people seeking to do them harm.” Multiple plaintiffs filed a class-action lawsuit against Apple in December of 2022 for remote stalking and despite the company’s attempt to dismiss the case, it is moving forward. AirTags, launched more than three years ago, is intended to help individuals find items that are often misplaced, such as keys, wallets or bookbags. The bill now heads to the state Senate for consideration. Read more

 

Conklin, PA sports officials highlight need for PIAA competition reform

(Apr 30, 2024) Rep. Scott Conklin

HARRISBURG, April 30 – State Rep. Scott Conklin joined school sports officials and student athletes at the Pennsylvania Capitol today to urge support for his proposal that would better protect players in Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association competitions. Conklin – whose H.B. 1983 would allow the PIAA to establish alternative playoffs and championships for boundary and non-boundary schools – spoke about how the current system jeopardizes student safety by pitting public school teams against private, charter and parochial school teams that are often larger and better equipped. “By leaving public schools no option but to compete against larger, more powerful teams recruited by private schools, the PIAA’s current system is putting student athletes from public schools at a huge disadvantage before they even set foot on the field,” Conklin said. “It’s a system that sets kids up for failure, sends the wrong message and – worst of all – exposes them to the risk of serious injury. “We need to reform the playoff rules by allowing the PIAA to set up alternate playoff systems and championships for boundary and non-boundary schools. Having separate playoffs would not hurt the element of competition – it would merely ensure those contests are waged on a level playing field.” Hall of Fame Football Coach Jim Cantafio and Bald Eagle Athletic Director Doug Read more

 

House committee OKs Haddock bill to protect food processing workers

(Apr 30, 2024) Rep. Jim Haddock

“This commonsense approach to workplace safety would ensure that not only is the food we put on our tables safe, but the workers are as well," Haddock said. Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation praises increased transparency by PA State Police

(Apr 29, 2024) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas, Rep. Jordan A. Harris, Rep. Ben Waxman

HARRISBURG, April 29 – The Philadelphia House Delegation today applauded the Pennsylvania State Police for following up on their promise to expand the use of body cameras to the officers in Troop K serving the Philadelphia region. During a public hearing with the House Appropriations Committee on the 2024-25 state budget in early March, State Police Commissioner Colonel Christopher Paris assured the committee that resources would be expedited to Southeastern PA for body camera recordings to be implemented on all officers. “Transparency is critical in officer-involved incidents. The cameras now worn by Troop K and used in their vehicles will assist in that transparency and create accountability in the unfortunate use of force,” said delegation chairwoman Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila. “This is about protecting our communities and protecting officers, giving everyone a little more peace of mind when issues arise.” House Majority Appropriations Committee Chairman Jordan Harris, D-Phila, recounted the pledge to expedite body cameras by PSP leadership during the committee’s public hearings on the state budget. “On March 4, 2024, the Appropriations Committee met with the Pennsylvania State Police for their budget hearing. This hearing immediately followed high-profile incidents with the PSP in our region; Commissioner Paris assured me and the committee that they would expedite resources to have Read more

 

Mayes bill to provide maternal and newborn supply kits advances in PA House

(Apr 29, 2024) Rep. La'Tasha D. Mayes

Legislation would establish state resource program for new parents Read more

 

House Housing & Community Development and Local Government committees to hold affordable housing meeting on Wednesday

(Apr 29, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, April 29 – State Reps. Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster, and Robert Freeman, D-Northampton, announced today that they will be co-chairing an informational meeting of the Housing & Community Development and Local Government committees on increasing the affordable housing supply at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 1 in the Capitol Complex’s Room 523 Irvis Office Building. The meeting will feature a presentation by Alex Horowitz, director of Pew Charitable Trusts’ Housing Policy Initiative, about the nationwide challenges and opportunities of expanding the supply of affordable housing. Jacob Fisher, chair of the Pennsylvania Developers’ Council, will also make brief remarks. Sturla, who chairs the Housing & Community Development Committee, and Freeman, who chairs the Local Government Committee, called this meeting to collect more information about how other states are handling the affordable housing crisis. This meeting is open to the media and public. A live stream will be available at www.pahouse.com/live . Read more

 

Warren’s bipartisan bill to end live pigeon shoots approved by committee

(Apr 29, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE State Rep. Perry Warren D-Bucks County www.pahouse.com/ Warren Warren’s bipartisan bill to end live pigeon shoots approved by committee HARRISBURG, April 29 – A bipartisan bill that would prohibit live pigeon shoots in Pennsylvania was approved today by the PA House Judiciary Committee. Noting that Pennsylvania has already outlawed other forms of animal cruelty, Warren introduced the legislation ( H.B. 2139 ) , which now heads to the full House for consideration. “Dog fighting, cock fighting and greyhound racing have already been prohibited in Pennsylvania,” Warren said. “In 2017 even possessing the implements to raise or train an animal for death in the name of gambling became illegal. Yet, pigeon shoots are presently exempted from Pennsylvania’s animal cruelty law.” There is still at least one regularly scheduled live pigeon shoot in Pennsylvania, which takes place annually in Bucks County. Unlike regular hunting in the wild, the pigeons involved in these events are raised in captivity specifically to get shot, with very little sport involved for the humans participating. “Thank you to Representative Perry Warren and the Animal Protection Caucus for their leadership to finally end these barbaric contests in Read more

 

Fleming helped Lower Paxton Township secure $1.2 million transportation funding award

(Apr 26, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, April 25 – State Rep. Justin Fleming, D-Dauphin, said he helped Lower Paxton Township secure a competitive grant award of more than $1.18 million from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to extend the township’s sidewalk network. “This investment in Lower Paxton Township will help enhance quality of life in the township by increasing pedestrian safety,” Fleming said. “The funding will be used to extend the township’s sidewalk network to make important connections between neighborhoods and key destinations such as the Lower Paxton Township Municipal Center, Central Dauphin Middle School, and many neighborhood-serving businesses. This is a smart use of our taxpayer dollars to strengthen the connections in our community and provide easier access to critical services.” Fleming added that the new sidewalk connections will include all necessary signage, ADA-accessible ramps and crosswalks, and will narrow the width of the roadway on Prince Street, which will act as a traffic calming feature, and improve pedestrian safety. The grant award comes from the Surface Transportation Block Grant program Set-Aside, also known as the Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TA Set-Aside). The grant funds projects that improve the accessibility of biking and walking paths and amenities, pedestrian access to public transportation, community improvement activities, environmental mitigation projects and trails. Read more

 

Fleming congratulates area school districts for safety grants

(Apr 26, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, April 26 – State Rep. Justin Fleming, D-Dauphin, today announced that over $1.14 million in state grants have been awarded by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to reduce gun and group violence in local Dauphin County schools. “Every child in our community should feel safe in school so they can flourish and preventing acts of violence is the best way to do that,” Fleming said. “These grants, which were funded by our votes in Harrisburg, will give our schools the tools they need to be more effective when it comes to reducing violence.” The total award amounts approved for schools in the district are: Central Dauphin School District - $307,321 Susquehanna Township School District - $631,469 Dauphin County Technical School - $70,000 Infinity Charter School - $70,000 Reach Cyber Charter School - $70,000 View a full list of awards, including dollar amount and school entities approved for funding, here: ? School Safety Awards . Nonpublic School Awards . Funds will advance the School Safety and Security Committee’s goal of ensuring that all Pennsylvania students can learn in safe, healthy school environments by helping school entities address basic safety needs and mental health services identified in the Committee’s recently adopted Revised Baseline Criteria Standards . Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El and Sturla help secure $3 million grant for Lancaster’s Water Street bike project

(Apr 26, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

LANCASTER, April 26 – State Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El and Mike Sturla, both D-Lancaster, helped the city of Lancaster secure a $3 million state grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to support the Water Street bike project. “Being on a bike offers the opportunity to see the world differently,” Smith-Wade-El said. “Having learned to ride a bike at the late age of 29, I can say it changed my life. I am thrilled that PennDOT has awarded Lancaster City $3 million to help execute the Water Street bike project. A city that is safer for cycling is safer for pedestrians, safer for people pushing strollers, safer for accessing public transit. This a smart investment in our city and in our future.” Sturla added, “I thank PennDOT for awarding this grant to enable the city of Lancaster to continue their successful strategy in making our community even more friendly to bike riders.” The Water Street bike project extends from Fairview Avenue up to Harrisburg Pike and includes a mixture of shared on-street bike facilities and a half-mile portion that will be off-road. According to Smith-Wade-El and Sturla, the project will include intersection improvements along the length of Water Street with raised intersections, speed humps, bump-out curb extensions, ADA compliant ramps, piano key crosswalks and rapid flashing beacons. Three intersections and one segment along Water Street are in the High Injury Network as Read more

 

Rabb, Nelson introduce legislation to help families inheriting properties without a will

(Apr 25, 2024) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb, Rep. Napoleon Nelson

HARRISBURG, April 25 – State Reps. Chris Rabb, D-Phila., and Napoleon Nelson, D-Montgomery, have introduced legislation ( H.B. 2232 ) that would establish the Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act in Pennsylvania. The legislation would make sure all inheritors are informed when one inheritor wants to sell their share of the property. It would also require a neutral appraiser to determine the property's fair market value. Lastly, it would provide other inheritors the first chance to buy the share of the person who wants to sell. “The passing of a loved one is heartbreaking and challenging on its own, and when they don’t have an estate plan in place it can lead to some difficult decisions and uncomfortable situations for the person’s heirs,” Rabb said. “This leads to the person’s heirs taking ownership of the property as tenants-in-common — a form of ownership that frequently leads to heirs losing their land through forced partition sale and to families losing immense inherited wealth to real estate speculators.” This legislation would provide additional due process protections to prevent Pennsylvanians from the forced sale of inherited property, Rabb said. “This bill is a piece of the puzzle in creating more fair and equitable housing throughout Pennsylvania,” Nelson said. The legislation is currently in the Pennsylvania House Housing and Read more

 

Reps. Lindsay Powell and Aerion A. Abney: Bridging Pa.’s digital divide

(Apr 25, 2024) Rep. Lindsay Powell, Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney

Covid-19 not only resulted in immeasurable loss of life, it also permanently altered life as we knew it. The base of operations that is home shed its more proverbial association and became the place where business in all its forms got done. Computers and internet access represented a lifeline for people forging ahead through this once-in-a-generation health crisis. Read more

 

Matzie urges local governments, nonprofits and service providers to participate in broadband survey

(Apr 25, 2024) Rep. Robert Matzie

AMBRIDGE, April 25 – With more than $1 billion coming to expand high-speed internet in Pennsylvania, state Rep. Robert Matzie is urging local governments, nonprofit organizations and internet service providers to participate in a critical survey to ensure those dollars reach their intended targets. Matzie – a board member on the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority and majority chairman of the House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee – said the BEAD Challenge will provide essential feedback to ensure the new funding is allocated properly. “With major broadband infrastructure in place and new funding of more than $1 billion on the way, PA is finally poised to bring essential high-speed internet connections to the unserved and underserved areas that so desperately need them,” Matzie said. “But it’s critical to ensure that the funding goes to the areas where it’s most needed. We have to get this right. “I’m urging local governments, nonprofits and service providers to complete the BEAD Challenge to ensure those dollars are put to the best use.” Matzie said complete information about how to submit a BEAD Challenge is available at this page: https://www.broadband.pa.gov/funding/broadband-equity-access-and-deployment-bead-program/bead-challenge-process/ . The new broadband funding comes from the Broadband Equity, Access and Read more

 

Lawmakers discuss pharmacy policy reform in Moon

(Apr 24, 2024) Rep. Jessica Benham

New bill would reel in Pharmacy Benefit Managers Read more

 

Powell appointed to PA Children’s Trust Fund board

(Apr 18, 2024) Rep. Lindsay Powell

HARRISBURG, April 18 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, has been selected to join the board of the Pennsylvania Children’s Trust Fund . Powell was appointed to the board by House Speaker Joanna McClinton, D-Delaware/Phila., and Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Phila., who is the House chair of the Children and Youth Committee. “I’m honored to be a member of the PA Children’s Trust Fund board and lend my voice to the tremendous work and advocacy done on behalf of the health and well-being of children across the Commonwealth. Every child deserves the right to live their best life and have all opportunities available to them to succeed,” Powell said. “Thank you Speaker McClinton and Rep. Bullock for entrusting me with this new role.” The Pennsylvania Children’s Trust Fund, established almost 35 years ago, is dedicated to funding innovative and creative community-based child abuse and neglect prevention programs. Specific emphasis for funding is placed on primary prevention programs, which focus on the prevention of abuse before it occurs. The organization’s board consists of three members of the state House of Representatives, three members of the state Senate, and nine citizens appointed by the governor and confirmed by majority vote in the Senate. Read more

 

House adopts Matzie ‘Safe Digging Month’ resolution

(Apr 17, 2024) Rep. Robert Matzie

HARRISBURG, April 17 – The PA House with overwhelming bipartisan support today adopted state Rep. Rob Matzie’s resolution designating April 2024 as “Pennsylvania 8-1-1 Safe Digging Month.” Matzie, who is majority chairman of the House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee, said he introduced H.R.300 to make sure Pennsylvanians understand that calling the 8-1-1 “Call before You Dig” hotline is not just a convenience but a legal responsibility. “State law requires anyone planning to do digging – whether they are a homeowner, a contractor, or an excavator – to dial 8-1-1 at least three days before starting the work,” Matzie said. “Making the free call alerts utilities so they can mark underground pipes and cables before excavation begins. It’s a quick, simple step that protects workers, prevents underground utility damage, minimizes service interruptions and can even save lives.” Matzie said calling the hotline is required even for shallow digging projects and those located directly on a homeowner’s private property. More information is available here: https://www.puc.pa.gov/pipeline-safety/pa-one-call/#:~:text=Homeowners%20and%20contractors%20must%20call,begins%20to%20disturb%20the%20earth . Read more

 

State lawmakers call for support for PA’s telecommunicators

(Apr 17, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, April 17 – State Reps. Roni Green and Tarik Khan, both D-Phila., were joined by a bipartisan group of their legislative colleagues, public safety telecommunicators and advocates at the state Capitol today to celebrate “National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week” and discuss how the legislature can work to help Pennsylvania’s telecommunicators and 911 dispatchers. The telecommunicators and advocates who were present included Jack Morgan III, 911 operator from Allegheny County; Sara Slote, dispatch manager, Lancaster County 911; Bill Perkins, state constable; Garrett Rienhardt, recipient of life-saving care; Tyler Griffith, dispatcher; AFSCME members; and Gordon Zimmet, Local 1637 president. At the news conference, the legislators discussed a resolution (H.R. 377), introduced by Green that recognizes the week of April 14-20 “Public Safety Telecommunicators Week” in Pennsylvania. The resolution was adopted by the House later in the day. “911 dispatchers are the point of first contact between the caller and first responders. The speed and efficiency with which they work saves lives. They parse through heaps of information in very chaotic situations and support callers during what is often one of the most difficult moments of their lives,” Green said. “It’s time for the commonwealth to give back to 911 dispatchers the kind of support they give us. My daughter worked Read more

 

Gergely’s bill to advance PA health care initiative becomes law
May 01, 2024

Warren legislation to protect consumers, insurance brokers passes PA House
May 01, 2024

Consumer Protection Committee approves bill to set energy efficiency and water conservation standards for appliances sold in Pa.
May 01, 2024

Powell’s bill to prohibit remote stalking passes Pa. House
Apr 30, 2024

Conklin, PA sports officials highlight need for PIAA competition reform
Apr 30, 2024

House committee OKs Haddock bill to protect food processing workers
Apr 30, 2024

Philadelphia House Delegation praises increased transparency by PA State Police
Apr 29, 2024

Mayes bill to provide maternal and newborn supply kits advances in PA House
Apr 29, 2024

House Housing & Community Development and Local Government committees to hold affordable housing meeting on Wednesday
Apr 29, 2024

Warren’s bipartisan bill to end live pigeon shoots approved by committee
Apr 29, 2024

Fleming helped Lower Paxton Township secure $1.2 million transportation funding award
Apr 26, 2024

Fleming congratulates area school districts for safety grants
Apr 26, 2024

Smith-Wade-El and Sturla help secure $3 million grant for Lancaster’s Water Street bike project
Apr 26, 2024

Rabb, Nelson introduce legislation to help families inheriting properties without a will
Apr 25, 2024

Reps. Lindsay Powell and Aerion A. Abney: Bridging Pa.’s digital divide
Apr 25, 2024

Matzie urges local governments, nonprofits and service providers to participate in broadband survey
Apr 25, 2024

Lawmakers discuss pharmacy policy reform in Moon
Apr 24, 2024

Powell appointed to PA Children’s Trust Fund board
Apr 18, 2024

House adopts Matzie ‘Safe Digging Month’ resolution
Apr 17, 2024

State lawmakers call for support for PA’s telecommunicators
Apr 17, 2024