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Pennsylvania House passes Conklin bill to protect small business owners of self-storage facilities

(Jun 03, 2025) Rep. Scott Conklin

HARRISBURG, June 3 – An overwhelming bipartisan majority of the Pennsylvania House today passed legislation introduced by state Rep. Scott Conklin that would protect owners of small self-storage companies when customers fail to honor their rental agreements. Conklin, who is majority chairman of the House Commerce Committee, said he introduced H.B. 1359 to remedy a problem that frequently confronts the owners of these small businesses. “Self-storage companies are mostly small businesses, and their owners face a difficult problem when a customer defaults or fails to sign their rental agreement,” Conklin said. “With no timeframe in place to enforce the unsigned or unpaid agreement, the unit sits occupied and unrentable, costing the business owner money. “My bill would provide timeframes in which these agreements become enforceable – even if they are unsigned – and would allow access to a unit and its contents to be restricted or denied if the renter is unresponsive. No small business owner should have to suffer because a customer fails to uphold their end of an agreement. My bill would help ease that burden, so these small businesses remain viable.” Under Conklin’s bill, If the unit occupant fails to sign the rental agreement within 30 days, their rent payment or continued use of the unit would be deemed an acceptance of the rental agreement, which could then be enforced by the business owner. The Read more

 

House Communications & Technology Committee unanimously approves bills to increase public engagement with state government and law enforcement and awareness of AI in campaign ads

(Jun 03, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 3 – The newly formed House Communications & Technology Committee unanimously approved three bills and sent them to the full House for further consideration, Majority Chair state Rep. Joe Ciresi announced today. The bills share a common aim to keep the public informed and empower their voices by enabling them to easily speak to live Commonwealth customer service representatives, by improving communications with law enforcement, and by increasing public awareness of the use of deepfakes in campaigns and providing a mechanism that would prevent the dishonest use of AI technology in elections. “These bills reflect the committee’s commitment to ensuring that all communications in the commonwealth serve our residents by increasing engagement and transparency, whether it’s enabling one of our seniors to easily connect by phone with a live Commonwealth customer service representative, or a crime victim to find out about the criminal’s arrest or protect voters from being misled by deepfakes in campaign ads,” said Ciresi, D-Montgomery. The following bills were approved: House Bill 197 (Rep. Joe Ciresi) would amend the Right-to-Know Law to require Commonwealth agencies to provide telephone service, enabling people to get the support they need faster and with less hassle. This legislation would benefit people who do not have access to the internet or prefer to speak to a live representative to request help or Read more

 

PA Fairness Act reintroduced by LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus

(Jun 03, 2025) Rep. Jessica Benham, Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, LGBTQ Equality Caucus

Legislation to prohibit discrimination on sexual orientation, gender identity Read more

 

Briggs announces House Judiciary Committee approval of bills to support vulnerable Pennsylvanians, strengthen public safety

(Jun 02, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 2 – State Rep. Tim Briggs, majority chair of the Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee, announced today that six bills have been approved by the committee and sent to the full House for further consideration. These measures aim to increase access to justice, protect vulnerable populations, enhance public safety, and support crime victims across the Commonwealth. “These bills reflect the Judiciary Committee’s ongoing commitment to fairness, protection and public safety,” Briggs said. “From improving legal aid access to helping law enforcement solve violent crimes, we are taking meaningful steps to strengthen our justice system.” The following bills were approved: House Bill 331 (Briggs): Expands existing civil legal aid funding by allowing an existing $2 court filing fee—currently excluded from traffic citations—to be applied to those citations, generating stable revenue for legal services without raising costs. House Bill 808 (Rep. Roman Kozak): Eliminates the statute of limitations for certain violent crimes—such as rape and assault—committed against nonverbal care-dependent adults, ensuring justice is never out of reach for these vulnerable individuals. House Bill 1412 (Reps. Melissa Shusterman and Liz Hanbidge): Requires a material change in circumstances to request a child custody modification, while still allowing Read more

 

Rivera cohosting Lancaster Hispanic Summit on Alzheimer’s & Dementia June 10

(Jun 02, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

LANCASTER, June 2 - State Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster, is partnering with the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Pennsylvania Chapter to host The Lancaster Hispanic Summit on Alzheimer’s & Dementia from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Tuesday, June 10 at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology Multipurpose Activity Center, 750 E. King St., Lancaster. “I wanted to co-host this important event to provide critical information about Alzheimer’s prevention as approximately 13% of Hispanics who are 65 or older have Alzheimer’s or another dementia,” Rivera said. “This summit will be an opportunity for attendees to learn about preventative care as well as be a place where they can share their difficulties trying to get health care, from facing outright discrimination to failing to find health care practitioners who understand their racial or ethnic background and experiences. “As Alzheimer’s disease rates are projected to triple by 2060 with Hispanics predicted to have the largest increase, we need to make sure that people have critical knowledge how they can prevent developing Alzheimer’s as well as being able to recognize the signs of the onset of the disease.” Rivera said the summit will be an opportunity for attendees to learn about preventative care and learn about how the disease impacts the Hispanic community while sharing their own difficulties trying to get health care and finding health care Read more

 

Shusterman’s lottery reform bill approved by House

(Jun 02, 2025) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

“This change will allow the Pennsylvania Lottery to more effectively compete with other forms of entertainment and put the lottery on better financial footing,” Shusterman said. “Removing the profit margin ensures the continued health of the lottery, helping our aging population maintain their independence and quality of life.” Read more

 

Abney introduces bill to strengthen NIL protections for student-athletes

(Jun 02, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 2 – State Rep. Aerion Abney has introduced a legislative proposal designed to bolster protections for college student-athletes earning compensation through their name, image, and likeness. House Bill 1520 aims to close enforcement gaps, improve transparency, and protect athletes from exploitative agreements. While current Pennsylvania law permits student-athletes to profit from their NIL, Abney noted the need for stronger safeguards. “Student-athletes are increasingly navigating complex and high-stakes endorsement agreements, often with limited legal or institutional guidance,” Abney said. “This legislation builds on existing law to ensure they can exercise their rights without fear of coercion, misinformation, or retaliation.” Key provisions of the bill include: Enhancing contract transparency to ensure student-athletes have a clear understanding of their agreements. Establishing legal safeguards to protect against unfair or exploitative terms. Clarifying institutional responsibilities, ensuring schools support NIL rights without interfering in compensation matters. Providing avenues for student-athletes to seek recourse when their NIL rights are violated. “This legislation is about fairness and empowerment,” Abney said. “It ensures that student-athletes in Pennsylvania Read more

 

House Communications & Technology Committee discusses economic potential of emerging technologies in Pittsburgh

(May 30, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, MAY 30 – The newly formed House Communications & Technology Committee this week held a committee meeting in Pittsburgh which focused on emerging technologies’ benefits to the Pittsburgh region’s economy and how to make Pennsylvania a leader in the field. “The visit to Pittsburgh offered us a vision of how the commonwealth can partner with these emerging technology companies to make Pennsylvania a leader in the field while ensuring that protections are in place so the state’s residents are protected from unethical uses of AI and other technologies,” Ciresi said. “One of the issues brought up was workforce readiness, which is an area that the legislature can support by expanding opportunities for educational and training opportunities in emerging technology fields. I am looking forward to advocating for legislation that will help Pennsylvania take the lead in the field of AI, robotics and the development of new technologies.” At the committee’s informational meeting on May 27, the committee heard from expert faculty at the Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy at Carnegie Mellon University who provided an overview of developments in artificial intelligence and social media technologies and their public policy implications. In addition, the committee held other discussions and heard from industry leaders on the impact of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and Read more

 

Abney, Benham formally introduce bills to fund Pennsylvania’s transit systems

(May 30, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

PITTSBURGH, May 30 – As operating costs for public transit skyrocket and agencies like Pittsburgh Regional Transit warn of significant service cuts and fare hikes, state Reps. Aerion A. Abney and Jessica Benham announced that they have officially introduced legislation designed to increase state funding for public transportation. The “Transit for All PA” Funding Package, now introduced as H.B.s 1523 and 1524 , would provide a long-overdue, dedicated funding source to PRT and transit agencies across the state. The package builds on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal to increase the allocation of existing sales taxes to public transit. With this increased stream of revenue, transit systems across Pennsylvania would be able to stabilize their budgets, move beyond current austerity measures, and better serve the needs of riders. The legislation includes provisions to: Raise the state’s rental car fee from $2 to $6.50. Increase the car lease fee from 3% to 5%. Establish a 6% excise tax on ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft. The state’s car rental and lease fees have not been increased in over 30 years and are among the lowest in the nation. Currently, there is no statewide excise tax on ride-hailing services. “Pennsylvanians deserve a public transportation system that is safe, reliable and Read more

 

State Legislators Announce PA Home Preservation Program in Bipartisan Effort to Tackle Pennsylvania’s Housing Crisis

(May 29, 2025) Rep. Lindsay Powell, Rep. Brandon Markosek

The PA Home Preservation Program addresses the need by homing in on the most successful aspect of previous programs: the delivery of critical health and safety repairs for homeowners. This program will allow thousands of households across the commonwealth to repair their homes each year, simultaneously fighting disrepair and community displacement. Read more

 

Rabb unveils bipartisan bill preventing forced sale of inherited property

(May 27, 2025) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

Legislation to help Pennsylvanians hold onto financial wealth when a property owner in their family dies intestate Read more

 

Rabb introduces bill to end charging children as adults

(May 22, 2025) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

Legislation to repeal direct file law, reform the juvenile justice system in Pennsylvania Read more

 

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

(May 22, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Here are the latest grant opportunities that are open for applications. Read more

 

Steele, Policy Committee ask energy providers about power outages

(May 21, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“Our region suffered a major hit during this unprecedented storm,” said Steele, who hosted the hearing and represents portions of Allegheny County. “The sustained power outages were more than an inconvenience. We had older residents in life-and-death situations, unable to use life-sustaining medical devices in their homes, and we experienced major roadway closures.” Read more

 

Kosierowski helps secure over $1.2M in state grants for legislative district

(May 21, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, May 21 – State Rep. Bridget Kosierowski, D-Lackawanna, today announced that more than $1.2 million in state grants have been awarded in her legislative district to be used for economic and community development. “I worked very hard with Senator Marty Flynn and my fellow state representatives to bring these dollars to our communities,” Kosierowski said. “This state funding demonstrates a commitment to supporting and enhancing the quality of life here -- from providing funding for equipment for a cultural festival to restoring a cultural center’s floor to purchasing necessary equipment for our local police forces. Thanks to this funding, life here will continue to be vibrant and safe.” The grants awarded include: $49,140 Clarks Green Municipal Building Emergency Generator Project To purchase and install an emergency generator at the municipal building. $66,211 Clarks Summit New Patrol Vehicle To purchase a new vehicle for the police department. $80,000 Dickson City Commercial Enforcement Vehicle To purchase a vehicle for the police department. $42,393 Ballet Theater of Scranton Equipment Project To purchase new equipment for theatre presentations. $120,000 South Abington Griffin Pond Animal Shelter ERU Replacement For the purchase and installation of a new HVAC system for the animal shelter. $51,143 Indo American Community of Scranton Equipment Project To Read more

 

Fiedler celebrates first-ever Solar for Schools grant recipients; $22.6 million awarded

(May 21, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, May 20 – Pennsylvania’s Commonwealth Financing Authority today announced that 74 schools across Pennsylvania will receive a total more than $22.6 million for solar installations through the Solar for Schools grant program. State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., who introduced the Solar for Schools bill in 2024, applauded the announcement. “I am so happy for each of these schools and excited to see names from nearly every corner of the state,” said Fiedler , who is also chair of the state House Energy Committee. “I’ve heard from rural schools who plan to include their solar panels in agricultural education and from city schools that are thinking strategically about rooftop solar with limited space. I have no doubt that the recipients will benefit from the program’s flexibility to meet their school’s needs and to make the most of their strengths." Solar for Schools was designed as a creative way to address the school funding crisis, rising utility costs, and climate change at once. It is estimated that solar installations can save school districts millions of dollars over the life of one project. As such, the program has gained support across geographic and party lines. It was one of very few bills to pass through the divided legislature last session with broad, bipartisan support. "The Solar for Schools program is a smart investment in Read more

 

House Environmental Committee hears need for developing updated renewable energy standards

(May 19, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

The state House Environmental & Natural Resource Protection Committee held a public hearing today at the state Capitol on legislation (H.B. 501) that would create the Pennsylvania Reliable Energy Sustainability Standard. Read more

 

Ciresi and Hohenstein tour Pottstown SMART home

(May 16, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

ROYERSFORD, May 16 – State Reps. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, and Joe Hohenstein joined staff members from service provider KenCrest today to discuss how SMART homes can help more people with disabilities to live independently. Equipped with voice-activated features, plenty of maneuverability for wheelchairs, and small robots that can feed people and offer remote monitoring, a SMART home’s technology can help people with disabilities live on their own. “At a time when there is a critical home care worker shortage, SMART homes are the smart investment in assisted living as they help people with disabilities live independently,” Ciresi said. “Unfortunately, the home’s technology can be cost-prohibitive. For example, a device that can assist with eating independently costs approximately $8,600. Under current Pennsylvania law, there is an individual lifetime cap of $10,000 for assistive technology purchases. That outdated limit poses a big obstacle to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities from fulfilling their desire live more independent, safe and fulfilling lives.” “SMART homes provide essential necessities for individuals with disabilities, allowing them to live on their own,” Hohenstein said. "The technology from SMART homes empowers individuals, promotes safety and wellbeing and enhances overall quality of life. I’m proud to be here today to advocate for lifting the $10,000 cap Read more

 

Testifiers urge sustainable state support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities

(May 15, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have faced years of chronic underfunding, prompting the Pennsylvania House Majority Policy Committee and PA Legislative Black Caucus to convene a joint policy hearing Thursday to discuss how the state can provide sustainable support to these institutions of higher education. Read more

 

Sen. Tim Kearney & Rep. Lisa Borowski introduce legislation to safeguard PA’s healthcare systems

(May 14, 2025) Rep. Lisa Borowski

“This is one of those pivotal moments for us as lawmakers elected by the people to represent their interests. How we choose to respond to the crisis private equity firms are inflicting on our healthcare system will speak volumes to Pennsylvanians about our courage to do what’s right,” Rep. Borowski said. Read more

 

Pennsylvania House passes Conklin bill to protect small business owners of self-storage facilities
Jun 03, 2025

House Communications & Technology Committee unanimously approves bills to increase public engagement with state government and law enforcement and awareness of AI in campaign ads
Jun 03, 2025

PA Fairness Act reintroduced by LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus
Jun 03, 2025

Briggs announces House Judiciary Committee approval of bills to support vulnerable Pennsylvanians, strengthen public safety
Jun 02, 2025

Rivera cohosting Lancaster Hispanic Summit on Alzheimer’s & Dementia June 10
Jun 02, 2025

Shusterman’s lottery reform bill approved by House
Jun 02, 2025

Abney introduces bill to strengthen NIL protections for student-athletes
Jun 02, 2025

House Communications & Technology Committee discusses economic potential of emerging technologies in Pittsburgh
May 30, 2025

Abney, Benham formally introduce bills to fund Pennsylvania’s transit systems
May 30, 2025

State Legislators Announce PA Home Preservation Program in Bipartisan Effort to Tackle Pennsylvania’s Housing Crisis
May 29, 2025

Rabb unveils bipartisan bill preventing forced sale of inherited property
May 27, 2025

Rabb introduces bill to end charging children as adults
May 22, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities
May 22, 2025

Steele, Policy Committee ask energy providers about power outages
May 21, 2025

Kosierowski helps secure over $1.2M in state grants for legislative district
May 21, 2025

Fiedler celebrates first-ever Solar for Schools grant recipients; $22.6 million awarded
May 21, 2025

House Environmental Committee hears need for developing updated renewable energy standards
May 19, 2025

Ciresi and Hohenstein tour Pottstown SMART home
May 16, 2025

Testifiers urge sustainable state support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities
May 15, 2025

Sen. Tim Kearney & Rep. Lisa Borowski introduce legislation to safeguard PA’s healthcare systems
May 14, 2025