May 1 Email: My bill to require parental notification of school bullying has passed the House

Rep. Jennifer M. O'Mara May 2, 2026

PA Representative Jennifer O'Mara's banner image

Dear Neighbor,

As a parent and a legislator, I’m proud to report that the House this week approved my bipartisan bill aimed at protecting children and addressing the youth mental health crisis. House Bill 830 would require schools to notify parents and legal guardians when their child is involved in or experiences bullying. This legislation is needed because many children are not comfortable disclosing these incidents, so many parents are unaware that their child is involved in a bullying incident until it is too late.

While some schools already require parental notification of a bullying incident, the law does not require it, even though parents play a critical role in protecting their children and helping them navigate difficult situations.

The American Academy of Pediatrics reports suicide is the second-leading cause of death for children ages 10 to 14. Children who experience or perpetuate bullying are found to have an increased risk of suicidality. House Bill 830 helps parents get their children support before the worst happens.

My bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.

You can watch my floor remarks here.

My Senior Breakfast is next week

I'm hosting my annual senior breakfast on Friday, May 8, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Media VFW, 11 Hilltop Road in Media. Enjoy a pancake breakfast while learning about how my office can assist you with state services, Medicare, and more! We’ll be joined by staff from Congresswoman Scanlon’s office to hear about how their office can assist with federal issues. RSVP by calling my office at 610-544-9878

Keeping up the fight against utility rate hikes

While PECO may have backed off its recent plans to hike our electric rates, I believe we as legislators have a responsibility to follow up and ensure that utilities are always being transparent about their profits and need for rate hikes. Last week I co-hosted a hearing of the House Majority Polcy Committee to examine the issue of utility price increases.

Testifiers noted that one in four households have cut food or medicine purchases to pay energy bills, and one in 20 households have utility debt. Yet data center growth will require major infrastructure costs as well as greater demand on generation – one hyperscale data center will demand the electricity equivalence of about 80,000 residential homes.

You can read more about our hearing here or watch it here.

Our Hayti Cemetery Beautification Event

On Sunday, I’ll be hosting my annual beautification event at Hayti Cemetery in Springfield. Starting at 12:30 pm, we’ll be replacing flags and cleaning this historical cemetery, so consider joining us if you are able. Thank you to Hayti Cemetery Descendants for partnering with me for this wonderful event!

Reading to children in Morton

Last week, I had the privilege of visiting Step by Step in Morton to read to their class in honor of Week of the Young Child. I was joined by a very special guest, Katherine. Thanks so much for welcoming us!

Election deadline: Register to vote by May 4

Pennsylvania will hold its primary election on May 19, so it’s time to consider how to make your voice heard. First, make sure you’re registered—you have until May 4.

If voting in person doesn’t fit your schedule, Pennsylvania offers dependable vote-by-mail options. The deadline to apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot is May 12.

Get more info on voting by mail at www.pa.gov.

Nonprofits: Apply for the Neighborhood Assistance Program

I encourage Delco nonprofit organizations to apply for state assistance through the Neighborhood Assistance Program which provides tax credits based on pending contributions from for-profit companies. NAP includes five programs that seek to promote community participation and collaborations among the residents, nonprofits and businesses and assisting a distressed area or the low-income population in a neighborhood. The application deadline is May 29.

For more information, visit the DCED Website.

Check out the Springfield Garden Club’s Plant & Bake Sale tomorrow

The Springfield Garden Club is holding its annual Plant & Bake Sale this Saturday, May 2. It will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Old Central School House on Saxer Avenue (next to Wawa).

Proceeds help support the annual Springfield Garden Club Scholarship awarded to a Springfield High School 2026 graduating senior.

Grants available for electric vehicle charging stations

PennDOT is accepting applications for grants for charging stations for electric vehicles. Contractors installing a publicly available community charger may apply by August 21. The grants can be used to plan, design, construct, operate, and maintain charging stations across Pennsylvania.

For more information, visit the PennDOT Website.

Drop off children’s books at my office

My office is participating in a local children’s book drive to help put books in the hands of Delco children. We are a drop-off site for the Delco Book Bank’s Summer Reading Book Drive. Feel welcome to drop off new or gently used children’s books at my office through the end of May!