HARRISBURG, June 18 – On June 17, legislation (H.B. 2443) amended by state Rep. Chris Rabb that would establish the Child Victim Recovery Fund advanced through the PA House of Representatives by a unanimous 202–0 vote. House Bill 2443, sponsored by state Reps. Kyle Mullins and Jim Rigby, would create the recovery fund by imposing fees of $250 to $1,000 on individuals convicted of or placed into diversion programs for sexual crimes involving child victims. The fund would support child advocacy centers across Pennsylvania, which provide medical exams, therapy, and advocacy services for abused and exploited children. Rabb’s amendment would require courts to consider a defendant’s ability to pay the Mandatory Child Victim Recovery Fee and allow for reductions if the fee is deemed excessive. It also would prohibit courts from setting mandatory minimum installment payments that are not based on ability to pay. “I had stated publicly last month that I would support the bill if appropriately amended,” Rabb said. “The successful passage of this bill with my amendment affirms my pledge to ensure that establishment of such a fund is done in an equitable and sustainable manner.” Read more
HARRISBURG, June 17 — State Rep. Chris Rabb issued the following statement after voting “no” on H.B. 1616 during Tuesday’s PA House session. The bill would amend Pennsylvania law by strengthening penalties for trafficking infant children and creating a new sentencing consideration for defendants who were themselves victims of child abuse. Regarding H.B. 1616, Rabb said: “As a descendant of Black women, men, and children who were legally bought and sold under state-sanctioned slavery, my commitment to protecting children from exploitation is unwavering. I support the intent behind the bill’s sentencing-consideration provision, which recognizes that childhood victimization can influence the circumstances that lead some individuals into the criminal legal system. However, good intentions must be matched with clear safeguards. “H.B. 1616 does not establish standards for how courts should weigh this factor, creating the potential for inconsistent application across courtrooms. In some cases, survivors who most deserve consideration could be denied relief; in others, the provision could be stretched beyond its intended purpose. I raised a similar concern in May regarding the infant-dealing provisions in H.B. 910. When laws lack clear parameters, they can end up harming the very people they are meant to protect. “I could not, in good conscience, vote for a provision with such significant Read more
HARRISBURG, June 17 – Today, legislation sponsored by state Rep. Chris Rabb (H.B. 131) to strengthen the state’s interdepartmental law enforcement misconduct database statute advanced through the House Judiciary Committee. House Bill 131 would make changes to Act 57 of 2020 to further bolster transparency and accountability measures that were stripped from the original bill after a bipartisan, bicameral agreement to unanimously support the legislation without amendment. Established in 2021, this statewide database is maintained by the Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission. Under current law, law enforcement agencies are required to enter any “final and binding” disciplinary actions into the database when an officer leaves employment. House Bill 131 would widen the scope of the database to include any substantive disciplinary action, as well as add penalties for non-compliance by law enforcement agencies. “This database can be an invaluable resource for community safety, but only if we fulfill it to its highest potential,” Rabb said. “These changes will ensure no documented misconduct goes undetected and will deter law enforcement agencies from failing to take part in the accountability process. I urge the House to consider this and join the effort to make Pennsylvania a national model for police accountability.” Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Juvenile Justice System Enhancement Strategy (JJSES) Who May Apply: Private non-profit agency or unit of local government Use: To build on the work that has been completed to date and advance statewide training and technical assistance around the JJSES framework with a strong focus on continuous quality improvement and fundamental fairness Funds: A total of $450,000 in federal Title II Formula Grant funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund one grant with a budget not to exceed $450,000 over the 12- month project period. Matching funds are not a requirement of this funding opportunity, but a sustainability plan must be included as part of the application submitted. Application Deadline: July 13, 2026 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvements Who May Apply: State, county, or municipal forensic crime laboratories to support activities that improve the quality and timeliness of forensic services. Use: To improve the quality and timeliness of forensic services throughout Pennsylvania, with an emphasis on combating opioids and synthetic drugs through laboratory accreditation, the certification of forensic scientists, and the purchase of laboratory equipment. Funds: A total of approximately $740,000 in federal Paul Coverdell Forensic Read more
PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic development organizations, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial development agencies, and for-profit organizations. Use: To develop competitive sites for businesses to relocate or expand within Pennsylvania. Funds: $400 million in funding is available. Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and approved on a quarterly basis More information: DCED Website Department of Environmental Protection: Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebate Program Who May Apply: Pennsylvania residents whose total household income is below 400 percent of the Federal Income Poverty Level. Use: This program provides a rebate to Pennsylvanians who purchase or lease alternative fuel vehicles. Funds: Rebates vary depending on type of vehicle purchased. Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted and evaluated on a first come, first served basis as long as funds remain available. Please note applications must be received within six months of the date of the vehicle purchase. More information: DEP Website Department of Environmental Protection: WIIN 2107: Voluntary School and Childcare Lead testing and Reduction Grant Who May Apply: Childcare facilities and schools located in Pennsylvania with Read more
PHILADELPHIA, June 2 – Today, state Rep. Chris Rabb congratulated the Philadelphia City Council for passing a resolution in support of ranked choice voting. On May 28, council passed a resolution that calls on the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to pass legislation allowing cities and counties to use ranked choice voting in local elections. Ranked choice elections would give voters the option to rank candidates in order of preference. House Bill 123, legislation introduced by Rabb and co-prime sponsor Rep. John Inglis in November 2025, would provide the authority to enact ranked choice voting in any primary, general or special election. The bill currently sits in the House State Government Committee. “I applaud Philadelphia City Council for attempting to restore honesty and integrity back into the democratic process,” Rabb said. “With ranked choice, voters can make their voice heard based on who they want to choose, not who they think will win. Our current plurality voting system does not truly reflect the will of the people, as it prioritizes divisiveness over common priorities, and extremism over collaboration. I hope the council’s support for ranked choice is heard loud and clear in Harrisburg.” For more information on House Bill 123, visit https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb123 . Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2026/27 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Single Solicitation for Local Initiatives Who May Apply: Units of government (including counties) and non-profit organizations Use: To implement projects and programs that directly address the PCCD Objectives and Goals outlined in PCCD’s 2026-2030 Strategic Framework Funds: A total of $8,221,880 in federal Byrne Justice Assistance Grant funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund approximately 30-35 grants with budgets not to exceed $250,000 over the two-year project period. Application Deadline: July 14, 2026 More information: PCCD Website Department of Aging: Resilient environments for Aging and Dementia in Your Communities (READY Communities) Who May Apply: Non-profits, county and municipal governments, and coalitions of organizations Use: For community-based projects focused on improving the lives of older adults, people living with dementia, caregivers, and their communities Funds: A total of $325,000 is available with a minimum award of $10,000 and a maximum award of $50,000 Application Deadline: June 12, 2026 More information: Aging Website Department of Environmental Protection: Alternative Fuel Incentive Grants Who May Apply: School districts; Municipal authorities; Political subdivisions; Incorporated Read more
HARRISBURG, MAY 7 – Today, state Rep. Chris Rabb congratulates students in the 200th Legislative District that received 2025-26 Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus (PLBC) Foundation James R Roebuck Scholarship awards. Amber S. Jones and Sincear Walter were each awarded by the Roebuck scholarship committee, and will receive the scholarship for educational purposes such as tuition, fees, books, or school-related supplies and equipment. Jones and Walter both currently attend Temple University. The prestigious scholarship is named after the Hon. James R. Roebuck, a former PLBC chair who served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 1985 to 2020. The $1,000 scholarship is funded by private donations and is given to graduating high school seniors or current undergraduate college students of color. “These students represent the promise of the PLBC to uplift strong voices of color throughout the Commonwealth,” Rabb said. “I know both Amber and Sincear are dedicated students of color who make not only my district, but all of Pennsylvania, proud. This scholarship will go toward their continued education at Temple, where I taught for several years. I know they will continue to excel, and I look forward to seeing them on the graduation stage and beyond.” Jones and Walter were recognized at an awards luncheon on Thursday at Harrisburg University. Along with the presentation of scholarships, there were remarks Read more
HARRISBURG, May 5 -- State Rep. Chris Rabb made the following statements on H.B.s 910 and 2443 during the May 4 meeting of the House Judiciary Committee, following a “no” vote on both bills. On H.B. 910 , Rabb said the following: “As a descendant of Black women, men and children legally bought and sold under the imprimatur of state law, my opposition to human trafficking is unwavering. So, it goes without saying that no child should ever be bought, sold or traded -- and Pennsylvania law already treats that conduct as a serious felony. However, what H.B. 910 actually does is blur the line between organized exploitation and the desperate, often heartbreaking choices made by vulnerable parents, risking felony charges against people who need support, not a prison sentence. We can protect children without criminalizing poverty and desperation, and that’s exactly why I could not in good conscience support the current version of the bill in committee.” On H.B. 2443 , Rabb said the following: “Yesterday, I voted no on H.B. 2443 in committee because I refuse to build a house on sand. Child victims deserve our full commitment -- and full commitment means funding that actually works. This bill funds a child welfare Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Environmental Protection: Growing Greener Plus Act 167 Plans Who May Apply: Counties Use: To prepare and adopt a watershed stormwater management plan. Funds: Grant awards will be at least $30,000 and not more than $50,000. Application Deadline: June 22, 2026 More information: DEP Website Department of Environmental Protection: Surface Mining Conservation and Reclamation Act Grants Who May Apply: Municipalities, municipal authorities, and appropriate incorporated nonprofit organizations Use: The design, construction and/or rehabilitation of treatment facilities on ABS Legacy AMD discharge sites, but grants may also be awarded for ABS bond forfeited land reclamation projects. Application Deadline: June 22, 2026 More information: DEP Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic development organizations, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial development agencies, and for-profit organizations. Use: To develop competitive sites for businesses to relocate or expand within Pennsylvania. Funds: $400 million in funding is available. Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and approved on a quarterly basis More information: DCED Website Read more
HARRISBURG, APRIL 27 – Today, state Rep. Chris Rabb’s legislation ( H.B 99 ), which would abolish the death penalty in Pennsylvania, was voted out of the House Judiciary Committee. The bill, referred to the committee in October 2025, would make Pennsylvania the 24th state to abolish the death penalty. It will now make its way to the House floor for consideration. “I want to thank my colleagues on the committee for understanding the various negative aspects of capital punishment,” Rabb said. “Not only is the death penalty an ineffective deterrent to violent crime, but it also costs the state an incredible amount of money, time, and resources. The risk of continuing this unproductive practice far outweighs the few, if any, benefits.” Rabb added that the Commonwealth has already executed people who were innocent of the crimes for which they were sentenced to death. “Even if just one innocent life is taken at the hands of the state, that is too much for me to bear,” Rabb said. “I’m glad that my colleagues feel the same way, and I urge the House to consider this legislation.” More information about H.B. 99 and the House Judiciary Committee can be found at www.palegis.us/house/committees/60/judiciary . Read more
MT. AIRY, APRIL 15 – Today, state Rep. Chris Rabb announced that $500,000 in grant funding will be allocated to help restart Safe Steps Northwest, a violence prevention initiative in Mt. Airy, Germantown and East Germantown. The funding comes from the fiscal year 2025-26 Violence Intervention and Prevention grant under the direction of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, in order to better address community violence throughout the Commonwealth. Approximately $60 million in state funding was given toward VIP grants. Mt. Airy Community Development Corporation will receive the funding to restart Safe Steps Northwest, which aims to provide consistent litter cleanup on approximately 175 residential blocks with documented histories of shootings or proximity to recent gun-violence incidents. The project will work to maintain environmental care, increase community engagement and improve safety and neighborhood conditions. “We know that safe streets begin with clean, cared-for spaces,” Rabb said. “Safe Steps Northwest represents a meaningful investment in restoring and uplifting neighborhoods that have too often shouldered the impact of street violence. I’m encouraged by the work the Mt. Airy CDC will lead in our communities, and this funding will help bring large-scale block cleaning back in a powerful and visible way. I’m grateful to the Commission for its generous support of our district and Read more
New state grant programs accepting applications Read more
Justice reform lawmaker eager to build legal framework following state Supreme Court ruling Read more
“Yesterday, due to a miscommunication on a vote by proxy, I was incorrectly recorded as a no vote on H.B. 2189. I look forward to continuing the fight for a living wage for all.” Read more
Lawmaker urges further reforms to address root causes of hate-based crimes Read more
State grant programs currently accepting applications Read more
State grant programs now accepting applications Read more
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New State Grant Programs Accepting Applications Read more
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