State House lawmakers have unanimously passed a bill that would require lodging operators to ensure workers undergo training meant to improve recognizing and reporting human trafficking. The vote comes just before the start of 2026, when several major events – including the FIFA World Cup, America250 and the NFL draft – promise to draw “record-breaking numbers of visitors” to the state, noted Zakary Pyzik, senior director of public affairs for the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association. Bill sponsor Rep. Regina Young’s district includes the Philadelphia International Airport, in addition to an adjacent section of Delaware County. “This is bigger than 2026, but the time really is now,” said Young, a Democrat who introduced a similar proposal during the last legislative session as well. Young and Pyzik spoke during a press conference Wednesday along with state Rep. Tarik Khan (D-Philadelphia) and Philadelphia City Councilwoman Nina Amad before the House took up the measure for third and final consideration. It now goes to the Senate, which reconvenes on Jan. 6. Read more

HARRISBURG, Dec. 19 – State Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila./Delaware, on Thursday announced more than $2.1 million in state funding for community projects and infrastructure improvements in the 185th Legislative District, awarded through the Commonwealth Financing Authority. Read more

“Central Montco is home to so many important resources, from community buildings and safety equipment to recreational spaces. Our local municipalities and organizations are working to ensure that we can enjoy these resources for years to come,” Bradford said. “I’m pleased that these local projects are receiving financial support from the state, and I’m grateful to the Shapiro Administration for investing in our community.” Read more

HARRISBURG, Dec. 18 – On Wednesday, the state House of Representatives passed legislation to strengthen Pennsylvania’s efforts to combat human trafficking. House Bill 1286, sponsored by state Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila., would equip hospitality workers with the training and tools to recognize and respond to trafficking activity. House Tourism, Recreation and Economic Development Committee Chair Mary Jo Daley said that it was an honor to see the bill pass unanimously and head to the Senate, where she hopes it’s met with fast approval. “Hospitality workers are often on the front lines, interacting regularly with guests and observing day-to-day activity in lodging environments,” Daley said. “By ensuring these workers are properly trained, the legislation seeks to improve early identification and reporting of suspected trafficking, helping prevent exploitation and protect victims, guests and staff. “Thank you to Representative Young for her tireless efforts on the bill, and to all of my House colleagues who took a stand for trafficking victims across the state.” House Bill 1286 would require lodging establishments, third-party listing platforms, and operators of short-term rentals across the commonwealth to provide human trafficking awareness training to their workers. The training would educate employees on what human trafficking is, how to identify common warning signs, and the Read more

State Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, today announced that nearly $1.5 million in grants has been awarded for eight projects that will benefit the 165th Legislative District. Read more

HARRISBURG, Dec. 18 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today announced nearly $1.9 million in state funding for public safety and infrastructure projects within his legislative district. Ciresi advocated for grants awarded from the Statewide Local Share Account, which is funded by the PA Race Horse Development Gaming Act. “These state grants are smart investments in both public safety and our infrastructure,” Ciresi said. “Residents will feel safer walking the streets or traveling around Pottstown and Royersford thanks to new security improvements. First responders will reach people in distress more quickly with the addition of two ambulances and a firetruck. The water our residents use to drink and cook with will be safer thanks to upgraded service lines. And our community will have a refreshed space to connect and gather in a renovated community center. “As a long-time advocate for resuming commuter rail service from Philadelphia to Reading, I am especially thrilled that this funding will allow the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority to enter its final phase of construction and soon restore passenger rail service,” Ciresi said. “Our community will see significant benefits from this project, including greater access to jobs, higher property values, and stronger local businesses. “These grants will help us achieve the future we’ve planned for.” Projects awarded LSA funding in Read more

HARRISBURG, Dec. 17 – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives today approved a joint resolution sponsored by state Reps. Danielle Friel Otten, D-Chester, Liz Hanbidge, D-Montgomery, and La’Tasha D. Mayes, D-Allegheny, that would allow Pennsylvania residents to add a Reproductive Rights Amendment to the state constitution. The Otten, Hanbidge and Mayes bill, H.B. 1957 , proposes an amendment to the Pennsylvania constitution that would reaffirm and protect every Pennsylvanians’ right to privacy and ensure that the state shall not deny or interfere with an individual’s reproductive freedom in their most intimate personal decisions. The amendment would ensure that every individual has a right of privacy with respect to personal, sexual and reproductive health care decisions, including the right to choose or refuse an abortion, the right to choose or refuse contraceptives, and the right to choose or refuse fertility care, all without discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion or relationship status. The bill passed the House with bipartisan support by a vote of 102 to 101. Today’s action represents a significant step toward advancing the legislation, which could ultimately appear on a future ballot for Pennsylvania voters to decide whether fundamental reproductive rights should be explicitly protected in the state constitution. For the first time in recent legislative history, Pennsylvania is taking proactive steps to protect Read more

HARRISBURG, Dec. 17 -- Today, the Pennsylvania House Environmental & Natural Resources Committee unanimously approved a resolution directing the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a study and issue recommendations on litter law enforcement in Pennsylvania. The legislation, H.R. 352, was introduced by state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery. The resolution stems from the Pennsylvania Litter Research Study (2018–19) and the subsequent Litter Action Plan (2021). Conducted by DEP, PennDOT, and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, these initiatives urged the Commonwealth and the General Assembly to evaluate the effectiveness of Pennsylvania’s litter ordinances, laws, statutes, and regulations, and to take steps to enhance enforcement. “The Pennsylvania Litter Research Study found more than 500 million pieces of litter on Pennsylvania roadways. While 90% of Pennsylvanians believe litter is harming the state in every possible way -- damaging the environment, polluting waterways, depressing property values, reducing tourism, and hurting businesses -- the overwhelming majority feel it’s unlikely that anyone will actually be caught or fined for littering,” Ciresi said. “We need to strengthen our litter laws and improve their enforcement.” Described as a 'first step in this process,' PalmettoPride and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful completed a joint study on litter law enforcement in 2023, highlighting key issues raised Read more

HARRISBURG, Dec. 17 – Today, state Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila./Delaware hosted a news conference to celebrate House passage of her bill that would mandate human trafficking awareness training for Pennsylvania workers in the hospitality industry, including online lodging and reservation companies.House Bill 1286 would amend Act 197 of 2012 to include training requirements approved through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency for employees of public lodging establishments who have contact with guests or access to guest rooms, and for operators of short-term rentals. Read more