Happy Red October to the 168th (can you tell I'm being optimistic?),

I am just back from Harrisburg after a very busy and productive session week.

Most exciting was the final passage through the senate of House Bill 1442 - the Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) better known as Morgan Rose's Law. I can't even begin to tell you how exciting it is to see this legislation move forward to the Governor's desk. I am so thrilled for Morgan's parents, Colleen and John Hosbach, who shared the story of their beautiful daughter with me more than two years ago.

Together, we worked with epilepsy advocates, the PA Coroners' Association, my colleague Rep. Ann Flood, and the House Health Committee to move this meaningful legislation to the Governor's desk. I so admire Colleen and John who have taken their grief and turned it into something positive to help others. Morgan is irreplaceable but the legacy of her life will help so many others. 

This legislation was an important lesson for me as a lawmaker. It takes time and collaboration to get legislation right. It takes time to work with stakeholders and listen to concerns so we can craft language which will accomplish our goals. It takes time to move through the legislative process, and advocacy is key every step of the way. I learned how to be patient, thoughtful, and collaborate with like-minded individuals who could help. None of this gets done by one person and I am so grateful to have had the chance to work with such a dedicated group to get this done!

In Harrisburg, this was the week of the woman. From rallying for legislation to protect access to contraception -- and voting for several bills to allow for coverage of healthcare related to women experiencing menopause -- to helping open the first designated area in the Capitol to support breastfeeding mothers, we made caring for and addressing the needs of women a priority. 

We also moved some meaningful legislation in the House supporting open primary elections, which would allow registered independents vote in PA's primaries. I was proud to co-sponsor this legislation, and it will be interesting to see if it gains traction in the Senate.

I was also thrilled to support my colleague (and Harrisburg roomie) Rep. Bridget Kosierowski's legislation which would put new restrictions around the sale and packaging of synthetic and plant-based kratom. Addressing this issue has been a priority for me since my days as a Radnor commissioner, and I know there have been many concerns about the sale of kratom from our municipal police. The Kratom Standards, Labeling, and Consumer Protection Act would allow only for the sale of natural kratom, no synthetics or adulterated products; and restrict sales to only registered retailers, plus no sales to anyone under 21, and no products marketed to children. There are criminal and civil penalties for those who sell adulterated or synthetic kratom.  

Just a few highlights from our session this week, and we will be back at it next week! I wish everyone a wonderful weekend... and above all, GO PHILLIES!!!!

In service,

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In this edition:

Tackling legislative priorities (like regulating Big Tech)

This week, my House colleagues and I passed legislation to help you and improve our communities, taking steps to accomplish priorities such as protecting you from harmful impacts of AI, price gouging by utility companies, and more:

• When it comes to regulating artificial intelligence, HB 1925 would require medical practices to inform you when AI is used during treatment or insurance decisions, and ensure that any final decisions on patient care or coverage are made by humans.
  
  And HB 2006 would require companies to ensure that “AI companions” cannot encourage or assist in the planning of suicide, self-harm or violence; instead it would direct users to crisis resources like the 988 Lifeline when appropriate.
  
  The bill would also require AI companion providers to clearly disclose that users are interacting with AI rather than a human; and to protect kids from sexually explicit content and interactions designed to isolate them.

• HB 2649 would require health insurers to cover fertility preservation services if a medically necessary treatment, like cancer treatment, could cause infertility.

• HB 2378 would not just help protect you and your family’s vaccine access, it would strengthen it by expanding the age groups who are offered the vaccines for flu, pneumonia, and RSV after a hospital stay or as part of their ongoing care.

• Two of the bills we passed have to do with protecting you as a consumer. HB 2184 would require the Public Utility Commission to explicitly consider the public interest – including affordability and service reliability – when making decisions on utility rates.
  
  And HB 2645 would set statewide standards for the licensing and registration of home inspectors (including those in training).

• HB 2219 would help law enforcement maintain traffic safety by prohibiting the use of any license plate obscuring device that hides a license plate from view, either manually or electronically (such as blackout plates and plate covers), or changes its appearance to be unreadable by toll collection and traffic cameras.

Souls Shot Portrait Gallery

On Monday, the Souls Shot Portrait Project was displayed in the Capitol as a reminder about the importance of reforming gun laws, including the continued fight for legislation that prevents violence in our communities and promotes gun safety. It was especially poignant because this time last year, commonsense gun violence prevention bills failed on the PA House floor. I promise to keep fighting for this vital legislation so not one more soul is lost to senseless acts of violence.

Thank you to CeasefirePA for bringing this moving project to the Capitol!

Morgan Rose's Law is headed to the governor's desk

After more than two years of work, Morgan Rose’s Law is headed to Gov. Shapiro’s desk.

The Senate passed HB 1442 on Wednesday, bringing us one step away from making this bipartisan legislation law in Pennsylvania.

This legislation will ensure that Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) can be properly identified as a cause of death in epilepsy patients, making data about the condition much more accurate. 

Morgan’s Law is almost law.

That means better information for researchers, and answers for families who are left trying to understand an unimaginable loss.

I have been so inspired by the tireless advocacy of my neighbors Colleen and John, the parents of Morgan Rose Hosbach, who died from SUDEP in 2022. They continue to work to make sure other families don’t have to face the same unanswered questions they did.

I’m incredibly grateful to the Hosbachs; my partner on this bill, Rep. Ann Flood; the Pennsylvania State Coroners’ Association, medical examiners; epilepsy advocates, and everyone who helped get us to this point.

Pod for nursing mothers opens at the Capitol

Nursing mothers visiting the PA Capitol complex can now breastfeed or pump in a clean, safe, and accessible nursing station.

My colleagues in the House and I began the effort to install the nursing pod to make visiting the state Capitol a welcoming experience for all. Many of us know from experience that it’s often difficult for nursing moms to find an adequate place to breastfeed or pump in a public building. We want them to be able to visit our beautiful, historic building without that worry!

The wheelchair-accessible pod features the amenities needed to nurse or pump with as much ease as possible, including comfortable seating, an electrical outlet and USB charging port, and shelves. It’s also open to nursing state employees who need a place to pump when they return to work.

The pod was also made possible with the help of the Dept. of General Services and the Shapiro Administration.

Senior Health Fair

Last week's Senior Health Fair brought together the very best resources our community has to offer! From Giant Pharmacy offering protection from cold and flu season to Wayne Senior Center and Surrey Services for Seniors showing off their full slate of opportunities to stay active and involved, it was a great afternoon for our aging population.

Rocky Run YMCA was the best host as always, even lending us one of their expert exercise instructors for a cardio drumming class. 

Thank you to Independence Blue Cross, Acts Retirement-Life Communities, Heron Companions, Senior Lift - Tech Training and PA MEDI for coming out to answer questions and share your work and to Wawa for your sponsorship!

Such a great day out and about in the community!

SEPTA Senior Card event

More than three dozen seniors can now start riding the rails for free after our SEPTA Card event with Sen. Kearney’s office! It was a busy day at the Newtown Public Library, where Alex and Josh helped neighbors apply for their passes and answer questions about other ways our offices can help with state-related issues.

These passes are funded entirely by the Pennsylvania Lottery and give our seniors access to regional rail, buses, subways, and trolleys for zero fare! All you have to do is tap your pass!

If you missed the event, we will be at the Radnor Memorial Library on 10/7 to process applications!

FYI

Reminders about voting by mail

You can be confident that if you’re a registered voter in PA, you can vote by mail safely and securely. You may return your completed mail ballot in the mail or at a designated county drop box.

Completed mail-in and absentee ballots must be received by the Delaware County Bureau of Elections by 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. 

Pennie open enrollment

Pennsylvania's health insurance marketplace, Pennie, had planned for a shortened Open Enrollment period this year due to recent federal regulation changes; however, those changes were invalidated recently by a lawsuit. That means Pennie gets to revert its open enrollment dates back to the dates it's had every year prior.

Open Enrollment 2027 will start on November 1, 2026, and will end on January 15, 2027. Plan selections from Nov. 1 – Dec. 15 will have coverage starting January 1, 2027. Plan selections between Dec. 16 and Jan. 15 will be effective February 1.

Community Events & Announcements

Pennsylvania State Capitol

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District Office

24 S. Newtown Street Rd., Suite 100
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