Vogel, Comitta Introduce Legislation to License Music Therapists in PA
Music therapists in Pennsylvania could be professionally licensed by the Commonwealth, bringing significant economic and therapeutic benefits to families and communities under new legislation introduced by state Senators Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47) and Carolyn Comitta (D-19). [Read More]
Baker Applauds Judiciary Committee Approval of Bill to Improve PFA Order Enforcement
The Senate Judiciary Committee this week approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20) to strengthen the enforcement of Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders and ensure fair reimbursement for law enforcement agencies that serve these critical court orders. [Read More]
Senate Approves Mastriano Bill to Increase Firefighters in PA
The state Senate Monday approved Senate Bill 90, introduced by Sens. Doug Mastriano (R-33) and Michele Brooks (R-50), aimed at increasing the number of volunteer firefighters in Pennsylvania by reforming the certification process. [Read More]
Senate Education Committee Holds Hearing on Chronic Absenteeism and Truancy
The Senate Education Committee held a public hearing on Monday, May 12, to examine the growing issue of chronic absenteeism and truancy in Pennsylvania schools and explore policy solutions to improve student attendance and long-term success. [Read More]
Coleman Bill Empowering Parents, Increasing Transparency Passes Senate
The Senate passed Sen. Jarrett Coleman’s (R-16) bill today to empower parents and help rebuild the trust between school districts and the families they serve by increasing the reporting requirements about potentially dangerous situations at schools. [Read More]
Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s Review of RGGI
Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R-41) issued the following statement regarding the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s review of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) electricity tax which was enacted through executive order by the Wolf Administration in 2019. In 2023, the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court ruled Pennsylvania’s entrance into RGGI may only be achieved through legislation duly enacted by the General Assembly, not merely through rulemaking promulgated by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Environmental Quality Board (EQB). Governor Shapiro made the decision to appeal the Commonwealth Court ruling to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. [Read More]
Senator Martin’s Universal FAFSA Completion Bill Earns Senate Approval
A bill to help Pennsylvania families make informed decisions about pursuing college and job training programs was approved by the Senate today. [Read More]
Laughlin Rejects State-Run Cannabis Plan, Calls for Real Reform
Following the Senate Law and Justice Committee’s vote to reject a proposal legalizing adult-use cannabis through a state-run retail model, committee chairman Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-49) criticized the bill as unworkable and reaffirmed his commitment to advancing meaningful cannabis legislation that can become law in Pennsylvania. [Read More]
Yaw Bill to Protect Consumers’ Energy Choices Approved by Local Government Committee
A bill to ensure Pennsylvania residents have choices when it comes to fuel availability was overwhelmingly approved today by the Senate Local Government Committee, according to Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23), sponsor of the measure. [Read More]
Senate Passes Phillips-Hill Measures to Increase Transparency in Public Education
The Senate approved two key transparency measures sponsored by Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York) to ensure greater accountability among education-related entities that receive public funding. [Read More]