News Releases

The Senate today (June 30) passed legislation that will fundamentally restructure and improve the Office of the State Fire Commissioner, according to Senators Scott Hutchinson (R-21) and Mike Regan (R-31).   Listen   [Read More]

Community-based health centers could better meet the needs of patients in underserved areas under a bill approved by the Senate today, according to the bill’s sponsor, Senator Judy Ward (R-30).   Listen   [Read More]

A bill introduced by Senator Dan Laughlin (R-49) to protect children in state-regulated daycare facilities received final legislative approval today and was sent to the Governor for enactment into law.   Listen   [Read More]

A bill to protect children in state-regulated daycare facilities received final legislative approval on Tuesday and was sent to the Governor for enactment into law, according to State Senator Bob Mensch (R-24), who supported the legislation.   [Read More]

Senator Dave Arnold, Senator Doug Mastriano, State Rep. Frank Ryan, and State Rep. Russ Diamond joined local community leaders at Heisey’s Diner in Lebanon to show support as they “go green.”     [Read More]

Yesterday, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives unanimously passed Senate Bill 595, which was introduced by State Senator Bob Mensch (R-24).   [Read More]

A bill that would strengthen penalties for assaults against healthcare practitioners and technicians is on its way to the governor’s desk to be signed into law, according to the measure’s sponsor, Senator Judy Ward (R-30).   [Read More]

The Pennsylvania Senate today passed the first two pieces of law enforcement legislation since the death of George Floyd noted Senator Tom Killion (R-Chester and Delaware) who co-sponsored and voted for both measures, Senate Bill 1205 and Senate Bill 459.   [Read More]

Legislation introduced by State Senator John DiSanto (Dauphin/Perry) to extend second chances for rehabilitated citizens seeking state-issued job licenses was approved by the Senate today with House amendments and is now on its way to the Governor’s desk. The Governor has ten days to act on the bill and his administration has previously expressed support for the legislation.   [Read More]

The Senate approved a set of broad reforms today to protect the future of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) and ensure the system has the tools to achieve its mission for many years to come, according to Senators Scott Martin (R-13) and Robert M. “Tommy” Tomlinson (R-6). Senator Martin Senator Tomlinson Listen - Senator Martin Listen - Senator Tomlinson   [Read More]

The Pennsylvania Senate today (June 24) unanimously passed measures designed to strengthen and improve the state’s School Bus Stop Arm Camera Law, helping to further ensure the safety and protection of the Commonwealth’s children as they travel to and from school, according to Senators Pat Browne (R-16) and Camera Bartolotta (R-46).   [Read More]

The Senate Judiciary Committee approved today a bipartisan bill which would improve Pennsylvania’s probation system by addressing antiquated and arbitrary provisions in the law that have unnecessarily trapped nonviolent offenders in a cycle of incarceration, failed to make neighborhoods safer, and wasted taxpayer dollars. Listen   [Read More]

The Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee unanimously approved a bill today that would boost Pennsylvania’s farmland preservation program by expanding eligibility to land trusts, according to the bill’s sponsor, Senator Scott Martin (R-13). Listen   [Read More]

Veterans, reservists and members of the National Guard who own their own business could have a valuable new marketing tool under a bill approved by the Senate today, according to the bill’s sponsor, Senator Camera Bartolotta (R-46). Listen   [Read More]

The Senate Communications and Technology Committee today approved legislation sponsored by Senator Wayne Langerholc, Jr. (R-35) that would establish a grant program to extend deployment of broadband services in underserved areas of the state.   [Read More]

A bill introduced this week by Senator Camera Bartolotta (R-46) would remove driving under the influence (DUI) penalties related to the legal use of medical cannabis.   [Read More]

Senator Camera Bartolotta (R-46) introduced a bill this week that would waive photo identification fees for many vulnerable Pennsylvanians to help them find employment and access other critical resources.   [Read More]

The Senate Majority Policy Committee reviewed the devastating impact of Governor Wolf’s extended COVID-19 closure orders on northeastern Pennsylvania’s economy and the resulting shuttering of businesses and local job losses, according to Committee Chairman David G. Argall (R-Berks/Schuylkill).   [Read More]

The Senate Judiciary Committee and Law and Justice Committee will hold joint public hearings Wednesday and Thursday on ensuring accountability and equality in law enforcement and the criminal justice system.   [Read More]

Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-25) and Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman (R-34) today applauded the Commonwealth Court’s decision to expedite consideration of the emergency case filed to force Governor Wolf to comply with House Resolution 836, which was passed by the General Assembly with bi-partisan support.   [Read More]

Two Senate committees will hold a joint hearing on Monday, June 15 from 10 a.m. until noon to examine the Pennsylvania Turnpike’s plan to lay-off at least 500 employees as part of its switch to an all-electronic tolling system.   [Read More]

State Senator Doug Mastriano (R-33) recently introduced a measure that would change the way emergency declarations are re-authorized in Pennsylvania   [Read More]

Senator Art Haywood (D-4) and Senator Camera Bartolotta (R-46), Co-Chairs of the Pennsylvania State Senate Criminal Justice Reform Caucus, issued today the following statement regarding their intentions to collaborate on bipartisan public safety reforms in the wake of the death of George Floyd and subsequent massive protests.   [Read More]

Noting that Governor Wolf has refused to carry out his mandatory duty to act upon a resolution passed by the General Assembly that ends his emergency declaration, Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-25) and Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman (R-34) today urged the state’s Commonwealth Court to “command” the Governor to terminate the declaration in accordance with the law.   [Read More]

The Senate unanimously approved a bill today sponsored by Senator Scott Martin (R-13) that would help more local taxpayers benefit from school property tax discounts and extended payment deadlines. Listen   [Read More]