SB 598 requires all Pennsylvania public school entities (including districts, charter schools, and career schools) to display the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution at the entrance of every school building. The bill mandates this display as a mounted plaque, though schools may optionally include student-created artwork from contests. It applies to all school buildings within the Commonwealth and takes effect 90 days after enactment. The legislation does not alter existing curriculum or impose new educational requirements, focusing solely on the physical placement of the Preamble.
SB 250 requires all Pennsylvania school entities - including public school districts, charter schools, cyber charters, and career technical schools - to display the Preamble of the Pennsylvania Constitution at the entrance of every school building. This applies to all schools in the state, with displays permitted as mounted plaques or student-created artwork from school contests. The bill mandates this display within 90 days of enactment and defines "school entity" to cover all major educational institutions. It does not alter existing curriculum or student requirements, focusing solely on physical display of the constitutional preamble. The bill is currently referred to the Education committee for further review.
HB 1098 establishes a new program under Pennsylvania's Commission on Crime and Delinquency to combat internet crimes against children. It directs the Commission to provide grants to law enforcement task forces for investigating and prosecuting internet-related crimes against minors under 18, specifically violations of Pennsylvania laws covering sexual offenses, human trafficking, and child exploitation (18 Pa.C.S. §§ 30, 31, 6312, 6318, 6320). The grants will support local police teams, supplement federal child exploitation grants, and fund specialized training for investigators. This program operates alongside existing federal and state funding without replacing it, directly affecting law enforcement agencies working on these cases.
Pennsylvania's SB 822 strengthens state preemption over local firearm regulations. It declares that state law exclusively governs all aspects of firearms, ammunition, and related items - including purchase, sale, possession, and transportation - nullifying any conflicting local ordinances, resolutions, or rules. The bill also creates a legal pathway for individuals or organizations adversely affected by local gun rules to seek court relief, including recovery of attorney fees and other costs if they successfully challenge such rules. This directly affects municipalities (cities, towns, counties) and residents or businesses operating under local firearm regulations that conflict with state law. The bill does not change existing firearm laws but explicitly prevents local governments from enacting stricter rules.
HB 1752 requires the Pennsylvania Department of Education to conduct a feasibility study on alternatives to the Keystone Exams, which are standardized tests students must pass to graduate high school. The study will evaluate whether other assessment methods could replace the current exam system for graduation requirements. This bill does not change existing testing rules but mandates a review process to inform potential future policy decisions. The findings must be reported to the Pennsylvania legislature for consideration.
This Senate Resolution honors the memory of Chief Jeff Buck and Assistant Chief Robert Shick, Jr., two firefighters from the Walnuttown Fire Company who died in a driving under the influence accident while searching for a missing person. The measure expresses gratitude for their service and extends condolences to their families, fellow firefighters, and the residents of Maidencreek Township in Berks County. By formally acknowledging their sacrifice, the resolution aims to preserve their legacy as dedicated public servants within the community.
This bill increases the maximum prison sentences for people convicted of attempting, conspiring, or soliciting murder, including the murder of unborn children and law enforcement officers. It establishes a 40-year maximum for these crimes when serious bodily injury occurs, and up to life imprisonment when serious bodily injury results specifically from attempts against law enforcement officers. Additionally, the law mandates a minimum 20-year prison sentence for anyone convicted of attempting, conspiring, or soliciting the murder of a law enforcement officer where serious bodily injury is caused, or for assaulting a law enforcement officer.
This bill asks the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to officially recognize the week of May 3 through 9, 2026, as 'National Travel and Tourism Week' within the state. It does not change any laws or allocate money, but instead serves to honor the importance of the travel industry, which supports over 514,000 jobs and generates billions in economic activity for Pennsylvania. The resolution highlights the state's tourism contributions to the economy and its role in celebrating the nation's 250th anniversary.
This Pennsylvania House resolution designates the week of May 17 through 23, 2026, as Public Works Week to honor the contributions of public works professionals in the state. The bill directly affects engineers, contractors, inspectors, and other workers who maintain essential community services like streets, water systems, and waste collection. By officially recognizing this time period, the resolution aims to raise public awareness about the critical role these workers play in keeping communities safe and functional, especially during emergencies.
This bill designates May 13, 2026, as "Gold Shield Family Day" throughout Pennsylvania to honor the families of first responders who have died in the line of duty. The resolution directly affects the relatives of fallen police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, corrections officers, and other public safety personnel. It serves as a symbolic gesture to acknowledge the sacrifices made by these families, aligning with a similar federal designation from the previous year. The measure does not create new laws or funding but instead establishes an official date for recognition and remembrance within the state.
This bill designates May 28, 2026, as "World Hunger Day" in Pennsylvania to raise awareness about food insecurity. It directly affects the state's residents, particularly the 1.7 million Pennsylvanians currently facing hunger, including over 475,000 children. The resolution encourages individuals and organizations to support efforts that expand access to nutritious food and promote understanding of the issue. The text highlights statistics on hunger in the state and nation while noting the impact of food deserts and recent changes to federal nutrition programs. Ultimately, the bill serves as a symbolic gesture to draw attention to the challenge rather than implementing new policy changes.
This resolution designates May 5, 2026, as "The Blessing of the Balers Day" in Pennsylvania. It commemorates a story about a farmer whose equipment was fixed after a priest prayed over it. The bill has no legal effect beyond naming the date and expressing good wishes to farmers. It is a ceremonial measure that does not change laws or policies.
