State Government

Pennsylvania House Bill 2751 establishes a comprehensive legal framework for regulating both professional and amateur mixed martial arts within the state, placing oversight under the existing State Athletic Commission. The bill creates a dedicated Subcommission on Mixed Martial Arts, composed of three appointed members with specific martial arts training backgrounds, to develop and revise rules governing these competitions. It defines detailed operational standards, including licensing requirements for fighters and promoters, specific weight classes, round durations, and strict safety protocols for equipment such as rings, cages, and protective gear. Additionally, the legislation sets distinct rules for amateur events, mandating age brackets, medical testing, and the use of heavier gloves and headgear to protect younger participants.

This Pennsylvania House Resolution designates November 15, 2026, as "Articles of Confederation Day" to mark the 249th anniversary of the document's adoption. The bill formally recognizes the City of York and York County for their historical role in hosting the Continental Congress during the American Revolution. It highlights that the Articles of Confederation were adopted in the York County Courthouse, serving as the first constitution uniting the colonies.

Pennsylvania House Bill 2728 amends state corporate law to prohibit business corporations, nonprofit corporations, and limited liability companies from directly or indirectly engaging in election activity or ballot question activity. The bill revokes existing general powers granted to these entities and re-grants them with specific exclusions for political spending, defining such activities as paying or contributing money to support or oppose candidates, political parties, or ballot measures. Any language in a corporate charter that purports to authorize this political activity is declared void, and any such activity conducted by an entity is considered ultra vires and legally invalid. Entities that violate these provisions face the automatic forfeiture of their charter privileges, including limited liability and perpetual duration, until they fully disgorge funds and certify future compliance. The Attorney General is authorized to pursue civil actions for injunctive relief and enforcement against non-compliant entities.

Pennsylvania House Bill 2725 amends the Public Official Compensation Law to allow members of the General Assembly and legislative officers or leaders to voluntarily opt out of automatic annual cost-of-living adjustments. If a legislator chooses this option, their salary remains fixed at the level established when they were last elected for the duration of that term. The decision must be made within specific deadlines, such as during November of the election year for general members or within 30 days of appointment for officers, and cannot be reversed once finalized. The bill requires the Chief Clerks of both legislative chambers to create a standardized form for this process, ensuring that any legislator who does not submit the form will continue to receive standard inflation-based pay increases.

This bill designates 2026 as the 80th Anniversary Year of the State YMCA of Pennsylvania Youth and Government Program. The resolution formally recognizes the program's eight-decade history of engaging high school students in hands-on civic education and leadership training. It also commends the organization for its long-standing commitment to developing future leaders and providing financial assistance to participants.