Key Legislative Updates from Harrisburg: Cannabis, Staffing, and More

Progress on Bipartisan Cannabis Legalization

In an unexpected yet promising move, Pennsylvania Senators Dan Laughlin (R-49) and Sharif Street (D-3) have introduced Senate Bill 120, a bipartisan effort aimed at legalizing adult-use cannabis. This legislation seeks to create a regulated and equitable framework for the use, cultivation, and sale of cannabis, while also merging oversight of both medical and adult-use programs under a new independent Pennsylvania Cannabis Control Board.

Senator Laughlin emphasized the importance of responsible cannabis use, stating, "Adults should have the freedom to use cannabis responsibly, and Pennsylvania should have a legal system in place that ensures safety, accountability, and fairness." Senator Street added that the bill also aims to repair past harm by including provisions for expungement of low-level offenses and creating opportunities for small and minority-owned businesses. The bill is expected to generate significant tax revenue, which will be allocated to public safety, drug prevention programs, and workforce development.

Pottstown Hospital Nurses Advocate for Better Staffing

The nearly 300 frontline nurses at Pottstown Hospital have been in a prolonged battle with owner Tower Health over safe staffing levels and fair wages. The nurses, represented by the Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals (PASNAP), staged an informational picket to highlight the critical issues they face.

Crystal Somerset-Bruce, RN, ICU Nurse, and Vice-President of Pottstown Nurses United, remarked, "We’ve been negotiating for over 8 months. On behalf of our patients, we want Tower to work with us, not against us." Despite their efforts, Tower Health has eliminated critical support positions and refused to commit to basic staffing protections, making it difficult to recruit and retain nurses.

Senator Judy Schwank also voiced her support, stating, "The strength of our healthcare system relies on the hardworking professionals who keep our hospitals staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. None are more essential than the dedicated registered nurses who are fighting for a living wage, better working conditions, and safe staffing ratios."

Judiciary Committee's Recent Legislative Advances

The Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee, chaired by State Rep. Tim Briggs, has recently advanced several important bipartisan bills and resolutions aimed at improving transparency, equity, and the fair administration of justice. Among the notable measures is House Bill 1176, which raises the threshold for filing claims on unclaimed property using a notarized affidavit from $11,000 to $20,000.

Senate Bill 520, sponsored by Sen. Lisa Baker, authorizes deputy law enforcement officers to wear body cameras, enhancing transparency and safety. House Resolution 36 directs a study into the state of prison libraries, while House Resolution 59 designates November 1, 2025, as State Correctional Institution Day to raise public awareness about conditions in state prisons.

Rep. Briggs stated, "These resolutions are about more than improving life behind bars. They’re about protecting the health and safety of our corrections officers, reducing strain on our prison system, and saving taxpayer dollars by addressing long-term health and education issues at the root."

Potential Changes to Sales Tax Exemptions and Budget Effects

As Pennsylvania grapples with a significant budget deficit, lawmakers are considering potential changes to the state's sales tax exemptions. Currently, the commonwealth has 109 exemptions, costing approximately $27 billion in foregone revenue. State Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman has expressed openness to reviewing these exemptions to generate additional revenue.

"There are lots of oddities in the sales tax and all of the exemptions we have," Pittman said. "The question is: Is there a balance there that we can find that maybe does generate some revenue to try to be helpful in figuring out how we reconcile this budgetary dynamic?"

The exemptions under review include those for groceries, newspapers, and professional services such as legal and medical assistance. Lawmakers are also exploring other revenue options, including the legalization of recreational marijuana and taxation of skill games, to help balance the budget.

🔗 Read Spotlight PA coverage

Challenges Facing the Solar for Schools Program

The Solar for Schools program, designed to help Pennsylvania schools lower energy costs by installing solar panels, is facing significant challenges due to recent federal tax credit changes and state budget constraints. The program, which received $25 million in state funding last year, is now at risk of losing access to a key federal tax credit as a result of President Donald Trump's newly enacted tax and spending bill.

State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, the prime sponsor of the bill that created the program, expressed frustration but remains hopeful for continued state support. "It is possible … It just takes longer to make the money back," Fiedler said. Despite high demand for the program, state Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman has indicated that the state may not have the flexibility to continue funding it this year due to budgetary challenges.

📈 PA Policy Center: Voters Want Full Funding for Public Schools

The Pennsylvania Policy Center is calling for bold action to meet the state’s constitutional obligations for equitable education funding. With 77% of public schools underfunded and a $4 billion adequacy gap, the group urges lawmakers to act. Polling shows bipartisan support, including from 60% of Republican voters. The Center also advocates reforming cyber charter tuition structures to redirect funds back to classrooms.
🔗 Read full op-ed by Marc Stier

✨ Gov. Shapiro Celebrates New Healthcare Licensing Compacts

Governor Shapiro announced the full implementation of three new interstate compacts that make it easier for doctors, nurses, and physical therapists to practice in Pennsylvania. The move follows the enactment of House Bill 2200, sponsored by Rep. Frank Burns, which fulfilled fingerprinting requirements. The initiative is expected to improve healthcare access statewide.
🔗 Read reactions
🔗 Governor’s announcement

🚑 Emrick’s Physician Licensing Bill Signed Into Law

Legislation from Rep. Joe Emrick (R-Northampton) that allows team physicians licensed in other states to treat athletes during events in Pennsylvania has been signed into law. The bill, HB 309, aims to streamline healthcare delivery in professional and collegiate sports.
🔗 Read the release

🚬 PA Lawmakers Target Medicaid Fraud with New Legislation

ABC27 reports that a bipartisan group of Pennsylvania lawmakers has passed a bill aimed at cracking down on Medicaid fraud. The bill includes stricter penalties and increased oversight to prevent abuse and ensure resources are going to eligible recipients.
🔗 Read more

Future Implications for Pennsylvania's Legislative Landscape

As these legislative efforts progress, they will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the state's future. Whether it's creating a more equitable cannabis market, ensuring safe staffing levels in hospitals, or balancing the budget through thoughtful tax policies, the decisions made in Harrisburg will shape Pennsylvania's legislative landscape for years to come.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to monitor and report on these critical issues affecting the Commonwealth.