New session brings 101-101 margin in state House

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives has started its 2025-26 session with a 101-101 margin: 101 Democrats and 101 Republicans.  

The Democrats control the majority as 102 Democrat members were elected in November. The current 101-101 is due to the untimely passing of State Rep. Matthew Gergely from McKeesport. A special election is scheduled for March 25 to fill the Gergely’s seat.

A smooth transition of power was held Jan. 7, with Rep. Joanna McClinton from Philadelphia being again appointed speaker of the House.

I am again pleased to be appointed as Majority Chair of the House Game and Fisheries Committee. The committee was reorganized and made ready for business on Jan. 28.

I am looking forward to working with my fellow members as well as the Fish and Boat Commission and the Game Commission on the many issues facing the thousands of outdoor sports persons in Pennsylvania.

I have reintroduced my bill dealing with abandoned boats and will be working with my colleagues on bills addressing recruitment and retention of our Conservation officers and game wardens, wildlife issues, expansion of hunting seasons and other matters concerning game lands and waterways.

I was very pleased to have had House Bill 1409 signed into law in 2024 by Gov. Josh Shapiro. I wrote this bill to give the Fish and Boat Commission the ability to set their fees without having to come to the Legislature. The Fish and Boat Commission does not receive tax dollars for its operation. Just like the Game Commission does with hunting licenses, it relies on fees received from fishing and boat license sales.  

Aside from my committee work, I will be reintroducing bills that address assistance to first responders, tax issues, domestic violence issues and criminal matters.

Online raffles

Currently, Pennsylvania law restricts the ability of nonprofit organizations to conduct online raffles. So many organizations, including our local fire departments, would do well with online raffles.  My bill would allow nonprofit groups to access more fundraising opportunities to help support their efforts by permitting online raffles.

First responders

I will also reintroduce my bill that would provide further funding for first responders. My legislation would create an emergency services fund in each municipality to provide additional funding to local fire and EMS companies. A small $25 fee will be assessed to a buyer and seller at the closing of a property sale. Those monies would be deposited into a municipal emergency services fund to be allocated to the first responders of that municipality. 

Inheritance taxes

As a lawyer, I have handled numerous estates and know first hand inheritance taxes can be a heavy burden on families dealing with the loss of a loved one. 

The Family Exemption is designed to recognize the costs associated with the loss of a loved one. The exemption has remained at $3,500 and has not been increased over the years. I will again introduce a bill that would increase the family exemption.

I am also reintroducing a bill that would provide a floor for the collection of inheritance tax. Under the latter legislation, the first $100,000 of taxable assets would be exempt from tax.

PFA concerns

Domestic violence remains a concerning issue for too many people. Though well intentioned, Protection from Abuse Orders do not provide adequate protection for victims. I will again be pushing for a bill to help local authorities, like district attorney offices, to have funds to develop programs better suited to help victims, such as electronic monitoring and safe housing.

Protect the ref

I am again putting out a bill that would protect sports officials from acts of violence. We cannot have scholastic or collegiate sporting events without officials. Other states have already addressed the rise in violence against sports officials through the enactment of stiffer laws. Pennsylvania has a proud tradition of sports and should join the other states in protecting officials.