By: Senator Tracy Pennycuick
The start of a new year is always a moment for reflection—and for action. As 2026 begins, several new state laws are taking effect across Pennsylvania, while important legislative work continues in Harrisburg. These laws reflect shared priorities: keeping our communities safe, improving health outcomes, strengthening education, honoring veterans, and protecting taxpayers. They also underscore a broader commitment to responsible, results-driven governance.
Among the new laws now in effect is Senate Bill 246, which requires schools to notify parents, guardians, and school employees within 24 hours of any incident involving a weapon on school grounds. Transparency and timely communication are essential to maintaining trust and ensuring the safety of our students and educators.
Another important step forward is Senate Bill 88, which is now law expands access to supplemental breast cancer screenings at no cost for patients who are at average or higher risk. Early detection saves lives, and this law removes a financial barrier that has too often stood in the way of preventative care.
We are also recognizing the value of service and experience. New legislation allows veterans to count their military service toward certification requirements for teaching at career and technical institutes—opening doors for those who have served our nation to continue serving in the classroom. At the same time, changes to the firefighter certification process modernize training by replacing a single high-stakes exam with modular testing, better reflecting how skills are learned and retained.
While these laws are meaningful, they are only part of the work ahead.
Public safety remains a central focus of my legislative efforts. Working across party lines, I have advanced proposals to combat violent crime, support law enforcement, impose tougher penalties for threats against schools, prevent illegal safe injection sites, and ensure that dangerous offenders remain behind bars. Safe communities are not a partisan issue—they are a fundamental responsibility of government.
Improving educational outcomes is another priority. Our children deserve evidence-based instruction that works. That is why I continue to support legislation promoting proven reading strategies and effective math instruction, ensuring students are equipped with the skills they need to succeed.
As artificial intelligence rapidly evolves, Pennsylvania must strike the right balance—encouraging innovation while protecting residents, especially children, from digital threats. Building on my legislation already signed into law to address deepfakes and AI-generated child sexual abuse materials, I am advancing additional safeguards, including age-appropriate standards for minors using AI chatbots.
Fiscal responsibility must also remain front and center. According to Pennsylvania Independent Fiscal Office, the Commonwealth faces a growing structural deficit in the coming years. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue to work to control spending, reduce inefficiencies, and support policies that grow our economy—without placing additional burdens on families and employers.
Finally, as a 26-year combat veteran of the U.S. Army, advocating for veterans is personal. My current legislative efforts focus on improving veterans’ health care by ensuring providers are trained to recognize service-related conditions and that veterans are identified early in medical settings. Our obligation to veterans does not end when their service does.
Beyond legislation, constituent service remains a top priority. Whether helping with PennDOT paperwork, property tax and rent rebates, unemployment compensation, or vital records, my office is here to serve.
It is an honor to represent the 24th District in the Pennsylvania Senate. As we move through 2026, I remain committed to working hard and delivering results that strengthen our Commonwealth.
Happy New Year!
Senator Tracy Pennycuick represents the 24th district in Pennsylvania which includes parts of Berks and Montgomery counties.
CONTACT: Lidia Di Fiore (215) 541-2388