Statewide Bell-to-Bell School Phone Bans Required by 2027–28

Beginning in the 2027–28 school year, all Pennsylvania public schools will be required to implement bell-to-bell mobile phone restrictions following final passage of legislation in the state Senate. Sponsored by Sen. Devlin Robinson (R-Allegheny), the bill eliminates the patchwork of individual district and classroom policies, establishing a uniform rule across the Commonwealth to reduce classroom distractions. Governor Josh Shapiro is expected to sign the bill into law. 

No Action on Skill Games… Yet?

Lawmakers adjourned this week without an agreement on gaming, with negotiations focused largely on skill games or the potential expansion of video gaming terminals (VGTs). Discussions continued before the pre-election recess, but differences remain over tax rates, licensing requirements, regulatory oversight and how revenues would be distributed.

With only two scheduled session days remaining for each chamber in November, opportunities to advance a gaming package are limited. However, House leaders indicated they remain open to considering legislation if an agreement can be reached before the current legislative session ends on November 30.

Education Hearing Debate Focuses on 3-Year College Degree Proposal

The Senate Education Committee held a public hearing to review proposed legislation from Chair Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-Northumberland) that would permit Pennsylvania colleges and universities to offer 90-credit bachelor's degree programs.

Carlow University President Kathy Humphrey testified in favor, highlighting how a three-year pathway lowers tuition costs and creates flexibility for adult and lower-income students. However, faculty union representatives cautioned that reducing total credit requirements could reduce educational depth without addressing underlying college funding issues. 

Bills Signed into Law



Gov. Shapiro signed 58 bills into law yesterday. Learn more.

Governor Shapiro Intervenes in PUC Case with PPL Electric Utilities

In the first gubernatorial intervention in a Public Utility Commission (PUC) proceeding in at least 15 years, Governor Josh Shapiro filed a petition joining an Office of Consumer Advocate (OCA) complaint against PPL Electric Utilities.

The filing supports Executive Order 2026-05 and the state’s GRID Requirements, aiming to prevent large commercial data centers from driving up electricity costs or causing grid reliability issues for families and existing employers. The Governor is advocating for a separate customer class for data centers to ensure they pay for their required infrastructure and generation costs. 

Bipartisan Leaders Rally to Protect Head Start Standards

Pennsylvania state leaders, early childhood providers, and advocates gathered at the Capitol Rotunda to mark 60 years of Head Start and express strong opposition to proposed federal changes from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The federal proposal would increase class sizes by 33%, reduce support staff, and lower qualifications. Citing a recent Susquehanna Polling survey showing 65% of PA voters oppose rolling back these standards, co-chairs of the Early Childhood Education Caucus emphasized that protecting Head Start is a critical bipartisan priority. 

Applications for $30M in Child Care Worker Bonuses Open

Child care providers across Pennsylvania can now apply for the second round of recruitment and retention bonuses through the Child Care Staff Recruitment and Retention Program. Supported by a $5 million increase in the 2026–27 budget—bringing total funding to $30 million—the program offers payments of at least $540 per qualified worker at participating Child Care Works (CCW) providers.

Applications must be submitted through local Early Learning Resource Centers (ELRC) by November 30, 2026. Any remaining funds following retention payouts will be allocated as recruitment incentives for newly hired staff. 

Pennsylvania Unemployment Drops to 3.6%, Lowest in Three Years

Pennsylvania’s preliminary employment report for September 2026 shows the state unemployment rate falling one-tenth of a point to 3.6%—its lowest level since September 2023. The Commonwealth outperformed the national rate of 4.2%, while total civilian labor force reached a record high of 6,663,000 residents. Job growth was led by the education and health services sector, which gained 4,600 jobs over the month and 32,600 over the past year. 

PA Gaming Control Board Reports $555 Million in September Revenue

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) reported total gaming revenue of $555,036,870 in September 2026, representing a 4.07% increase compared to September 2025 and generating $242.6 million in state tax revenue. Growth was boosted by a 50.45% year-over-year jump in sports wagering revenue to $44.7 million, alongside steady growth in online casino gaming (iGaming), which generated $249.3 million statewide. 

What's Next

The House returns to session on November 9 and 10.

The Senate returns to session on November 17 and 18.

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