General Assembly Returns to Session

The House and Senate return to session on Monday, the first of nine days remaining in the Legislative Session. 

What the Flock?

On September 28, 2026, the House Judiciary and Transportation will be holding a joint informational meeting on the use of Automated License Plate Reader Systems. So-called Flock Cameras. Public concerns on the cameras and their use continue to grow with debates becoming part of campaign discussions, and local communities – including Philadelphia City Council approving legislation urging the state to ban them across the state.

Data Center Conversations Continue

As part of the budget process, a data center moratorium was part of the conversation, but legislative leaders have told media that it’s likely not part of the fall session activity.

That isn’t holding other governments back. In the western part of the state, Allegheny County Council has unanimously passed legislation that bans data centers with 25 megawatts or more of capacity on county property.

Transit Funding - SEPTA Accelerates

Transit continues to be a pressing need in urban centers and beyond as agencies are grappling with growing costs, particularly in fuel. Earlier this week, SEPTA launched its vision for the next decade called “Accelerate” which calls for new investments, more frequent service on critical lines, and other initiatives to assist their advocacy efforts in Harrisburg so that members of the General Assembly know exactly where funds will be going. 

Upcoming November Election

With the November mid-terms coming up, there’s a lot of attention on state and federal races. Spotlight PA has taken a closer look at the 2026 races that could decide control of the House and Senate.

Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt is also hyper focused on the upcoming election as there continues to be efforts at the federal level to stop mail-in voting. Pennsylvania has launched a new toolkit to help counties offer on-demand mail ballot voting ahead of the November election. The tool allows voters to apply for, complete and return a mail ballot in one visit at a county elections office or designated satellite location. Schmidt said the option provides voters with more flexibility in lieu of traditional voting. As of September 22, more than 986,000 mail ballot applications had been approved, representing about 95% of applications received. 

On a related note: "No Kings: Vote Early" will be held nationwide on October 17th. Organizers of the event say it's not a protest, but a day to bring communities together to make a plan to vote early. This upcoming rally will focus on voting and voter advocacy. Hundreds of cities will participate, including an event at the Pennsylvania Capitol Steps in Harrisburg at 10 AM.

79 Rapid Deployment Projects Disburse $250 Million

Last week, Governor Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Secretary Mike Carroll announced the first round of funding secured by the Governor in the 2026-27 budget will disburse $250 million to 79 Rapid Deployment Projects across the Commonwealth. Over the next 18 months, the Shapiro Administration will drive out a total of $775 million from the Motor License Fund to repair state-owned roads quickly.

As a result of this funding, projects are beginning early, reducing ongoing maintenance costs, preventing further road deterioration, and freeing up resources like crews and equipment for use in other projects. This announcement builds on PennDOT’s anticipated $4 billion investment in projects going out for bid this year.

The projects announced will improve roadways across the Commonwealth, including more than 400 miles of paving to 44 counties. 

Capital Investments for Community Colleges

Last week, the Pennsylvania Department of Education announced that 14 community colleges would be receiving $25.4 million in grants.

Whether it's updated tech labs, modern safety improvements, or campus upgrades, these dollars directly enhance the hands-on learning environments students rely on every day.

Community colleges serve as the largest provider of public postsecondary education and workforce training in PA—and state investments like this ensure students learn in facilities that mirror today's workforce demands.

Check out the full breakdown of projects funded across the Commonwealth.

Autonomous Vehicle Testing Begins in Pittsburgh

Waymo has begun fully autonomous testing on Pittsburgh roads. While a safety technician remains behidn the wheel, their vehicles are now driving themselves. The testing brings the company closer to launching commercial robotaxi service in the region - joining Denver, Los Angeles, and San Francisco where taxis are already in use.

The announcement came during a 3-day visit to the Pittsburgh region for StartUP PGH by the administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The visit also included the announcement that an agreement had been formalized between NHTSA and SAE International, an industry standards organization. Their collaborative work will develop performance standards for automated vehicles.

KPOP Demon Hunters Takes Over King of Prussia

KPOP Demon Hunters is all over these days - and now it's taking over the Netflix House at King of Prussia Mall. An expanded venue will host KPOP Demon Hunters: The Immersive Experience, an attraction where guests join the world of HUNTR/X through singing, dancing, and demon-hunting adventures across immersive Seoul-inspired sets using 3D technology.

KPOP Demon Hunters: The Immersive Experience opens November 20. Mastercard holders can buy tickets beginning September 22, tickets will be available to Netflix members on September 29, and the general public can purchase tickets for the experience starting on October 1. 

PIT Named Airport of the Year for the Second Time

Pittsburgh International Airport is in the news again. For the second time, ATW has named PIT Airport of the Year.

It’s the first time that a U.S. airport has won twice. The designation recognizes Pittsburgh’s air service growth and airline partnerships

What's Next

The House returns to session on Monday, September 28 at 12 Noon.

The Senate returns to session on Monday, September 28 at 1 PM.

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