Veterans

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Sep 10, 2025

HR 88: A Resolution designating August 7, 2025, as "Purple Heart Day" in Pennsylvania.

This bill is a symbolic resolution designating August 7, 2025, as "Purple Heart Day" within Pennsylvania. It directly affects the state government and its citizens by encouraging official recognition of Purple Heart recipients on that date. The key provision is the formal designation of a specific date for commemoration, not a change to benefits or laws. It serves purely as an observance to honor military service members awarded the Purple Heart.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransDesignates Purple Heart Day for recognition, aligning with veteran service acknowledgment per support indicators.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

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signed · Pennsylvania · Senate Jul 21, 2025

SB 475: An Act amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in organization and jurisdiction of courts of common pleas, further providing for problem-solving courts; and, in sentencing, further providing for modification or revocation of order of probation.

SB 475 creates a framework for Pennsylvania courts to establish specialized "problem-solving" treatment courts (including veterans, drug, mental health, and DUI courts) and modifies probation rules. It allows courts to create "veterans tracks" within existing treatment programs and requires judges to consider a defendant's employment status when sentencing for technical probation violations. The bill specifically permits up to 30 days of incarceration to allow defendants to enter treatment courts instead of imposing full sentences for technical probation violations. This directly affects Pennsylvania courts, probation officers, and individuals on probation who commit minor violations.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates specialized treatment courts (veterans, drug, mental health) to address root causes, reduces punitive probation violations by considering employment, and aligns with rehabilitation-focused reform.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates mental health courts as specialized treatment programs, redirecting defendants to healthcare-focused interventions instead of incarceration, directly supporting mental health services.85% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransCreates veterans treatment courts within problem-solving programs, enabling access to services instead of incarceration, directly supporting veteran needs through judicial system.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

signed · Pennsylvania · House Jul 7, 2025

HB 799: An Act amending Title 51 (Military Affairs) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for veterans' benefits and services workplace posting; and making an editorial change.

HB 799 requires businesses with more than 50 full-time employees (working 40+ hours weekly) in Pennsylvania to display or provide online a standardized workplace posting about veteran resources. The posting must include contact information for state and federal veteran benefits, the VA Crisis Line, and local county veterans affairs offices. Employers can meet this requirement by placing the posting in a visible location or on an employee-accessible company website. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry will create and maintain this standardized posting on its public website. The law took effect on July 7, 2025, with specific provisions requiring the posting to be implemented within 180 days.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransMandates businesses to display veteran resource contacts, improving access to benefits and services per bill summary.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

signed · Pennsylvania · Senate Jun 30, 2025

SB 78: An Act designating a bridge, identified as Bridge Key 67586, located over the South Branch of Bear Run on State Route 1053 in Banks Township, Indiana County, as the PFC John Tabacsko Memorial Bridge; designating a bridge, identified as Bridge Key 8377, carrying Pennsylvania Route 53 over Bear Rock Run in Lilly Borough, Cambria County, as the Corporal James D. Sloan Memorial Bridge; designating a bridge, identified as Bridge Key 8387, carrying Pennsylvania Route 53 over Patty's Run in Gallitzin Township, Cambria County, as the USMCR Mary A. Lidwell Memorial Bridge; designating a portion of State Route 3037 from the intersection with Waltz Mill Flats Road to Segment 0170/Offset 0950 in Sewickley Township, Westmoreland County, as the PFC Earl "Butch" Long Memorial Highway; designating a bridge, identified as Bridge Key 25406, carrying Pennsylvania Route 346 over Willow Creek in Corydon Township, McKean County, as the Private First Class Bruce A. Cobb Memorial Bridge; designating a bridge, identified as Bridge Key 22726, carrying Pennsylvania Route 934 over Swatara Creek in East Hanover Township, Lebanon County, as the WO1 John Stephen Chrin Memorial Bridge; designating a bridge, identified as Bridge Key 44210, carrying State Route 2001 over Kreutz Creek in Windsor Township, York County, as the Private Myles Ness Memorial Bridge; designating a bridge, identified as Bridge Key 56130, carrying Pennsylvania Route 562 over Manatawny Creek in Amity Township, Berks County, as the PFC Travis C. Zimmerman Memorial Bridge; designating a portion of State Route 2051 from the intersection with Elizabeth Street (segment 0020/offset 1600) to the Decatur Township Line (segment 0030/offset 0000) in Osceola Mills Borough, Clearfield County, as the IC3 James S. Dunlap Memorial Highway; designating the bridge identified as Bridge Key 48006, carrying State Route 3007 over Carson Run in Knox Township, Clearfield County, as the Sgt. Ronald Bloom Memorial Bridge; designating a portion of Pennsylvania Route 164, Cove Mountain Road, from the intersection with Frederick Road in Taylor Township to the intersection with Agway Road in North Woodbury Township, Blair County, as the Representative Jerry A. Stern Memorial Highway; designating a bridge, identified as Bridge Keys 5599/5600, carrying Interstate 99 over PA Route 36 in Logan Township, Blair County, as the Jack E. and Sheldon L. Chambers Memorial Bridge; designating a bridge, identified as Bridge Key 31496, carrying Pennsylvania Route 985 over North Branch Quemahoning Creek in Jenner Township, Somerset County, as the PFC Paul A. Gilbert Memorial Bridge; designating a bridge, identified as Bridge Key 4262, carrying State Route 2016 over Shaffer Creek in East Providence Township, Bedford County, as the PFC Charles O. Snyder Memorial Bridge; designating a bridge, identified as Bridge Key 1723, carrying State Route 3017 over Peters Creek in the Borough of Jefferson Hills, Allegheny County, as the Janice Butko Cmar Memorial Bridge; designating a bridge, identified as Bridge Key 37601, carrying Pennsylvania Route 462 over a tributary of Kreutz Creek in Hellam Township, York County, as the Roger Lee Fraker Memorial Bridge; designating a bridge, identified as Bridge Key 18630, carrying Pennsylvania Route 305 over the Frankstown Branch of the Juniata River in Alexandria Borough, Huntingdon County, as the Craig Walker Memorial Bridge; designating a bridge, identified as Bridge Key 12334, carrying State Route 2012 over McElhattan Creek in Wayne Township, Clinton County, as the Master Sergeant Robert F. Johnson Memorial Bridge; designating a bridge, identified as Bridge Key 33747, carrying US Route 322 over Sugar Creek in Sugarcreek Borough, Venango County, as the Earle Chandler Memorial Bridge; designating a bridge, identified as Bridge Key 69027, carrying Worthington Mill Road over Neshaminy Creek in Wrightstown Township, Bucks County, as the Colonel Daniel L. Rubini Memorial Bridge; designating the portion of U.S. Route 15 in Monroe Township and Shamokin Dam Borough, Snyder County, from its interchange with existing U.S. Routes 11/15 and U.S. Route 522 north of Selinsgrove to its interchange with existing U.S. Route 15 and Pennsylvania Route 147 south of Winfield as the Joseph McGranaghan Memorial Highway; designating a bridge, identified as Bridge Key 8430, carrying Pennsylvania Route 160 over the North Branch Little Conemaugh River in the borough of Wilmore, Cambria County, as the Potchak Brothers Memorial Bridge; designating the portion of Interstate 180 from the Lycoming-Northumberland County line to the interchange with existing U.S. Route 15 and U.S. Route 220 in Lycoming County as the Kenneth C. Larson, Jr., Memorial Highway; designating a bridge, identified as Bridge Key 5664, on that portion of Old Pennsylvania Route 220 North over the Beaverdam Branch of the Juniata River in Allegheny Township, Blair County, as the Baker Brothers Memorial Bridge; designating a bridge, identified as Bridge Key 44229, on that portion of Pennsylvania Route 22, 3rd Avenue, over Blair Gap Run in Duncansville Borough, Blair County, as the Sergeant Robert E. Davis Memorial Bridge; designating a bridge, identified as Bridge Key 5784, on that portion of State Route 3013, Dunnings Highway, over Beaverdam Creek in Greenfield Township, Blair County, as the Arthur R. Walter, Jr., Memorial Bridge; designating a bridge, identified as Bridge Key 47600, on that portion of Pennsylvania Route 220, East Pleasant Valley Boulevard, over Little Juniata River in Antis Township, Blair County, as the Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Lee Swayne Memorial Bridge; designating a bridge, identified as Bridge Key 68408, on that portion of Wopsononock Avenue over Spring Run in the City of Altoona, Blair County, as the Private First Class James A. Behe Memorial Bridge; designating a bridge, identified as Bridge Key 45589, located on that portion of Spring Road over the Conodoguinet Creek in North Middleton Township, Cumberland County, the Sergeant Patrick C. Hawkins Memorial Bridge; designating a portion of Pennsylvania Route 183, also known as Bernville Road, from the intersection with Mt. Pleasant Road in Penn Township, Berks County, southbound to the bridge over Licking Creek in Penn Township with identification number 0601830180000 as the Staff Sergeant Norman W. Reifsnyder Memorial Highway; designating a bridge, identified as Bridge Key 7027, carrying Pennsylvania Route 413 over U.S. Route 1 in Middletown Township, Bucks County, as the Corporal John F. Muffler Memorial Bridge; designating a bridge, identified as Bridge Key 8510, carrying PA Route 271 over Pergrin Run in the borough of Nanty Glo, Cambria County, as the PFC William P. O'Farrell Memorial Bridge; designating a bridge, identified as Bridge Key 8457, carrying U.S. Route 219 over PA Route 869 in Adams Township, Cambria County, as the Seaman First Class John M. McGinty Memorial Bridge; designating a portion of Pennsylvania Route 352 also known as Middletown Road, from the intersection with State Route 4008, also known as Gradyville Road, in Edgmont Township, Delaware County, to the intersection with Pennsylvania Route 452, also known as North Pennell Road, in Middletown Township, Delaware County, as the Chief Joseph J. Montgomery, Jr. Memorial Highway; designating a portion of State Route 1006, also known as Ferry Road, from the intersection with Limekiln Road to the intersection with Pennsylvania Route 313, also known as Swamp Road, in Doylestown Township, Bucks County, as the Judge R. Barry McAndrews Memorial Highway; designating the entire portion of Pennsylvania Route 232 within the Borough of Rockledge, Montgomery County, as the PFC Helmut Boehm Memorial Highway; designating the portion of Pennsylvania Route 51 from Segment 0280/Offset 0000 to Segment 0300/Offset 0570 in Whitehall Borough, Allegheny County, as the Hon. Raymond T. Book Memorial Highway; designating the bridge, identified as Bridge Key 28737, carrying 13th Street over Bushkill Creek in the City of Easton, Northampton County, as the Honorable James F. Prendergast Memorial Bridge; designating the western roundabout on State Route 1001 at the intersection of New Britain Road and South Easton Road in Doylestown Township, Bucks County, as the Blue Star Family Tribute Roundabout; designating the eastern roundabout on State Route 1001 at the intersection of New Britain Road and Sauerman Road in Doylestown Township, Bucks County, as the Gold Star Family Tribute Roundabout; designating a bridge, identified as Bridge Key 56035, carrying U.S. Route 422 over State Route 2005 and Cherry Run in Plumcreek Township, Armstrong County, as the George W. McAuley, Jr. Memorial Bridge; designating a bridge, identified as Bridge Key 27695, carrying State Route 3006, also known as Whitehall Road, over Kepner Creek in East Norriton Township, Montgomery County, as the E. Pearl Smith Memorial Bridge; and making a repeal.

SB 78 is a procedural bill that renames specific bridges and road segments across Pennsylvania in honor of deceased military personnel. It designates 30+ locations - including bridges over streams and highways in counties like Indiana, Cambria, and Blair - with memorial names for service members (e.g., "PFC John Tabacsko Memorial Bridge" over Bear Run in Indiana County). The bill does not create new policies or allocate funds; it solely updates official infrastructure signage to commemorate veterans. This renaming affects public infrastructure directly, with each designation specifying exact locations via bridge keys or route segments.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill designates bridges/roads with memorial names honoring deceased military personnel, directly recognizing veteran service per topic description. No funding or policy changes, but recognition aligns with support indicators.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

signed · Pennsylvania · House Jun 30, 2025

HB 304: An Act amending Title 51 (Military Affairs) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in general provisions, providing for veteran of Korean Armed Forces.

HB 304 amends Pennsylvania's military affairs statutes (Title 51) to add specific provisions for veterans who served in the Korean War. The bill directly affects Korean War veterans by formally including them under state military affairs codes, ensuring they are covered by relevant statutes. It updates existing law through a new statutory provision within Title 51, creating a clear legal framework for their recognition or benefits. The bill was enacted as Act No. 10 of 2025 on June 30, 2025.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill explicitly includes Korean War veterans under state military affairs statutes, ensuring coverage for benefits and recognition.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

signed · Pennsylvania · Senate Jun 30, 2025

SB 232: An Act amending Title 30 (Fish) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in fishing licenses, further providing for disabled veterans and former prisoners of war and for deployed Pennsylvania National Guard members and repealing provisions relating to reserve component of armed forces members.

This bill changes Pennsylvania's fishing license fees for specific veterans and military members. Disabled veterans with a 100% service-connected disability (certified by the VA) receive free resident fishing licenses, while those with 60-99% disability pay $1. Deployed Pennsylvania National Guard members (with proof of 60+ days overseas deployment in the last 24 months) also get a $1 annual license. It repeals a prior section that provided similar $1 licenses to reserve component military members. The law took effect 60 days after the governor signed it on June 30, 2025.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill provides free/freely discounted fishing licenses to disabled veterans (100%) and deployed National Guard members, directly expanding benefits as defined in topic description.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

signed · Pennsylvania · Senate Jun 30, 2025

SB 129: An Act amending Title 51 (Military Affairs) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, further providing for advisory councils for veterans' homes.

SB 129 creates 15-member advisory councils for each Pennsylvania veterans' home to provide input on resident care, operations, and compliance. Each council includes 10 veterans appointed by the Governor from local nominations, 3 members (including a family member) from residents, 2 legislators, and 1 member selected by residents. Councils must meet quarterly, submit annual reports assessing care quality, and make recommendations to the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. The bill directly affects all Pennsylvania veterans' homes and their residents by establishing formal channels for community input into facility management.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransCreates veteran-led advisory councils to assess care quality and make recommendations for veterans' home operations, enhancing oversight and resident input.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

passed · Pennsylvania · House Jun 25, 2025

HR 267: A Resolution designating June 8, 2025, as "Lieutenant Colonel George Hardy Day" in Pennsylvania, honoring Lieutenant Colonel George Hardy's military service and recognizing him as a decorated veteran, community leader and enduring symbol of courage.

This resolution designates June 8, 2025, as "Lieutenant Colonel George Hardy Day" in Pennsylvania to honor his military service and community leadership. It specifically recognizes Lieutenant Colonel George Hardy, a Tuskegee Airmen veteran who flew 21 combat missions in WWII, later served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and received the Distinguished Flying Cross and Congressional Gold Medal. The resolution commemorates his 100th birthday and his post-military work mentoring pilots and supporting community organizations. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no policy impact beyond this symbolic recognition.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransHonors specific veteran's military service and decorations, directly matching support indicator for recognition85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

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passed · Pennsylvania · House Jun 24, 2025

HB 968: An Act amending Titles 30 (Fish) and 34 (Game) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in fishing licenses, providing for active duty military fishing reciprocity and for disabled veteran annual fishing license reciprocity; and, in hunting and furtaking licenses, providing for active duty military hunting reciprocity and for disabled veteran annual hunting license reciprocity.

HB 968 allows active duty military members and disabled veterans to use their home state fishing and hunting licenses in Pennsylvania without purchasing separate Pennsylvania licenses. The bill amends Pennsylvania’s Fish (Title 30) and Game (Title 34) statutes to create reciprocity for annual licenses, directly benefiting these groups when fishing or hunting in the state. Key provisions remove the need for these individuals to pay additional fees for Pennsylvania licenses, streamlining access to outdoor recreation. The bill passed in June 2025 and is now law.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransRemoves financial barriers for disabled veterans and active duty military to use home-state fishing/hunting licenses in PA, directly expanding access to recreational benefits.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

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passed · Pennsylvania · House Jun 18, 2025

HB 1402: An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in certification of teachers, providing for State certificate fee reduction and further providing for professional educator discipline fee .

HB 1402 reduces the maximum fee for reviewing teacher certification applications under Pennsylvania's Public School Code to $50. It also creates a special exemption for military service members, veterans, and their spouses, requiring them to pay no more than $10 for certification fees and $25 for professional discipline fees. These changes directly affect educators seeking or maintaining teaching credentials in Pennsylvania public schools. The bill modifies existing sections of the 1949 Public School Code to implement these specific fee caps and exemptions.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill reduces teacher certification fees to $50 and exempts military-affiliated educators from higher costs, directly supporting educators by lowering barriers to credentialing.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill explicitly exempts veterans/spouses from full teaching certification fees, reducing costs for employment in education - a direct employment support for veterans.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Veterans

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