Pennsylvania lawmakers pass bills on bullying, historic church, and human trafficking
Updated: 5:56 PM EDT Jul 13, 2026
Pennsylvania lawmakers gathered in Harrisburg for a rare weekend session, passing several bills that now await Gov. Josh Shapiro’s signature. House Bill 1505, which was among the measures approved, would require schools to notify parents about bullying incidents as part of an effort to address the youth mental health crisis. State Sen. Greg Rothman, representing Cumberland, Perry, and Dauphin counties, saw his legislation to preserve a historic church in Hampden Township, Cumberland County, gain approval. The church, which has stood since 1798, will have its land transferred from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission to the Friends of Peace Church. Another significant measure, Senate Bill 45, focuses on overhauling human trafficking laws. The bill shifts Pennsylvania’s approach to prioritize prosecuting traffickers rather than criminalizing victims. The bill also includes language to decriminalize having HIV when a suspect commits another crime.
HARRISBURG, Pa. —
Pennsylvania lawmakers gathered in Harrisburg for a rare weekend session, passing several bills that now await Gov. Josh Shapiro’s signature.
House Bill 1505, which was among the measures approved, would require schools to notify parents about bullying incidents as part of an effort to address the youth mental health crisis.
State Sen. Greg Rothman, representing Cumberland, Perry, and Dauphin counties, saw his legislation to preserve a historic church in Hampden Township, Cumberland County, gain approval. The church, which has stood since 1798, will have its land transferred from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission to the Friends of Peace Church.
Another significant measure, Senate Bill 45, focuses on overhauling human trafficking laws. The bill shifts Pennsylvania’s approach to prioritize prosecuting traffickers rather than criminalizing victims.
The bill also includes language to decriminalize having HIV when a suspect commits another crime.