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FOLLOW ME: |
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Dear Neighbor,
I’m excited to write you following a busy legislative slate in October. In Harrisburg, I voted on dozens of important bills for Pennsylvania this month.
I’m proud that I could vote for one particular bill: Open primaries for all of Pennsylvania’s voters. This bipartisan-supported voting change – which still needs to be passed by the state Senate and signed by the governor – would allow the roughly 1.3 million independent, unaffiliated voters in our state to participate in the spring elections.
Under House Bill 280, independents could choose which party primary to vote in, while registered Democrats and Republicans would still vote their respective party ballots.
Independent or unaffiliated voters represent the fastest growing segment of voters in Pennsylvania, and for too long they have been left out of the important primary process.
In many rural and urban places, a political race is decided in the primary. Leaving tax-paying voters out of these contests is akin to taxation without representation, and Pennsylvania is one of only eight remaining states with closed primaries. It’s time to change that!
AI in healthcare, mental health and more
Other important bills that the House passed this week deal with AI and its role in healthcare, including regarding mental health, as well as bills covering menopause awareness, illegal kratom and vapes. It’s encouraging to see our state’s General Assembly take on some of most critical issues surrounding new technology, healthcare and more.
House Bill 1925, which I voted for, would require that patients are informed when AI is used during any treatment or insurance decisions and ensure that any final decisions on patient care or coverage are made by humans.
We also voted to emplace safeguards to prevent AI companions from encouraging or assisting suicide, self-harm, or violence. Instead, safeguards would direct users to crisis resources such as the 988 Lifeline when appropriate. House Bill 2006 would also require AI companions to clearly disclose that users are interacting with AI rather than a human. The bill also contains protections that would keep kids from interacting with sexually explicit content or any other AI designed to isolate them.
We’re still doing what we can to reduce utility bills and strengthen our grid by requiring electric utilities to procure battery storage under H.B. 2380, which would help reduce peak demand and lower system costs.
Meanwhile, two other bills I voted for would keep younger people safe by strictly regulating kratom and increasing penalties for stores that sell vapes to minors.
Your Pennsylvania General Assembly is always at work for you, and the votes that we put up on the bills are our promises to you. You can keep up to date with all of my votes here. |
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Sincerely,
State Rep. Paul Friel |
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State funds conservation projects in our district
I’d like to thank all of the municipal staffers and advocates who make the parks and projects happen at home here in our district. We are fortunate to live in a place where our natural resources give back to us in so many ways, and I’d like to thank the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for recognizing how important that is to us.
DCNR this week awarded Phoenixville Borough’s Downtown Park and East Vincent Township’s Park on the Ridge $250,000 each, to improve the trails and amenities at both parks. It truly takes a village to keep our community growing, and I’m happy to play my part in that process.
If you represent a non-profit or public entity that has unmet funding needs for projects that benefit the public, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania might be able to help fund some of those initiatives. You can check out some of the state’s current grant programs here. |
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Compassionate Care for Survivors
My office was on hand to learn about how Main Line Health is partnering with Penn State and the SAFE-T System to expand specialized sexual assault care across all four of its hospitals. We celebrated the initiative at Bryn Mawr Hospital alongside elected officials, medical professionals and community partners. Through this collaboration, patients will receive 24/7 access to expert, trauma-informed care from Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) when they need it most. |
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Celebrating West Nantmeal
This month, I had the pleasure to attend West Nantmeal Community Day. Thank you to all who planned and participated in the festivities. It is always a privilege to connect with folks from across the district at community events. |
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A visit fit for a queen
This month, I had the privilege of meeting with Kimberton Fair Queen Arielle DeNicola. We talked about the roles that our local fairs play in educating the community and promoting agriculture and farming in Pennsylvania. Thank you to Arielle, and Cindy Miller, for taking the time to connect! |
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First Student Legislative Advisory Meeting held
On Wednesday night we hosted our first Student Legislative Advisory Meeting the OJRHS Library. We discussed the different parts of state government and how they work together to create legislation. The students shared their own policy interests which were quite varied - the photo of the whiteboard captures many of them. Our meeting had 16 student members from three high schools between Chester and Montgomery County. |
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America250 at Warwick Furnace
I ran into the Price Brothers re-enacting at Warwick Furnace last week while they were working hard all day! In addition to firing the cannon, they were a hit with the many people who came out to celebrate America 250! Their demonstration served to honor the historical legacy of Warwick Furnace, which was a major munitions provider that cast cannons and shot for General George Washington's Continental Army during the American Revolution.
I’d like to extend a huge thank you to all the volunteers and staff who came out to make this day possible, keeping history alive and celebrating our community is why we are lucky to live in such a great place. |
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Thank you for your participation!
It was such a great time meeting constituents at my license plate restoration event this month, and I look forward to meeting as many more as I can. Check out my upcoming events: |
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Phoenixville Town Hall
Join me for a Phoenixville Town Hall on Wednesday, Oct. 14.
Phoenixville Area Town Hall
Click here for more information
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Senior Fair
My Senior Fair is Friday, Oct. 16.
Fall 2026 Senior Fair
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General Election dates in PA
It’s never too early to plan to vote! As we approach the General Election on Tuesday, Nov. 3 here are some key dates to remember:
To find your polling location, update your voter information or for more voter services, visit vote.pa.gov |
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Pennsylvania State Capitol Harrisburg, PA 17120 |
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District Office 68 Glocker Way Pottstown, PA 19465 |
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