Dear Friends,

In this week’s e-newsletter, I’m happy to share information about multiple bills that just passed the House.

Additionally, check the information below on several upcoming community events that may benefit you!

Friendly Reminder: The voter registration deadline is only a few weeks away! October 19th is the last day to register to vote in the General Election. Don't let your voice go unheard this November 3rd. 

As always, if you need help with any state-related issue, feel free to reply to this email or call my office at 215-943-7206.

Sincerely,

Jim

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

This month, we recognize the millions of people and families affected by breast cancer and work to raise awareness about prevention, early detection, treatment, and support. Breast cancer can affect anyone. Taking time to learn about risk factors, talk with your healthcare provider, and stay up to date on recommended screenings can help with early detection.

This October, let’s stand together in support of survivors, those currently facing breast cancer, and the families and caregivers by their side.

Additionally, October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

This month, we stand with survivors of domestic violence and recognize the importance of creating safe, supportive communities where everyone can live free from fear and abuse. Domestic violence can affect people of all backgrounds and circumstances. Raising awareness, supporting survivors, and connecting people with resources can help break the cycle of violence.

For more information and resources click the link below:

https://www.pa.gov/ser.../dhs/get-domestic-violence-support-

This week, several important pieces of legislation passed the House. These bills now head to the state Senate for further consideration.

HB 2657 – Regulating Kratom, Protecting Pennsylvanians

 This bill would:

• ban synthetic Kratom and make selling it or making it a crime punishable by up to five years in prison.
• only allow natural Kratom sales at registered retailers.
• ban Kratom sales to anyone under 21.
• ban Kratom ads and packaging aimed at children and make violators subject to fines and
• civil penalties.
• require child resistant packaging.
• require natural origin and health warnings on Kratom packaging.

For more information, click here.

HB 1434 – Increase penalties for selling vapes to minors

This bill would:

• The bill would increase penalties for retailers that illegally sell electronic nicotine delivery systems, including vaping products, to minors.
• A retailer would face a $5,000 fine for first or second offenses. For the third offense, their license to sell tobacco products can be revoked.
• Stronger consequences are needed to stop the sale of vaping and nicotine products to kids.

For more information, click here.

The Bucks County Intermediate Unit will host the 26th annual Secondary Transition Options & Resource Fair from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, at Bucks County Intermediate Unit 22, 705 N. Shady Retreat Road, Doylestown.

The event will connect students and families with schools, agencies and community organizations offering resources to support the transition from school to adulthood. Information will be available on post-secondary education and training, employment, independent living, community resources, and legal, financial and life planning.

The fair also will feature parent presentations from Bucks County Intellectual Disability/Autism Services and a student-only presentation on employability.

No registration is required. For more information, please see flyer.

Are you interested in a rewarding career with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation? Check out the upcoming PennDOT Bucks County Job Fair on October 10 or November 14.

The event will offer opportunities to learn more about available positions, meet with PennDOT staff, and potentially participate in on-the-spot interviews. Job seekers are encouraged to bring a valid

CDL and Medical Certificate for operator positions and can apply in advance at: www.employment.pa.gov

Changes to Medicaid, also known as Medical Assistance in Pennsylvania, are coming on January 1, 2027, because of changes to federal law. More information is expected to be released, but here is what you need to know for now:

• Some adults will need to renew their Medicaid Plan every six months instead of annually.
• A new requirement means some adults enrolled in Medicaid will need to participate in work, school, job training, volunteering, or other community activities.
  
  

If you receive Medicaid, now is a good time to make sure your mailing address and contact information are up to date with DHS so you don’t miss important notices about these changes.

For more information about the new Medicaid requirements, click here.

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives Legislative Fellowship Program is currently accepting applications for the Spring 2027 semester. Applications are due on October 1, 2026.

The Fellowship Program is based in Pennsylvania’s magnificent Capitol Building in Harrisburg. Fellows are assigned to work in House standing committees or House leadership offices, are compensated for their work (which may also include college credit), and are provided opportunities to draft and present their own legislation, attend meet-and-greets with various public officials and staff, and tour some of the Commonwealth’s historic public spaces, to name a few.

Qualified applicants will be:

• College undergraduate juniors or seniors, graduate students, or law school students;
• Enrolled in a Pennsylvania college/university, or a Pennsylvania resident enrolled in an out-of-state institution; and
• Pursuing any major with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

If you know of any college students who would benefit from the Fellowship Program, please invite them to visit the website at: www.pahousefellowship.us. Applications are now available online and can be submitted via this link. Supplemental materials must be emailed to pahousefellowship@pabmc.net.

As we approach the General Election on Tuesday, November 3, here are some key dates to remember:

• Monday, Oct. 19 – Last day to register to vote.
• Tuesday, Oct. 27– Last day to apply for an absentee or mail-in ballot.
• Tuesday, Nov. 3 – Election Day: Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Voters must be in line by 8 p.m. to cast their ballot. Mail-in and absentee ballots must be received by your county election office by 8 p.m.

To find your polling location, update your voter information or for more voter services, visit vote.pa.gov.

Bucks County’s vote-by-mail season is officially underway, with the first mail ballots already being sent to voters. Prefer to handle your mail-in ballot in person? Seven “on-demand” locations are now open across the county.

On-demand voting allows you to go to a designated location, request a mail-in ballot, fill it out on site, and return it immediately. You don’t have to wait for a ballot to arrive in the mail or visit the post office.

On-demand locations include the Board of Elections office, Government Services Centers in Quakertown and Levittown, the Warminster Township Free Library, and Bucks County Community College campuses. Each location also has a secure ballot drop box staffed by a Board of Elections employee during operating hours.

The deadline to request a mail-in ballot is October 27. Completed ballots must be returned by 8 p.m. on Election Day, November 3.

For more information, click here: www.buckscounty.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/1640

Sincerely,

Jim Prokopiak

Pennsylvania State Capitol

121-B East Wing

Harrisburg, PA 17120

(717) 787-1292

District Office

8610 New Falls Road
Levittown, PA 19054

(215) 943-7206

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