Altoona Times

Pennsylvania House Republican Leader Jesse Topper has announced the adoption of new rules for the 2025-26 legislative session. These changes aim to enhance member voices and encourage meaningful discussion in policy debates.

"Facing unprecedented circumstances, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives came together yesterday to adopt operating rules governing the entire 2025-26 Legislative Session that reflect how the House should work in an environment of closely divided government. They are a fair and reasonable representation of the political realities facing our Commonwealth and give members a greater opportunity to be the voice of their constituents in Harrisburg," said Topper.

The new rules include committee splits of 14-12 on all standing committees, with 13 votes required to report a bill out of committee. Previously, splits were 14-11 with only 12 votes needed. Additionally, there is now a removal of the ability to table all amendments to legislation in one bundled group. The process used to discharge bottled-up legislation out of a committee has been adjusted for fairness, and limitations have been placed on cutting off debate on matters before the House.

"The House Republican Caucus looks forward to continuing to share our ideas and having a fair hearing on issues of importance to our members and the districts they represent during the course of this session," Topper added.