Story perspectives

Pennsylvania Enacts CROWN Act, New Policies in 2026

12/24/2025

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Pennsylvania Policy Changes

Pennsylvania will implement the CROWN Act in early 2026 to prohibit hair discrimination.
Pennsylvania schools must notify parents within 24 hours of weapon-related incidents.
A tax credit for low- and middle-income workers mirrors the Earned Income Tax Credit with a 10% refund.
Medicaid will stop covering certain GLP-1 weight-loss drugs and keep diabetes coverage.
Law requiring insurers to cover mammograms and breast cancer screenings will take effect.

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Pennsylvania Lawmakers' Actions

In 2025, Pennsylvania lawmakers approved 65 pieces of legislation, one of the least productive sessions in decades.
The absence of a political trifecta complicates the legislative process.
House Bill 646, which Governor Josh Shapiro signed into law, allows motorcycle operators to wear headphones and takes effect January 5, 2026.
Another law requires schools to notify employees and parents within 24 hours of weapon incidents, taking effect January 5, 2026.

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Pennsylvania Policy Changes

Pennsylvania will implement the CROWN Act in early 2026 to prohibit hair discrimination.
Pennsylvania schools must notify parents within 24 hours of weapon-related incidents.
A tax credit for low- and middle-income workers mirrors the Earned Income Tax Credit with a 10% refund.
Medicaid will stop covering certain GLP-1 weight-loss drugs and keep diabetes coverage.
Law requiring insurers to cover mammograms and breast cancer screenings will take effect.

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