Latest News from State Capitol and 55th District

February 26, 2026

Pro-Consumer Auto Insurance Proposal Becomes Law

It’s an unfortunate, yet all too familiar story that has been shared with my staff and me on many occasions. 

A vehicle owner spends some time shopping for and eventually switching auto insurance providers. Because previous laws only required insurance companies to notify the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) when a policy is canceled, and not when a new policy is obtained, the vehicle owner ends up flagged by PennDOT for not carrying insurance as required by law. If the vehicle owner fails to follow up with the agency, they end up facing a three-month registration suspension. 

Though I have only had the honor serving in Harrisburg since 2023, this frustrating story was shared with me by enough constituents that I was happy to co-sponsor legislation and see this important change be made.

Act 3 of 2026 requires the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to create an online verification system to modernize its processes for ensuring motorists are carrying insurance on their vehicles, as required by law.

Because of the new law and implementation of the online verification system, insurance providers will be required to report new policy information, which will then be matched with vehicle owners who canceled their policies.

The new system will also be able to alert law enforcement in cases of uninsured motorists and help with the prevention of counterfeit insurance cards.

By law, all vehicles being operated on Pennsylvania roadways are required to have insurance. If a driver neglects to make a payment and keep their policy current, it is important that laws and procedures be applied to best protect other drivers, pedestrians and private property.

However, when consumers have done everything required of them and yet face a 90-day suspension because of an overly bureaucratic system, it is time for a change. It was obvious that lawmakers around the Commonwealth heard similar stories, as the legislation was passed without opposition in the House and Senate.

On an unrelated note, I want to remind residents aged 65 years and older; widows and widowers 50 years and older; and people with disabilities 18 years and older that the application period for the state’s 2025 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is now open. Eligible Pennsylvanians can begin claiming rebates on property taxes or rent paid last year. 

Income limits increased again this year to $48,110 for both homeowners and renters. This is due to a 2023 law I supported that calls for adjusting the income limit based on annual increases in the Consumer Price Index. Remember to exclude 50% of Social Security when determining your income. The maximum rebate is $1,000. 

Remember – you do not need to pay anyone for assistance to apply for the rebates. Apply online at mypath.pa.gov or contact my offices at 724-387-9113 or 724-472-4102 for assistance.

Here are some additional news topics and reminders I would like to share.

Your Opinion Counts - Concern continues to rise from parents and educators that students’ use of cell phones has become a serious distraction from learning. Different approaches to address the issue have been discussed in the General Assembly and I have created a survey for those 18 years of age or older to weigh in. You can find the survey on my website, RepJillCooper.com. 

Local Businesses Invited! – I am hosting a Business Roundtable to discuss what is working and the ongoing challenges encountered by local entrepreneurs. Join me Friday, March 20, 7:30–9:30 a.m. at the Murrysville Community Center, 3091 Carson Ave., Murrysville. Registration by March 16 is required. Contact Robin Savage at 724-387-9113 or via email at rsavage@pahousegop.com.

Jumpstart Into Your Next Chapter – My staff and I are hosting Junior Jumpstart, a financial aid seminar with the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency to help next year’s high school seniors begin navigating the world of college financing. Current seniors who have questions are certainly invited as well. Registration by March 25 is suggested but not required. Contact Robin Savage at 724-387-9113 or via email at rsavage@pahousegop.com.