Latest News from State Capitol and 55th District

March 26, 2026

Improved Access to Judicial System and Court Efficiencies in New Law

Not every topic brought to the House floor is a headline grabber. In fact, most aren’t.

Many of us have a list of proposals that we would like to see become law, as well as a list of current laws we feel should remain unchanged.

One of Pennsylvania’s newest laws, Act 1 of 2026, was not likely to be on your list of most pressing topics that Harrisburg should consider. However, it affects many Pennsylvanians every day.

At its core, the new law does two simple things. First, it better guarantees money collected with the intent to support and improve the court system does so. Second, it improves access to our judicial system for those who can’t afford a lawyer.

Did you know that some court fees are directed to the Access to Justice Fund? This makes certain that those with financial challenges have access to free or low-cost legal aid in matters such as domestic violence, custody battles or losing vital benefits. But every well-intended program needs proper oversight to make certain that as many people as possible are being assisted. 

The new law demands an independent audit of the Access to Justice Fund. The goal is not just to catch waste, but to strengthen programs like the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, which helped Pennsylvanians in more than 70,000 cases last year alone.

Another part of the law involves the magisterial district courts – the local courts where most of us first encounter the justice system for things like traffic tickets, small claims, landlord–tenant disputes and minor criminal matters. Act 1 changes how some of the fees collected in those courts are handled, keeping more of that money inside the court system itself to pay for technology upgrades and basic operations, instead of vanishing into a maze of bureaucracy. This will equate to improved efficiencies and quicker outcomes at the first court level, located right in our communities.  

Outside of an occasional parking ticket or moving violation, many of us will never interact with Pennsylvania’s court system. But for those who do, it is important that Pennsylvania residents have equal access to an efficient system that serves everyone’s needs equally and without bias. Act 1 of 2026 does just that.

If you or someone you know is in need of legal assistance, the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network can be reached by calling 800-322-7572 or by visiting palegalaid.net.

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

High School Students Can Jumpstart Their Next Move at Tonight’s Event - 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. The event is tonight, Monday, March 30, from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Northern Westmoreland Career and Technology Center, 705 Stevenson Blvd., New Kensington. 

Grants Workshop Available - Calling all local governments, school districts and nonprofit organizations! My upcoming Grants 101 Workshop is available to help you with the basics of grant writing. Guest speakers include officials from state offices and organizations, including the Department of Transportation, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority, Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission and the Southwestern Pennsylvania Municipal Project Hub. Join me on Wednesday, April 8, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Delmont Fire Hall, 2360 State Route 66 in Delmont. Register by contacting Robin Savage at 724-387-9113 or by emailing rsavage@pahousegop.com.



Representative Jill Cooper
55th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jordan Frei
724.875.8450
jfrei@pahousegop.com