Latest News from State Capitol and 55th District

April 16, 2026

K9 Officer Safety Prioritized in House Bill

In speaking with law enforcement officers, they are well trained on the hazards of an exposure to opioids like fentanyl.

As a means of safety, they are taught to make use of personal protection equipment to avoid touching or accidentally inhaling chemicals when they come across a suspicious substance.

But what about K9 officers?

These special four-legged officers are so energetic about doing their jobs that they could come into contact with a substance like fentanyl, alert their partners, but then experience a medical issue.

With these potential dangers in mind, I was happy to support House Bill 1344, which would lead to developing police dog certification standards as they relate to safety in dealing with exposure to narcotics.

In current law, the Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission collaborates with the Pennsylvania State Police and municipal police departments with K9 programs to maintain policies for K9 certifications and record keeping. House Bill 1344 uses this same structure but directs consultation with training experts, medical professionals and veterinarians to establish important safety standards and protocols. 

While information is limited regarding how many K9 officers have been treated for overdose symptoms after coming into contact with opioids, police associations have communicated the need to take this matter seriously.

Pennsylvania has shown steady decreases in overdose deaths, from 4,719 in 2023 to 3,358 in 2024. There have also been declines in other narcotics statistics as well. While that is good news, law enforcement plays a key role in addressing illegal drug use. From my perspective, the safety of our police force must be prioritized and this includes those officers with fur and pointed ears.

House Bill 1344 was passed by the House without opposition and has been referred to the Senate.

On a different note, be sure to note the upcoming voter registration deadline that is approaching.
Pennsylvanians who are not already registered to vote but wish to participate in the May 19 primary election should be sure to register no later than Monday, May 4. 

To be eligible to vote in the primary, you must be a citizen of the United States for at least one month before the election; a resident of the election district in which you register to vote for at least 30 days before the election; and at least 18 years of age on or before the date of the primary. 

Under state law, only voters registered as Republicans or Democrats may vote for candidates in the primary election. 

You can register to vote online at vote.pa.gov, where you can also check your voter registration not status. You can also visit the Westmoreland County Election Bureau in the Westmoreland County Courthouse, 2 N. Main St. in Greensburg. 

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

Mobile Shredding Event Scheduled - Don’t leave personal, sensitive documents sitting around. Instead, dispose of them safely at my free Mobile Shredding event that I am co-hosting with Rep. Abby Major, Friday, May 8, from 10 a.m. to noon at Lower Burrell VFW Post 92, 1601 Wildlife Lodge Road, New Kensington. The event is available specifically for personal documents and not commercial use. Please keep in mind there is a limit of two bags or boxes per person. Books, magazines or metal binding materials (other than staples) cannot be shredded.

Hey Ladies, Join Me for Tea! - Please join me for a Women’s Legislative Tea event to discuss current events in Harrisburg and here at home. The free event, scheduled for Wednesday, May 13, from 2-4 p.m. at The Lamplighter, 6566 Route 22, Delmont, features guest speaker Westmoreland County District Attorney Nicole Ziccarelli. Register by May 8 by contacting Robin Savage at 724-387-9113 or by emailing rsavage@pahousegop.com.

2026-27 Hunting, Trapping Seasons Set - The Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) met recently and gave final approval to hunting and trapping seasons and bag limits for the 2026-27 hunting season. According to the announcement from the PGC, all 2026-27 seasons include the Sundays that fall within their listed start and end dates. Also, seasons that previously ended on Saturdays largely will end on Sundays, providing additional days of opportunity throughout the year. The lone exception is for migratory game birds. There will be no Sunday hunting for migratory game birds – including waterfowl, woodcock and mourning doves – this coming season. Detailed information about the new seasons and bag limits, as well as notable changes, is available on the PGC website, which can be found at pa.gov.  



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