Proposed Regulations Went Beyond Protecting Public Health, Says Cooper

September 28, 2026

HARRISBURG – Rep. Jill Cooper (R-Westmoreland) today issued the following statement welcoming the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s decision to withdraw its sweeping proposed revision of Chapter 27 regulations, calling it an important response to the many Pennsylvanians who spoke out against unnecessary governmental intrusion into personal health and family decisions.

“The concerns voiced by families across Pennsylvania were legitimate, and they deserved to be heard. This proposal went far beyond protecting public health. It raised serious questions about parental involvement, medical privacy, protections from warrantless searches in private homes and the extent of government power during a public-health emergency. I was proud to be among the 85 House members who joined House Health Committee Republican Chairman Kathy L. Rapp in submitting a detailed comment letter urging the department to abandon the regulation package.

“Pennsylvanians have not forgotten the consequences of one-size-fits-all mandates and unchecked executive action. The withdrawal of these regulations is a reminder that public input matters and that government agencies must remain accountable to the people they serve. The Legislature must continue to closely review any future Department of Health proposals to ensure public-health policy respects individual rights, family autonomy and the constitutional safeguards owed to every Pennsylvanian.”

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