On November 24, 2025, Governor Shapiro signed Act 50 of 2025 into law, which makes several important changes to Pennsylvania’s estate administration and probate laws. The three major areas affected include: (1) treatment of smaller bank accounts when the account holder dies, (2) easier access to unclaimed property by family members, and (3) a change in the order of distribution when a deceased … [Read more...] about Act 50 Lights Simpler Path for Families: Title 20 Amendments Explained
CROWN Act: Amending the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act to Eliminate Hair Discrimination in the Workplace
On November 25, 2025, Governor Shapiro signed House Bill 439 – also known as the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act – into law. This legislation effectively amends the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA) to expand the definitions of race and religious creed and to prohibit discrimination based on traits historically associated with either category. In her … [Read more...] about CROWN Act: Amending the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act to Eliminate Hair Discrimination in the Workplace
Pennsylvania Supreme Court Reverses Commonwealth Court’s Ruling – Recognizes Four Stand-Alone Exceptions to the Sunshine Act’s 24-Hour Rule
On November 24, 2025, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania reversed the Commonwealth Court’s 2023 decision in Coleman v. Parkland School District. The ruling expands the circumstances under which public agencies may take official action on items not listed on agendas posted at least 24 hours before a public meeting. Background in the Case Act 65 of 2021 amended Pennsylvania’s Sunshine Act to … [Read more...] about Pennsylvania Supreme Court Reverses Commonwealth Court’s Ruling – Recognizes Four Stand-Alone Exceptions to the Sunshine Act’s 24-Hour Rule
50th Anniversary of the IDEA: Golden Milestone for Special Education
Last week, the Pennsylvania Legislature recognized November 29, 2025 as the 50th anniversary of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act, known as the IDEA, with House Resolution 370. Meant to ensure children with disabilities have access to a free appropriate public education, the IDEA and its predecessor laws changed the game for special education students and their IEP teams. On … [Read more...] about 50th Anniversary of the IDEA: Golden Milestone for Special Education
“Fostering the Future”: What Adoptive and Foster Families Should Know About Executive Order
On November 13, 2025, President Trump issued an Executive Order (the “Order”), titled “Fostering the Future for American Children and Families”. The Order announces several federal priorities aimed to modernize parts of the United States foster-care system, improve outcomes for youth aging out of foster care, and strengthen partnerships with faith-based and community … [Read more...] about “Fostering the Future”: What Adoptive and Foster Families Should Know About Executive Order
Pennsylvania’s 2025-26 Commonwealth Budget: Key Impacts on Education
On November 12, 2025, after a prolonged impasse of over fourth months, Governor Shapiro signed the 2025-2026 Commonwealth budget into law, with total appropriations reaching $50.1 billion. Importantly for public schools, the budget delivers more than $900 million in education funding. While the delay threatened financial stability for many districts, the final budget includes major investments … [Read more...] about Pennsylvania’s 2025-26 Commonwealth Budget: Key Impacts on Education
