Pennsylvania Rings in 2026 with New Laws You’ll Probably Break Before February
ColumbiaPA.Online — January 1, 2026
Happy New Year, Pennsylvania! While you were busy making resolutions you’ll abandon by next week, Harrisburg was busy making rules you’ll probably ignore by tomorrow. Here’s what’s new for 2026—and why you might want to read this before your next road trip, school board meeting, or motorcycle karaoke session.
Paul Miller’s Law: Put the Phone Down, Speed Racer
Starting June 5, 2026, if you’re caught using your phone while driving, it’s no longer just a friendly “Hey, don’t do that.” Nope—now it’s a $50 fine, plus court costs and fees. The good news? No points on your license. The bad news? If you cause a crash while texting, you could earn an extra five years in prison. So maybe save the TikTok dance for the driveway.
Senate Bill 246: Schools Spill the Tea
Remember when schools kept things hush-hush? Not anymore. If someone brings a weapon to school grounds, parents and staff will now be notified faster than your kid can text “OMG.” Transparency is the new trend—because apparently, “surprise” isn’t fun when it involves a machete.
Senate Bill 88: Breast Cancer Screenings Go VIP
Good news for health-conscious Pennsylvanians: Supplemental breast cancer screenings like MRIs and ultrasounds are now free of cost-sharing for anyone at average risk or higher. Translation: You can finally get that extra screening without selling a kidney to pay for it.
House Bill 439: Hair Today, Discrimination Gone Tomorrow
The CROWN Act is here, banning discrimination based on hair type, texture, or style. Locs, braids, Afros, twists—rock them all. HR managers everywhere are crying into their “neat appearance” policies, but hey, it’s 2026. Let your hair live its best life.
House Bill 646: Motorcycle Riders, Start Your Playlist
Motorcycle riders can now legally wear headphones or helmets with built-in speakers. So yes, you can blast AC/DC while cruising down Route 30—just don’t let “Highway to Hell” become a prophecy.
GLP-1 Coverage Changes: Bye-Bye Weight Loss Meds
Starting today, Pennsylvania Medicaid will no longer cover GLP-1 medications for weight loss for adults 21 and over. If you’re using them for diabetes, you’ll need a new authorization. Basically, if you were hoping for a magic shot to melt holiday pounds, the state says: “Try a treadmill.”
In short: New year, new laws, same old Pennsylvania. Drive safe, love your hair, and maybe keep the fire extinguishers in the closet this year.
