PHILADELPHIA (TNS) As Pennsylvania residents began 2025, several new laws took effect, including expanded access to health care and pay raises for top government officials.
In its most recent legislative session, Pennsylvania lawmakers passed 217 bills — fewer than in recent years, according to Spotlight PA. Some laws took effect Jan. 1, while others will roll out later in the year.
New Jersey lawmakers were equally busy, focusing on health care reforms to bolster consumer protections and improve pregnancy outcomes.
Here’s a look at key legislation that became Pennsylvania law in 2025:
Pennsylvania government officials get pay raise, outpacing private sector workers
Top Pennsylvania officials, including Gov. Josh Shapiro, state lawmakers, and judges, received a 3.5% pay increase starting Jan. 1. The annual automatic raise is tied to federal inflation.
This marks the fourth consecutive year these raises have outpaced the hourly wage growth of private sector employees, according to the Associated Press. Last year’s 7.8% hike was the largest since 1995.
Shapiro’s salary will increase to $246,000, potentially maintaining his position as the nation’s second-highest-paid governor. Other officials, including Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, Treasurer Stacy Garrity, Auditor General Tim DeFoor, and Attorney General-elect Dave Sunday, will earn more than $200,000 annually.
First responders can receive workers’ comp for PTSD
Starting in October 2025, Pennsylvania police officers, firefighters, and EMTs can receive workers’ compensation for post-traumatic stress injuries (PTSI) without proving “abnormal working conditions,” a common hurdle for mental health-related claims.
The law, an amendment to the 1915 Workers’ Compensation Act, recognizes trauma from qualifying events such as mass casualties, crime scenes, and child exploitation. Eligibility requires a diagnosis from a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist.
Health insurance companies, including Medicaid, must cover biomarker testing
As of Jan. 1, Pennsylvania’s Medicaid program and all state-regulated health insurance plans are required to cover biomarker testing, a diagnostic tool used to guide treatment for cancer and other diseases.
“Ensuring that more Pennsylvanians will have access to proven biomarker testing will mean more patients battling cancer and many other forms of chronic disease will have the information needed to identify the best treatments possible,” said Donna Greco of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, after the bill’s signing.
Biomarker testing, which involves analyzing tissue or fluids, can save patients significant out-of-pocket expenses due to more informed treatment plans. However, without insurance, testing can cost thousands.
Medicaid covers certified doulas
Medicaid patients in Pennsylvania can now access certified doula care at no cost. The new law aims to reduce disparities in pregnancy outcomes, particularly among Black women, who face higher risks of maternal and infant mortality.
“Lack of coverage for doula services in Medicaid leads to a vast disparity in care for women who are already statistically at risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes, with Black birthing people at the highest risk of maternal and infant mortality,” said State Rep. Morgan Cephas (D., Philadelphia), who sponsored the bill. “This new law will give these parents a proven network of support needed to produce better mental and physical health outcomes during their birthing journey.”
Doulas are credited with reducing risks like low birth weights and premature labor while providing emotional and physical support for expectant mothers.
Parents can legally surrender newborns at urgent care centers
Under new state law, parents can now surrender their newborns at urgent care centers without criminal charges.
“Urgent care centers provide conveniently located, safe environments where parents can surrender unharmed newborns. By including these centers as an option, we can increase awareness efforts that save babies and offer them the chance to be raised in loving homes with families eager to provide care and support,” said State Sen. Michele Brooks (R., Crawford), who authored the bill.
In addition to urgent care centers, parents can legally relinquish their infant at any hospital, police station, or emergency services provider in Pennsylvania. If the child is unharmed and not a victim of a crime, the parents won’t receive any penalties.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, the state’s Safe Haven Law has saved the lives of 50 babies since 2003.
