state rep aaron bernstine

Bernstine Introduces Legislation to Establish Registry for Individuals Convicted of Child Abuse

HARRISBURG – Legislation aimed at improving community safety by establishing a public registry for individuals convicted of child abuse has been introduced by Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence). This new registry would ensure information about child abusers is easily accessible to the public, empowering communities across the Commonwealth to take necessary precautions. “Every child deserves to grow up in a safe environment, free from harm,” said Bernstine. “By creating this registry, we are taking an important step toward protecting our children and giving communities the tools they need to prevent abuse. The public has a right to know who is in their…


Bernstine Introduces Legislation to Protect Parental Rights in Medical Decisions for Minor Children

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) has introduced legislation aimed at protecting the rights of parents and guardians in the medical decision-making process for their minor children. The bill, known as Simon’s Law, would require health care professionals or facilities to notify parents before placing a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order on any patient under the age of 18. The law would also require written or oral consent from at least one parent or guardian before a DNR order can be issued. “This bill is designed to ensure no parent is kept in the dark when it comes to life-altering decisions for…


Bernstine Introduces Legislation to Create Two-Tiered Concealed Carry System, Supporting Constitutional Carry Rights

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) has introduced legislation designed to enhance the concealed carry process for firearm owners in Pennsylvania. House Bill 454 would create a two-tiered system to streamline firearm carrying laws, ensuring greater protection of citizens’ Second Amendment rights while balancing public safety. “Pennsylvanians have the fundamental right to protect themselves and their families, and this legislation is a step toward ensuring that right is respected,” said Bernstine. “Law-abiding citizens who follow the rules should not face undue obstacles when it comes to exercising their constitutional rights. The proposed two-tiered system provides more freedom, more choice and…


Ellwood City Fire Department Among Many To Receive State Grants

Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) announced Wednesday local fire companies and emergency medical services (EMS) agencies were awarded state grants totaling nearly $216,000 from the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program. The program was created by the Legislature and is administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and Office of the State Fire Commissioner (OSFC). Projects eligible for funding include construction or renovation of a fire or ambulance company facility, purchase or repair of equipment, training, or reduction of existing debt. “Local fire and EMS agencies are the backbone of our community’s safety, and it’s crucial that we support…


Bernstine Takes Oath of Office, Committed to Protecting Second Amendment Rights, Fighting Wasteful Spending

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) was sworn into office today at the state Capitol, proudly assuming his role as the representative for the 8th Legislative District. “I am honored by the trust the people of the 8th District have placed in me and remain committed to protecting Second Amendment rights, fighting wasteful government spending, educating our children, and advancing policies that strengthen Pennsylvania’s economy and support small businesses,” said Bernstine. Bernstine has been appointed to serve on the House Insurance, Intergovernmental Affairs and Operations, Labor and Industry and Transportation committees for the 2025-26 legislation session. Bernstine brings to Harrisburg a…


Stonecrest Business Park Among Projects To Benefit From $9.65M In State Grant Funding

Stonecrest Business Park, L.P. is among eleven projects Beaver, Butler, and Lawrence Counties that will benefit from over $9 Million in state grants. $500,000 will go toward the construction of a new industrial building at Stonecrest Business Park, aimed at attracting industrial investment and fostering job creation in the region. Its funding is provided through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP), which aims to bolster economic growth and enhance community resources.  RACP is a Commonwealth grant initiative overseen by the Office of the Budget, designed to support projects that contribute to regional economic, cultural, civic and recreational development. “I am…


Bernstine Announces Funding for Improvement Project in Wampum Borough

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) today announced the award of a $400,000 state grant to Wampum Borough, Lawrence County, aimed at addressing critical infrastructure needs within the community. This funding will enable the borough to undertake a comprehensive water system upgrade, focusing on the removal of outdated and hazardous lead water lines and replacing them with modern, safe materials. “This grant is a game-changer for Wampum Borough. It will directly improve the health and safety of residents by replacing outdated lead water lines, which have long been a public concern,” said Bernstine. “These improvements will not only safeguard the…


Bernstine, Brown Announce Farm-to-School Grant Awards in Lawrence County

HARRISBURG – Reps. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) and Marla Brown (R-Lawrence) are pleased to announce two recipients in Lawrence County have been awarded Farm-to-School Grants. These grants, part of a statewide initiative by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, will support projects aimed at improving access to healthy, local food and providing hands-on agricultural learning experiences for children from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. “I’m thrilled to see such vital funding come to our community,” said Brown. “These grants not only help connect children to local, healthy food but also enhance their agricultural education through hands-on experiences. This is a wonderful opportunity to…


Bernstine to Host Concealed Carry Seminar in Butler County

BUTLER – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) is continuing his commitment to educating law-abiding gun owners about Pennsylvania’s firearms laws by hosting a Concealed Carry Seminar on Wednesday, Oct. 9, from 5:30-7:30 p.m., at the Penn Township Municipal Building. “As a strong supporter of the Second Amendment, I know the right to keep and bear arms is a fundamental freedom guaranteed by both the Pennsylvania and United States constitutions,” said Bernstine. “It’s important for responsible gun owners to be informed about our state’s laws so they can exercise their rights safely and legally.” The seminar will feature Butler County District Attorney Richard…


Bernstine Introduces Legislation to Secure PA’s Election Process

HARRISBURG – With the presidential election approaching in November and Pennsylvania again in the national spotlight as a critical swing state, Rep. Aaron Bernstine (Butler/Lawrence) is introducing a legislative package aimed at enhancing the transparency and security of Pennsylvania’s election process. “Even four years after the administrative failures of the 2020 General Election, Pennsylvania has not taken the necessary steps to reform or improve our election laws comprehensively,” said Bernstine. “The world is watching us, and it is imperative that Pennsylvanians – and voters across the nation – have confidence in the accuracy and integrity of our election process. This package…