Freedom Index

A Legislative Scorecard Based on the Principles of the U.S. Constitution

Votes


“Open Primary” Elections  |  HB976

HB976 would let registered voters with no political party affiliation vote in primary elections.

The House passed HB976 on October 21, 2024, by a vote of 111 to 91. We have assigned pluses to the nays because this bill would weaken election integrity in Pennsylvania by creating “open primaries.” Primary elections are intended to be the means by which members of political parties choose their own nominees for public office ahead of general elections. In an “open primary,” on the other hand, any registered voter is permitted to vote in any political party’s primary election. This wreaks havoc on the elections process by allowing a candidate to potentially win their party’s nomination without the support of a plurality of their party. “Open primaries” thus prevent freedom of association by denying members of political parties the right to choose from among themselves the candidates who they deem best represent their platforms and principles. Rather than improve upon the current two-party system in America, “open primaries” only promise to dismantle traditional primary elections in favor of establishing a “uniparty” with no real opposition.

Carbon Capture and Sequestration Act  |  SB831

SB831 authorizes carbon sequestration projects to reduce “greenhouse gas emissions” and empowers the state Department of Environmental Protection to designate “environmental justice” areas based on “demographic, economic, health and environmental data.”

The House passed SB831 on July 11, 2024, by a vote of 127 to 75. We have assigned pluses to the nays because the recent and unjust expansion of carbon capture storage systems in the United States is closely connected to the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for “sustainable development,” which seeks to codify extreme “environmental justice” measures into state law. Its push for a “decarbonized” economy on behalf of “vulnerable populations” is nothing other than a fanatical attempt by globalist elites to expand their taxing power and authority. The abuse of eminent domain for these carbon dioxide pipelines encroaches upon the constitutionally protected property rights of Pennsylvanians, particularly those who live in the majority rural parts of the Commonwealth. If America is to truly remain the “land of the free,” then the States and the people must reject the hoax of “climate change” and put an end to the global war on farmers.

Carbon Capture and Sequestration Act  |  SB831

SB831 authorizes carbon sequestration projects to reduce “greenhouse gas emissions” and empowers the state Department of Environmental Protection to designate “environmental justice” areas based on “demographic, economic, health and environmental data.”

The Senate passed SB831 on July 11, 2024, by a vote of 37 to 12. We have assigned pluses to the nays because the recent and unjust expansion of carbon capture storage systems in the United States is closely connected to the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for “sustainable development,” which seeks to codify extreme “environmental justice” measures into state law. Its push for a “decarbonized” economy on behalf of “vulnerable populations” is nothing other than a fanatical attempt by globalist elites to expand their taxing power and authority. The abuse of eminent domain for these carbon dioxide pipelines encroaches upon the constitutionally protected property rights of Pennsylvanians, particularly those who live in the majority rural parts of the Commonwealth. If America is to truly remain the “land of the free,” then the States and the people must reject the hoax of “climate change” and put an end to the global war on farmers.

No Wages by Cash or Check  |  SB1026

SB1026 would permit employers to eliminate wages by cash or check.

The Senate passed SB1026 on July 11, 2024, by a vote of 44 to 5. We have assigned pluses to the nays because this bill would effectively ban most, if not all, payments by cash or check, paving the way toward an exclusively government-controlled Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC). A CBDC would be an unconstitutional and intolerable expansion of tyranny under the Federal Reserve—presenting a significant danger to Americans’ civil liberties by decimating personal privacy and allowing for a full-fledged surveillance state. According to Article 1, Section 10, of the U.S. Constitution, “No State shall…make any Thing but gold and silver Coin a Tender in Payment of Debts.” The States must act now to thwart government plans to impose a CBDC and enforce the Constitution’s monetary provisions.

Funding State-Aided Universities  |  HB613

HB613 provides funding for several state-related universities (Penn State, Pitt, Temple, and Lincoln) and a private Ivy League university (Penn).

The House passed HB613 on July 11, 2024, by a vote of 145 to 57. We have assigned pluses to the nays because funding institutes of higher education is not the role of government. This bill only extends the state’s monopoly over K-12 education and beyond. Its exchange of public subsidies for postsecondary curriculum and other regulatory controls effectively turns every university student or employee into a government-school student or employee. Besides, state-sponsored higher education acts as an unnecessary drain on the treasury. Public colleges and universities can and should at least be privatized, without the need to rely on state appropriations. Neither academic nor financial freedom can be achieved by forcing other citizens to furnish their hard-earned tax dollars to fund all that now entails a failing and government-run education system.   

Federal Drug Pricing  |  HB1993

HB1993, among other provisions, requires pharmacy benefit managers to comply with the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program.

The Senate passed HB1993 on July 10, 2024, by a vote of 48 to 1. We have assigned pluses to the nays because Section 340B of the Public Health Service Act, which requires pharmaceutical manufacturers participating in Medicaid to sell outpatient drugs at discounted prices, is unconstitutional. Medicaid, along with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is not authorized under Article I, Section 8, of the Constitution, as health care is not the legitimate object of government. Government-subsidized health care or drug pricing, not to mention the “benefits” provided to illegal aliens, is financed by immoral and anti-constitutional forms of taxation (e.g., personal or corporate income taxes). It violates the Bill of Rights and 14th Amendment by taking from citizens the wages they have rightfully earned. The General Assembly should act instead to nullify all unconstitutional federal laws and cease reckless social welfare initiatives.

Funding State-Aided Universities  |  HB613

HB613 provides funding for several state-related universities (Penn State, Pitt, Temple, and Lincoln) and a private Ivy League university (Penn).

The Senate passed HB613 on July 3, 2024, by a vote of 44 to 6. We have assigned pluses to the nays because funding institutes of higher education is not the role of government. This bill only extends the state’s monopoly over K-12 education and beyond. Its exchange of public subsidies for postsecondary curriculum and other regulatory controls effectively turns every university student or employee into a government-school student or employee. Besides, state-sponsored higher education acts as an unnecessary drain on the treasury. Public colleges and universities can and should at least be privatized, without the need to rely on state appropriations. Neither academic nor financial freedom can be achieved by forcing other citizens to furnish their hard-earned tax dollars to fund all that now entails a failing and government-run education system.   

Driver’s Licenses for Illegal Aliens  |  HB127

HB127 would allow a person who is 16 or 17 years of age and meets the definition of “homeless children and youths” under federal law to use a temporary address, along with the signature of a “teacher,” “social worker,” or “caseworker,” when applying for a driver’s license, learner’s permit, or identification card. 

The House passed HB127 on July 2, 2024, by a vote of 122 to 79. We have assigned pluses to the nays because the term “homeless children and youths,” as defined by 42 U.S.C. Chapter 119, does not exclude persons unlawfully present in the United States. Illegal aliens ought not to be permitted sanctuary or residency in Pennsylvania, let alone be considered eligible for government-issued forms of identification or licenses. Rather than pursue blatantly anti-American policies that undermine the rule of law and erode the value of citizenship, each of the several States should use its sovereign powers reserved under the 10th Amendment to stop illegal migration and provide for the public safety. 

Parental Consent for Mental Health Services  |  SB913

SB913 would require parental consent to virtual mental health services provided by or in coordination with a school entity.

The Senate passed SB913 on June 27, 2024, by a vote of 28 to 21. We have assigned pluses to the yeas because the upbringing, education, care, and control of children belongs to—and is a fundamental right of—parents, not the government. Parental rights, as with all other fundamental rights, are protected by the Bill of Rights and the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

“Morning-After” Pill Mandate  |  HB1140

HB1140 would require health benefit plans to cover all FDA-approved contraceptive drugs and adult male or adult female sterilization surgery.

The House passed HB1140 on June 25, 2024, by a vote of 133 to 69. We have assigned pluses to the nays because hormonal birth control drugs and devices, particularly high-dose “morning-after” pills, can and do prevent uterine implantation of developing preborn children, causing them to function not only as “contraceptives,” but also as abortifacients, thereby resulting in “silent abortions.” Given that the care of human life—not its destruction—is the greatest responsibility of government, Pennsylvania ought to forbid abortion and other grotesque methods of population control entirely, upholding the sanctity of life for every person. The right to life is the most fundamental, God-given, and “unalienable” right asserted in the Declaration of Independence and protected by the Fifth and 14th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

Ban on “Ghost Guns”  |  HB777

HB777 would amend the Uniform Firearms Act to prohibit the purchase, sale, and production of firearm or firearm parts without serial numbers.

The House passed HB777 on March 27, 2024, by a vote of 104 to 97. We have assigned pluses to the nays because this blatantly unconstitutional bill seeks to eliminate so-called “ghost guns,” which do not have a state or federally traceable serial number. Both the Bill of Rights and the 14th Amendment protect the rights of law-abiding Pennsylvanians to possess, produce, purchase, or sell their own “private property,” such as homemade firearms created for the purpose of self-defense, without needing to be “licensed” by the government. In fact, the Second Amendment specifically guarantees, under no qualification, that “the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”   

States’ Powers to Combat Illegal Migration  |  SR251

SR251 urges the Governor to offer the services of the Pennsylvania National Guard to the State of Texas in support of Operation Lone Star.

The Senate adopted SR25 on March 19, 2024, by a vote of 27 to 22. We have assigned pluses to the yeas because persons who enter the United States illegally—which, by definition, is a crime under federal law—should not be permitted sanctuary in Texas, Pennsylvania, or any other state. Article IV, Section 4, requires the federal government to protect each of the several States “against Invasion;” however, Article 1, Section 10, of the U.S. Constitution allows the States to enter into agreements if “actually invaded.” Rather than pursue blatantly anti-American policies that undermine the rule of law and erode the value of citizenship, the States should exercise their sovereign powers under the 10th Amendment to stop illegal migration and provide for the public safety. 

WIC Advisory Board  |  SB721

SB721 establishes a Women, Infants, and Children State Advisory Board to advise the Department of Health on the Pennsylvania Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, also known as the WIC program. This board is to advise the Department of Health on ways to increase enrollment and participation in the WIC program.

The Pennsylvania State Senate passed SB721 on December 12, 2023 by a vote of 50 to 0. We have assigned pluses to the nays because the USDA’s WIC program is unconstitutional, and this bill works to expand its enrollment. WIC selectively benefits specific members of society, effectively picking winners and losers. The U.S. Constitution does not authorize social welfare programs and states should not be buying into it.

Constitution Display  |  SB456

SB456 requires the governing board of a school entity to display the Preamble of the Constitution of the United States at the entrance of each school building.

The Pennsylvania State Senate passed SB456 on October 24, 2023 by a vote of 42 to 8. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because we need to ensure that our education system is teaching and emphasizing our nation’s guiding rules and principles. The Freedom Index is created to let people know which elected officials are following the Constitution, and which are not. We need the next generations to know their rights, and hopefully, they will step up to be leaders who adhere to the Constitution.

Parental Control  |  SB7

SB7 introduces a new section in the Public School Code, requiring school entities’ governing bodies to develop a parental control policy for instructional materials and books containing sexually explicit content. The policy must identify such materials, implement an opt-in form for parental permission, and allow parents to review the content upon request. If permission is not granted, alternative, nonexplicit materials must be provided.

The Pennsylvania State Senate passed SB7 on October 24, 2023 by a vote of 29 to 21. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because this bill ensures that parents have a say in their children’s education. Schools are being exposed for indoctrinating and exposing students to inappropriate books and content in their curriculum. This is a step in the right direction for taking back our schools and restoring parents’ rights.

Solar for Schools Grant  |  HB1032

HB1032 establishes the Solar for Schools Grant Program within the Department of Community and Economic Development. This program offers competitive grants to eligible entities, including various educational institutions, for expenses related to solar energy projects for school facilities.

The Pennsylvania State House of Representatives passed HB1032 on June 29, 2023 by a vote of 134 to 69. We have assigned pluses to the nays because this narrative aligns with the UN’s Agenda 2030 and the liberal-Marxist climate change agenda. This legislation increases government interference in the market by utilizing taxpayer money to expand government, creating a taxpayer-funded grant program where bureaucrats will choose winners and losers.

Forced Student Loans  |  SB750

SB750 introduces a new section in the Public School Code, requiring all students to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before completing high school starting in the 2024-2025 school year.

The Pennsylvania State Senate passed SB750 on June 28, 2023 by a vote of 46 to 4. We have assigned pluses to the nays because requiring mandatory completion of the FAFSA infringes on individuals’ autonomy and personal financial choices. This bill establishes an overreaching precedent where the state dictates personal decisions and forces citizens to engage in a federal financial aid process, potentially compromising their privacy and freedom of choice.

Minimum Wage  |  HB1500

HB1500 proposes a new minimum wage schedule, setting rates as follows: $11.00/hour on January 1, 2024; $13.00/hour on January 1, 2025; and $15.00/hour on January 1, 2026. From January 1, 2027, onwards, the minimum wage would adjust annually based on the CPI-U for the Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland area, rounded to the nearest 5 cents.

The Pennsylvania State House of Representatives passed HB1500 on June 20, 2023 by a vote of 103 to 100. We have assigned pluses to the nays because setting a minimum wage goes beyond the government’s constitutional role. Minimum wages distort the free market and interfere with the principles of supply and demand in a free-market capitalist country.

Dog Licenses  |  SB746

SB746 makes changes to the Dog Law, notably to dog and kennel licensing, advertising the sale of dogs, strengthen penalties for Dog Law violations, and improve customer service, public safety, and animal welfare. Specifically, the bill creates a statewide dog licensing platform, increases annual and lifetime dog license fees, increases kennel fees, adds additional penalties and fines and increases violation fees.

The Pennsylvania State Senate passed SB746 on June 20, 2023 by a vote of 43 to 7. We have assigned pluses to the nays because the law significantly expands government intervention, where Big Brother is watching. The creation of a statewide dog licensing platform, along with increased license fees for both individual dog owners and kennels, demonstrates a broader reach of government oversight. Moreover, the additional penalties, fines, and violation fees strengthens the government’s role. This expansion raises concerns about individual freedoms, placing an undue burden on responsible dog owners and kennels, and infringing on their constitutional rights.

WIC Advisory Board  |  HB664

HB664 establishes a Women, Infants, and Children State Advisory Board to advise the Department of Health on the Pennsylvania Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, also known as the WIC program. This board is to advise the Department of Health on ways to increase enrollment and participation in the WIC program.

The Pennsylvania State House of Representatives passed HB664 on June 12, 2023 by a vote of 155 to 48. We have assigned pluses to the nays because the USDA’s WIC program is unconstitutional, and this bill works to expand its enrollment. WIC selectively benefits specific members of society, effectively picking winners and losers. The U.S. Constitution does not authorize social welfare programs and states should not be buying into it.

Government Grants  |  HB450

HB450 aims to aid municipalities in revitalizing downtown commercial areas by supporting eligible applicants like local governments, nonprofit organizations, and business improvement districts. The bill permits various activities, including main street designation, planning grants, façade improvement grants, operational grants, anchor building grants, downtown reinvestment grants, and regional main street coordination designation.

The Pennsylvania State House of Representatives passed HB450 on June 6, 2023 by a vote of 166 to 47. We have assigned pluses to the nays because the government should not issue grants for multiple reasons, including the fact that government grants involve picking winners and losers, and they expand the size of government. Government grants interfere in commerce when they should let the free market work.

Gun Background Checks  |  HB714

HB714 removes the exemption for certain private gun sales from background check requirements. Currently, only specific firearms are subject to private sale background checks. The bill seeks to extend these checks to all private firearm sales, aligning them with the requirements for licensed firearm dealers.

The Pennsylvania State House of Representatives passed HB714 on May 22, 2023 by a vote of 109 to 92. We have assigned pluses to the nays because background checks, as a general requirement for firearm purchases, are a significant infringement on our Constitutional rights, particularly the Second Amendment, which states, “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” Background checks are a violation of that right.

Government Loans  |  SB248

SB248 establishes the Veteran-owned Business Loan Guarantee Program, which allocates $5 million from the Second Stage Loan Program within the CFA for use in the Veteran-Owned Business Loan Guarantee Program.

The Pennsylvania State Senate passed SB238 on May 8, 2023 by a vote of 50 to 0. We have assigned pluses to the nays because government should not subsidize, issue taxpayer funded loans, and interfere with private enterprise. This expands the size of government, and subsidies make businesses more reliant on government assistance. When the government meddles in areas it shouldn’t, individuals and businesses lose more control and freedom, especially when they end up owing money back to government.

Workers’ Rights  |  HB950

HB950 proposes to amend Article 1 of the Pennsylvania Constitution to add a new Section 30, entitled Worker’s Rights. The new section would protect the right to organize and collectively bargain for wages, hours, working conditions, economic welfare and safety at work. It would provide that no law shall be passed that interferes with, negates or diminishes these rights of employees.

The Pennsylvania State House of Representatives passed HB950 on May 3, 2023 by a vote of 102 to 99. We have assigned pluses to the nays because collective bargaining interferes with individual liberties, and compelling individuals to negotiate collectively infringes upon their right to freely associate or negotiate on an individual basis.

Abortion & Voting  |  SB106

SB106 includes two constitutional amendments. It states that abortion is not a right and bans all abortions funded by the taxpayers. It also requires that voter ID is needed to vote.

The Pennsylvania State Senate passed SB106 on July 8, 2022 by a vote of 28 to 22. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because the right to life is the most fundamental, God-given, and unalienable right asserted in the Declaration of Independence and protected by the U.S. Constitution. Taxpayer money should not be used to fund abortions. Also, strengthening our voter ID laws are crucial in the preservation of our election process and election integrity. Article IV, Section 2, of the U.S. Constitution provides that “citizens” of the United States “shall be entitled to all privileges and immunities,” such as the “right of citizens of the United States” to vote as prescribed in the 26th Amendment. It would be an infringement on our rights to allow any ineligible elector to vote.

Abortion & Voting  |  SB106

SB106 includes two constitutional amendments. It states that abortion is not a right and bans all abortions funded by the taxpayers. It also requires that voter ID is needed to vote.

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed SB106 on July 8, 2022 by a vote of 107 to 92.  We have assigned pluses to the ayes because the right to life is the most fundamental, God-given, and unalienable right asserted in the Declaration of Independence and protected by the U.S. Constitution. Taxpayer money should not be used to fund abortions. Also, strengthening our voter ID laws are crucial in the preservation of our election process and election integrity. Article IV, Section 2, of the U.S. Constitution provides that “citizens” of the United States “shall be entitled to all privileges and immunities,” such as the “right of citizens of the United States” to vote as prescribed in the 26th Amendment. It would be an infringement on our rights to allow any ineligible elector to vote.

Election Integrity  |  SB982

SB982 prohibits the use of non-public or outside money for the administration and execution of an election, making sure funding only comes from the taxpayers. This bans “Zuckerbucks” from elections in the state.

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed SB982 on July 7, 2022 by a vote of 110 to 90. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because strengthening our election laws are crucial in the preservation of our election process and election integrity. Article IV, Section 2, of the U.S. Constitution provides that “citizens” of the United States “shall be entitled to all privileges and immunities,” such as the “right of citizens of the United States” to vote as prescribed in the 26th Amendment. Tightening election laws preserve the integrity of the election process and keeping outside money out of elections will prevent outside influence of elections.

Election Integrity  |  SB982

SB982 prohibits the use of non-public or outside money for the administration and execution of an election, making sure funding only comes from the taxpayers. This bans “Zuckerbucks” from elections in the state.

The Pennsylvania State Senate passed SB982 on July 7, 2022 by a vote of 46 to 4. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because strengthening our election laws is crucial in the preservation of our election process and election integrity. Article IV, Section 2, of the U.S. Constitution provides that “citizens” of the United States “shall be entitled to all privileges and immunities,” such as the “right of citizens of the United States” to vote as prescribed in the 26th Amendment. Tightening election laws preserve the integrity of the election process and keeping outside money out of elections will prevent outside influence of elections.

Transgender Sports  |  HB972

HB972 provides for sport activities in public school be expressly designated male, female or coed.

The Pennsylvania State Senate passed HB972 on June 29, 2022 by a vote of  30 to 20. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because the left has been promoting radical Marxist ideas for years. This indoctrination is letting people believe that they can choose their pronouns and that they can be transgender. Scientifically and biblically, there are two genders. Taxpayers fund sports programs in schools, so this legislation ensures that taxpayer dollars will not be going to athletic programs that embrace the woke culture.

Poll Watchers  |  SB573

SB573 allow all registered voters of Pennsylvania to be eligible to be a poll watcher in any precinct in the state of Pennsylvania.

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed SB573 on June 28, 2022 by a vote of 111 to 89. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because poll workers are a key component to election integrity. More engagement in the election process by concerned citizens is pivotal in trusting our election results.

Poll Watchers  |  SB573

SB573 allow all registered voters of Pennsylvania to be eligible to be a poll watcher in any precinct in the state of Pennsylvania.

The Pennsylvania State Senate passed SB573 on June 6, 2022 by a vote of 30 to 19. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because poll workers are a key component to election integrity. More engagement in the election process by concerned citizens in pivotal in trusting our election results.

Transgender Sports  |  HB972

HB972 provides for sport activities in public school be expressly designated male, female, or coed.

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed HB972 on April 12, 2022 by a vote of 115 to 84. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because the left has been promoting radical Marxist ideas for years. This indoctrination is letting people believe that they can choose their pronouns and that they can be transgender. Scientifically and biblically, there are two genders. Taxpayers fund sports programs in schools, so this legislation ensures that taxpayer dollars will not be going to athletic programs that embrace the woke culture.

Constitutional Carry  |  SB565

SB565 eliminates the requirement of a license to carry a firearm in the state.

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed SB565 on November 16, 2021 by a vote of 107 to 92. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because the fundamental right of the American people to keep and bear arms is protected by the U.S. Constitution, particularly in the 2nd, 9th, and 10th Amendments, and should not be infringed. The Constitution does not state where you can or cannot possess a firearm.

Constitutional Carry  |  SB565

SB565 eliminates the requirement of a license to carry a firearm in the state.

The Pennsylvania State Senate passed SB565 on November 9, 2021 by a vote of 29 to 21. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because the fundamental right of the American people to keep and bear arms is protected by the U.S. Constitution, particularly in the 2nd, 9th, and 10th Amendments, and should not be infringed. The Constitution does not state where you can or cannot possess a firearm.

COVID-19 Vaccine Status  |  SB618

SB618 prohibits government entities and state funded colleges from requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

The Pennsylvania State Senate passed SB618 on June 24, 2021 by a vote of 29 to 21. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because an individual’s personal health care decisions should not be the object of government, nor be under its federal, state, or local jurisdictions in the United States. Forcing an individual to receive a vaccination or partake in any medical procedure would be a violation of their fundamental rights, freedoms, privileges, or immunities protected by the Bill of Rights and the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

COVID-19 Vaccine Status  |  SB618

SB618 prohibits government entities and state funded colleges from requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed SB618 on June 23, 2021 by a vote of 112 to 89. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because an individual’s personal health care decisions should not be the object of government, nor be under its federal, state, or local jurisdictions in the United States. Forcing an individual to receive a vaccination or partake in any medical procedure would be a violation of their fundamental rights, freedoms, privileges, or immunities protected by the Bill of Rights and the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.