Dauphin News

Senator Chris Gebhard, representing Pennsylvania's 48th district, has been appointed to chair the Banking and Insurance Committee for the 2025-26 legislative session. In addition to this role, he will serve on six other standing Senate committees: Community, Economic and Recreational Development as vice chair; Appropriations; Aging and Youth; Communications and Technology; Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure; and Institutional Sustainability and Innovation.

Gebhard expressed his commitment to his new role, stating, "Having worked nearly three decades in the insurance field, I look forward to using my business knowledge as the Banking and Insurance chairman to improve policies impacting these two industries affecting Pennsylvanians every day. Changes to Pennsylvania’s banking and insurance laws would have a major impact on almost everyone, so I take this role very seriously."

The committees play a vital role in legislative oversight by shaping bills within their areas of responsibility. The Banking and Insurance Committee focuses on ensuring financial institutions comply with sound practices while promoting market competition.

The Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee collaborates with the Department of Community and Economic Development on grant and loan programs aimed at fostering business growth.

The Appropriations Committee evaluates legislation based on fiscal impact, significantly influencing state budget negotiations.

The Aging and Youth Committee supervises programs for senior citizens and younger residents through its oversight of the Department of Aging.

Improving access to high-speed internet falls under the purview of the Communications and Technology Committee. It also works on securing personal information within state government systems.

Consumer protection is handled by the Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee which regulates public utility services along with professional licensing boards across Pennsylvania.

Lastly, the Institutional Sustainability and Innovation Committee examines legislation concerning sustainability in facilities like hospitals or educational institutions while considering emerging technologies that may aid these efforts.