State legislators representing Lebanon County have announced their committee assignments for the 2025-26 legislative session.
State Senator Chris Gebhard (R-48) has been assigned to seven standing Senate committees.
Gebhard, representing Lebanon County and parts of Lancaster and Berks counties, will chair the Banking and Insurance Committee, according to a press release from his office, and will serve as vice chair of Community, Economic and Recreational Development. He also will serve as a member of the Appropriations, Aging and Youth, Communications and Technology, Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, and Institutional Sustainability and Innovation committees.
“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,” Gebhard said in the release. “Changes to Pennsylvania’s banking and insurance laws would have a major impact on almost everyone, so I take this role very seriously.”
Committees provide legislative oversight and help shape the language in bills that fall under their areas of responsibility. For instance, the Banking and Insurance Committee reviews legislation ensuring financial institutions and insurers are compliant with fiscally sound practices and promoting fair and healthy market competition. Appropriations considers the fiscal impact of proposed legislation and plays a role in developing the state budget, while Communications and Technology assesses ways to improve access to high-speed internet, protect and secure personal information in state government and create state information technology efficiencies.
Rep. Russ Diamond (R-102) has been appointed to two House committees for the 2025-26 session. He will again chair the House Gaming Oversight Committee and will serve as a member of the State Government Committee.
“The proliferation of skill games as video gaming terminals in convenience stores, fraternal clubs and bars remains a major issue before Gaming Oversight. I’m eager to tackle that issue and update the Small Games of Chance law to help clubs and fire companies,” Diamond said in a separate release. “I’m also grateful to be back on the State Government Committee, where I can help to shape any updates to election law.”
Diamond was also appointed to represent the House Republican Caucus on the Joint State Government Commission’s Election Law Advisory Board.
According to the website for the state House of Representatives, two other legislators representing a part of Lebanon County have received committee assignments.
Rep. Tom Jones (R-98), whose district straddles portions of Lebanon and Lancaster counties, will serve on the Agriculture & Rural Affairs, Housing & Community Development, Local Government, and Tourism, Recreation & Economic Development committees.
Rep. John A. Schlegel (R-101), whose district lies within Lebanon County, will serve on the Aging & Older Adult Services, Children & Youth, Education, and Human Services committees.
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