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By Caroline Griffin

America stands for the promise of equal opportunity for all. Unfortunately, at a time when America should be working to fulfill that promise, we are faced with concerning rollbacks of key federal housing protections—especially for our most vulnerable neighbors within our communities.

Recent policy shifts by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) signal a retreat from the federal government’s long-standing commitment to fair housing enforcement. This includes the sidelining of the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) rule—an essential safeguard meant to ensure that communities proactively dismantle segregation and expand affordable housing opportunity.

Equally alarming is HUD’s recent track record of dismissing housing discrimination complaints, particularly those filed by transgender Americans, whose right to safe and stable housing is increasingly under threat.

Additionally, HUD proposed regulations last year that aimed to change how criminal backgrounds are considered in public housing, including guidelines on look-back periods. These regulations were withdrawn earlier this year, reflecting the ongoing debate and reconsideration of policies related to criminal history screening in housing.

These changes have real consequences. For those among us seeking stable housing or in need of more affordable housing – possibly just trying to make ends meet – in many states will find themselves out of luck and out of options for housing.

For transgender Americans—who already face disproportionate rates of homelessness, eviction, and housing denial—turning a blind eye to discrimination is not just bad policy; it’s a matter of survival. When our federal institutions withdraw from enforcing the Fair Housing Act, they send a dangerous message: that some people’s rights are negotiable.

However, Pennsylvania will not echo that message.

Under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, all Pennsylvanians are protected from housing discrimination—regardless of their race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, familial status, and other protected characteristics. While federal enforcement falters, our commitment remains firm. In Pennsylvania, it is illegal for yout to be refused housing, charged different rates, or be subjected to unequal terms because of who you are. That includes transgender individuals and members of other marginalized communities.

To those who have faced discrimination in seeking a place to live: you are not alone, and you are not without recourse. The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) urges you to file a complaint. Our mission is to investigate and, when necessary, litigate housing discrimination claims to ensure fair treatment for all residents of the commonwealth. We are here to listen. We are here to act.

In a just society, the right to safe and equitable housing cannot be selective. It must be defended—especially when federal protections falter. Pennsylvania will continue to lead with integrity, enforce the law, and protect the dignity of every person who calls Pennsylvania home.

If you or someone you know has experienced housing discrimination, contact the PHRC. You can call the PHRC at 717-787-4410 or email PHRC at phrc@pa.gov. Learn more about your rights and protections at www.pa.gov/agencies/PHRC.

Your voice matters—and we are ready to hear it.

Caroline Griffin is Director of Fair Housing and Commercial Property, Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission.

A man accused of trying to burn down Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s official residence is seeking to delay his next scheduled court appearance because he is receiving mental health treatment, his lawyer said Friday.

The suspect, Cody Balmer, had been scheduled to appear in court next Wednesday for a hearing to determine whether prosecutors have enough evidence against Balmer to take the case to trial.

But Mary Klatt, the chief public defender of Dauphin County, said Balmer’s hearing will be postponed because he is receiving treatment.

“Everyone wants to ensure Mr. Balmer is mentally fit when this matter comes before the Court,” Klatt said in an email to The Associated Press.

Balmer is currently being held at the state prison in Waymart, the only state prison with a mental health unit for men, according to the state Department of Corrections.

Balmer, 38, is charged with attempted homicide, arson and other offenses for setting a fire that tore through a section of the state-owned residence’s first floor and forced the governor, his wife, children and members of his extended family to flee in the middle of the night, hours after they celebrated the Jewish holiday of Passover with a Seder in the residence.

Shapiro, who is Jewish, is viewed as a potential White House contender for the Democratic Party in 2028.

Balmer told police that he had intended to attack the governor with a hammer if he had encountered him that night, police said in a court filing. No one was injured in the blaze, which fire officials say caused millions of dollars in damage to the heavily protected residence.

Balmer has not entered a plea.

Balmer has been held without bail since turning himself in to state police after the April 13 fire. Klatt has said he would be evaluated to see if he is competent to stand trial.

Balmer’s mother and brother say he suffers from mental illness, something that Balmer denied in one brief court appearance. Authorities say Balmer expressed hatred for Shapiro.

If you’re traveling this Memorial Day weekend, Pennsylvania State Police and AAA want drivers to practice following a new rule of the road that takes effect soon.

Paul Miller’s Law in Pennsylvania

A new law called Paul Miller’s Law is putting the brakes on a bad habit. Starting June 5, it’ll be illegal to use your cellphone and other electronics while driving.

“No body part can maintain that phone. So, it’s not just holding it. I know a lot of drivers put their phone on their lap, and that’s going to be illegal here in a couple weeks,” said Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Rocco Gagliardi. 

“You are still not allowed to pull up that device at a red light, stuck in traffic. That law is very lengthy and real specific,” Gagliardi said.

“If you want to make that phone call, if you want to be on that phone, you want to play your mobile app, whatever it is, pull off into a parking lot, on a shoulder of the road, you can put your hazards on,” he added.

Trooper Gagliardi said if you have your phone mounted in your car, you are allowed to accept the call with one push of a button.

Texting while driving is already illegal in Pennsylvania. 

What is Paul Miller’s Law?

The law is named after Paul Miller Jr., who was killed in a crash in Monroe County after a tractor-trailer driver reached for their phone while driving.

Drivers KDKA spoke with in Pittsburgh on Friday said they’re on board with the law.

“You can’t see the road and your phone at the same time,” said Kimari Coker.

“I’ve almost gotten into an accident because people aren’t paying attention on the road and they’re on their phones,” said Terry Thomas.

“It’ll encourage more safety within the community and make sure everyone’s being held responsible for their actions,” said Jack Forsythe.

The state police and AAA have spent a lot of time educating people about the dangers of distracted driving and the new rules.

“You take your eyes off the road for a couple of seconds, it’s like driving the length of a football field with a blindfold on,” said Jim Garrity, director of public affairs of AAA East Central.

Now it’s time for enforcement.

“If someone is using a GPS and they don’t have a holder to place it,” said Jasmine Harrington, “how are they going to know if it’s in your hand?”

For the first year, the penalty is a written warning. Then, starting June 5, 2026, it’s a summary offense with a $50 fine, as well as court costs and other fees.

“We’re going to be looking for it, and we’re going to have to take that enforcement action,” Trooper Gagliardi said.

There is an exception in the law. Drivers are allowed to use their phones in an emergency to call law enforcement or other emergency services.