Luzerne Times

Rep. Dane Watro of Luzerne/Schuylkill has been appointed to serve on several key committees in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 2025-26 Legislative Session. The committees include Education, Insurance, Local Government, Professional Licensure, and Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness.

Watro expressed particular satisfaction with his continued role on the Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee. "I am especially pleased to be able to continue my work with the Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee for another term," said Watro, an Army veteran. "Helping my fellow veterans is a priority of mine, and I look forward to furthering those efforts with my colleagues on this important committee, which also develops legislation to keep all Commonwealth residents safe."

The House Education Committee focuses on state issues involving both public and private schools, covering education from pre-K through grade 12 as well as post-secondary education.

The House Insurance Committee oversees the Insurance Department, ensuring that any insurance-related legislation is thoroughly examined for its impact on consumers.

The House Local Government Committee reviews policies that amend municipal codes affecting local government operations. This includes matters such as purchases, real estate assessment policies, and statewide pensions for municipal police officers.

The House Professional Licensure Committee deals with legislation related to the 29 professional and occupational licensing boards managed by the Department of State. These boards cover professions ranging from physicians to cosmetologists.

Standing committees play a crucial role in the legislative process by reviewing bills assigned to them. They may hold hearings on legislation, consider amendments to pending bills, and report them back to the full House for voting.

Watro took the oath of office along with other members on January 7th to commence the new session.