BUCKS COUNTY – July 14, 2026 − Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and Representative Jason Ortitay (R-46) applaud the inclusion of eating disorder education in the Pennsylvania FY 26/27 state budget that was signed on July 12th by Governor Josh Shapiro. Parents will now have more resources on childhood eating disorders under the new provision. Pennsylvania schools will be required to annually provide educational information to parents with children in 6-12th grades about eating disorders and resources to help overcome them. The PA Department of Education will, in conjunction with the PA Department of Health, develop an advisory committee, which will develop guidelines for providing parent educational information regarding eating disorders.
The language for this budget provision comes from Representative Ortitay’s bill HB 190. Senator Santarsiero is the prime sponsor of the companion bill in the State Senate, SB 816.
Senator Santarsiero first introduced the bill in 2014 when he was serving in the PA House when Emily Rosenberg, a constituent, came into his office with the idea that Pennsylvania should do more to educate parents, schools, and communities about eating disorders. He held a House Democratic Policy Committee public hearing in 2014 in Newtown with legislators, teachers, nutritionists, and families directly affected by eating disorders.
“We have seen a troubling rise in eating disorders among children, and too often parents don’t recognize the warning signs until the illness has become severe,” said Senator Santarsiero. “This legislation will give parents the tools to help prevent eating disorders, recognize the signs earlier, and connect their children with the resources and support they need for recovery.”
“I’m pleased to see this important policy initiative become law as body dissatisfaction and eating disorders are growing in teens due to social media,” Representative Ortitay said. “It’s not about whose name is on the law. It’s about giving parents the tools to identify warning signs, risk factors and resources to get their children help.”
###