Pennsylvania HR656: A Resolution designating October 27, 2026, as "Fraternal Benefit Societies Day" in Pennsylvania.

What the bill says

A resolution Designating October 27, 2026, as "Fraternal Benefit Societies Day" in Pennsylvania.

From the introduced text, October 14, 2026:

A RESOLUTION Designating October 27, 2026, as "Fraternal Benefit Societies Day" in Pennsylvania. WHEREAS, The fraternal benefit societies of Pennsylvania are longstanding mutual aid organizations created to serve the needs of communities and provide for the payment of life, health, accident and other benefits to their members; and WHEREAS, Fraternal benefit societies represent a successful, modern-day model under which individuals come together with a common purpose to collectively provide charitable and other beneficial activities for society; and WHEREAS, Fraternal benefit societies operate under a chapter system, creating a Statewide infrastructure, combined with local energy and knowledge, which positions fraternal benefit societies to most efficiently address unmet needs in communities, many of which the government cannot address; and WHEREAS, The fraternal benefit society model represents a large member-volunteer network in Pennsylvania, with approximately 500,000 people belonging to local chapters across the State; and WHEREAS, The value of volunteer hours to Pennsylvania is estimated at $64,951,538 through charitable giving, educational programs and volunteer activities, as well as important social capital that strengthens the fabric, safety and quality of life in thousands of local communities; and WHEREAS, In Pennsylvania, fraternal benefit societies provide more than $17 billion in life insurance, protecting Pennsylvania families from the unexpected and providing financial peace of mind; and WHEREAS, The efforts of fraternal benefit societies to help Pennsylvanians …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• James Haddock (D, 118) · primary sponsor
• Timothy Brennan (D, 29)
• Patrick Harkins (D, 1)
• Nikki Rivera (D, 96)
• Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz (D, 129)
• Patrick Gallagher (D, 173)
• Tarik Khan (D, 194)
• Ed Neilson (D, HD-174)
• Benjamin Sanchez (D, 153)

Latest actions

1. October 14, 2026: Referred to INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS AND OPERATIONS, Oct. 14, 2026

Common questions

What is HR656?

HR656 is a bill in the Pennsylvania Legislature (2025-2026 Regular Session): A Resolution designating October 27, 2026, as "Fraternal Benefit Societies Day" in Pennsylvania.

What does HR656 do?

In its own words: A resolution Designating October 27, 2026, as "Fraternal Benefit Societies Day" in Pennsylvania.

What is the status of HR656?

In committee as of October 14, 2026. Latest action: Referred to INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS AND OPERATIONS, Oct. 14, 2026 (October 14, 2026).

Who sponsored HR656?

James Haddock (D, 118), with 8 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HR656?

On the Pennsylvania Legislature website: https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hr656