State Representative Jill N. Cooper announced on March 26 a new Pennsylvania law, Act 1 of 2026, which aims to improve access to the judicial system and increase efficiencies in local courts. The announcement also included information about upcoming community events for students and organizations in the 55th District.
The new law is intended to ensure that funds collected for supporting the court system are used as intended and that individuals who cannot afford legal representation have better access to legal aid services. Cooper said that while Act 1 may not be widely discussed, it affects many Pennsylvanians daily by guaranteeing support for those navigating issues such as domestic violence or loss of vital benefits.
“At its core, the new law does two simple things. First, it better guarantees money collected with the intent to support and improve the court system does so. Second, it improves access to our judicial system for those who can’t afford a lawyer,” Cooper said.
The legislation requires an independent audit of the Access to Justice Fund with an aim not only at preventing waste but also at strengthening programs like the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, which assisted residents in more than 70,000 cases last year. Additionally, changes in how magisterial district courts handle certain fees will keep more funds within these courts for technology upgrades and basic operations rather than being diverted elsewhere.
Cooper serves on several committees including Education; Labor and Industry; Tourism, Economic and Recreational Development; Local Government; and Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness according to her official website. She has held leadership roles such as vice president of sales and marketing for an Alcoa subsidiary according to her official website, spending fourteen years at Alcoa Corporation before entering public service according to her official website.
Outside legislative work, Cooper participates in community organizations like Franklin Regional Panther Foundation and Westmoreland Community Action according to her official website. She resides with her husband Leighton according to her official website and is a graduate of Plum Senior High School as well as Grove City College according to her official website.
Looking ahead, Cooper’s office will host “Junior Jumpstart,” a financial aid seminar for high school seniors on March 30 at Northern Westmoreland Career and Technology Center. There will also be a Grants 101 Workshop on April 8 at Delmont Fire Hall aimed at helping local governments, schools, and nonprofits learn about grant writing basics.
