Katie True was re-elected in November 2008 to a fourth term representing the 41st Legislative District in Lancaster County. She looks forward to continuing her work to make life better for Pennsylvania’s children and families, and restore faith in Pennsylvania government and the General Assembly. 

True returned to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 2002 when she was elected to represent the newly re-districted 41st District.  She previously had represented the 37th district in Lancaster County from 1992 to 2000. 

In July 2008, Governor Rendell signed into law legislation amended by Rep. True which requires the state Department of Public Welfare (DPW) to conduct reviews when a child dies or nearly dies and child abuse is suspected. Under Act 33 of 2008, if an innocent child dies or comes close to death, the DPW is now charged to scrutinize the case.

In November 2006, Governor Rendell signed Rep. True’s legislation created to fight human trafficking.  Act 139 of 2006 establishes criminal penalties for trafficking in persons for forced labor or services (slavery).  Pennsylvania is now among more than two dozen states to have enacted tough anti-trafficking laws.

In November 2005, Gov. Rendell signed Rep. True’s anti-domestic violence legislation that gives judges the power to seize all firearms from an individual against whom a protection from abuse order (PFA) has been filed and establishes a system of accountability for the weapons. Act 66 of 2005 also penalizes those who would take advantage of the system. 

In the  2003-04 legislative session, True sponsored another measure to protect victims of domestic violence. The Address Confidentiality Program (Act 188 of 2004) offers victims a legal substitute address which could be used to fulfill the address requirements of court and government records. 

In March 2004, True’s legislation establishing a 30-day revocation in which a birth mother or father can revoke their consent for adoption was signed into law (Act 21 of 2004). Previously, state law did not define a clear revocation period.  

During her first tenure in the House, True had four meaningful bills signed into law by Gov. Tom Ridge. Act 128 of 1998 created Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) programs statewide. CASAs aid the courts in making informed decisions for the overall benefit of abused children under the court's jurisdiction. 

In addition, True is an advocate for breast cancer research. She drafted legislation, Act 7 of 1997, which creates a check-off box on state income tax forms to allow taxpayers to dedicate some or all of their state income tax refund to breast cancer research. The Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition presented her with the 1997 Pink Ribbon Award, which recognizes individuals that have exhibited leadership in the field of breast cancer research, education, outreach and advocacy.  

True continued her advocacy for women’s issues as executive director of the Pennsylvania Commission for Women, a position to which she was appointed by former Gov. Ridge in December 2000. She left the commission in January 2002 to focus her efforts on returning to the House.  

Prior to her service in state government, True founded Kids Saving Kids, a nationally recognized program that trains high school students to present drug education and prevention programs to elementary school students. She also served as youth director for the former Pennsylvanians AWARE, a statewide drug and alcohol prevention coalition, and authored the organization's training and educational manual.  

Born in Baltimore, True’s family moved to rural Lancaster County when she was 12 years old. This combination of an urban and rural upbringing broadened her understanding of the diverse range of issues that come from both environments. She is the daughter of Henriette Ann Ansel Buck and the late George Alfred Buck. She and her husband, Peter True, have six children including three sons: Peter George, Christian Lorin, Colin Hastings, and three stepsons. 

Lancaster County’s 41st Legislative District includes the townships of East Hempfield, Lancaster (districts 1, 3, 5, 6, 7 and 9), Manor (districts Bethel, Hambright, Leisure, Manor New, Washington Boro and West Lancaster) and West Hempfield (districts Chestnut Hill, Highland Park, Oyster Point, Salunga and Silver Spring). It also includes the boroughs of East Petersburg (districts South and West) and Mountville.