Pennsylvania SR 195: A Resolution celebrating the life and mourning the passing of David J. "Chip" Brightbill and expressing gratitude for his distinguished career of public service to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 1321
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No. 195
Session of
2025
INTRODUCED BY GEBHARD, NOVEMBER 18, 2025
INTRODUCED AND ADOPTED, NOVEMBER 18, 2025
A RESOLUTION
Celebrating the life and mourning the passing of David J. "Chip"
Brightbill and expressing gratitude for his distinguished
career of public service to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, It is with deep sorrow and profound respect that we
acknowledge the passing of David J. "Chip" Brightbill, a
dedicated public servant, accomplished attorney and beloved
member of the Pennsylvania community; and
WHEREAS, Senator Brightbill was born November 3, 1943, in
Lebanon to Jonathan and Verda (McGill) Brightbill, and
throughout his life exemplified the values of integrity,
dedication and service to others; and
WHEREAS, Senator Brightbill pursued higher education with
distinction, attending Pennsylvania Military College before
graduating from The Pennsylvania State University in 1964, and
subsequently earning his Juris Doctor degree from Duquesne
University School of Law in 1970; and
WHEREAS, Senator Brightbill began his career of public
service at a young age, serving on the Lebanon Board of School
Directors from 1966 to 1967, demonstrating an early commitment
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to his community; and
WHEREAS, Senator Brightbill served with distinction as the
District Attorney of Lebanon County from 1977 to 1981, where he
upheld the rule of law and protected the residents of his
community with fairness and conviction; and
WHEREAS, In 1982, Senator Brightbill was elected to the State
Senate to represent the 48th District, which included all of
Lebanon County and portions of Berks, Dauphin, Lancaster and
Lehigh Counties, beginning a 24-year tenure of exemplary service
that concluded on November 30, 2006; and
WHEREAS, Throughout Senator Brightbill's distinguished Senate
career, he demonstrated exceptional leadership abilities,
serving as Majority Caucus Secretary from 1985 to 1988, Majority
Whip from 1989 to 1990 and 1997 to 1999, Majority Policy Chair
in 1991 and ultimately rising to the position of Majority Leader
from 2000 to 2006; and
WHEREAS, As Majority Leader, Senator Brightbill provided
steady and principled leadership during critical budget
negotiations and legislative sessions, earning the respect of
colleagues across the political spectrum; and
WHEREAS, Senator Brightbill served as chairperson of the
Rules and Executive Nominations Committee and was a member of
the Appropriations Committee, where he helped shape
Pennsylvania's fiscal policy and ensured responsible stewardship
of taxpayer resources; and
WHEREAS, Senator Brightbill was recognized by PoliticsPA as
runner-up for the 2003 Politician of the Year, acknowledging his
growing influence and effectiveness in navigating complex
legislative challenges; and
WHEREAS, Senator Brightbill was known for making difficult
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votes based on principle rather than political expediency,
always seeking to serve the best interests of this
Commonwealth's businesses, families and individual residents;
and
WHEREAS, Following his retirement from the Senate, Senator
Brightbill continued to contribute his extensive legal expertise
and deep knowledge of government as an attorney in the
government practice at Stevens and Lee beginning in 2007; and
WHEREAS, In the State Senate, Senator Brightbill's Land
Recycling and Environmental Remediation Standards Act (Act 2)
became a national model after dozens of states adopted the
legislation; and
WHEREAS, Senator Brightbill was on hand with President George
W. Bush for the bill signing when Act 2's ideas were later
incorporated into the Federal Brownfield Amendments of 2002,
known as the Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields
Revitalization Act; and
WHEREAS, Some of Senator Brightbill's many contributions
included leadership and funding for acquisition and restoration
of Governor Dick park, the Lebanon Valley Rail Trail network,
the Union Canal Tunnel, Hazel Dyke, the Giant Center in Hershey,
the City of Lebanon railroad overpasses, the commuter parking at
the Lebanon exit of the Pennsylvania Turnpike and the Lebanon
Valley Exposition Center and Fairgrounds where the Brightbill
Arena is named in his honor; and
WHEREAS, Beyond his professional accomplishments, Senator
Brightbill was a devoted family man whose legacy of public
service and commitment to community will continue to inspire
future generations; and
WHEREAS, Senator Brightbill's 24 years of dedicated service
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to the Pennsylvania State Senate, combined with his work as
district attorney and his continued contributions to the legal
profession represent a lifetime of meaningful service to the
Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, Senator Brightbill's life