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In this update:
Senate Approves Tougher Penalties for Attempted Murder of Law Enforcement Officers
The Senate approved legislation closing a gap in state law and imposing tougher penalties on individuals who attempt to murder a law enforcement officer and cause serious bodily injury. Under current law, the penalty for attempted murder of a law enforcement officer could be as little as seven years in prison. Senate Bill 1284 establishes a 20-year mandatory minimum sentence and a maximum of up to life in prison. The measure was passed on Police Officers’ Memorial Day in Pennsylvania, which honors the brave men and women of law enforcement. It now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Read more about this legislation.
Earlier this week, we gathered in the Rotunda to pay tribute to five fallen Police Officers, including four from York County, who perished in the line of duty. It was a sobering ceremony led by Attorney General Dave Sunday. We are forever grateful for the brave men and women in blue who protect our communities and make our state a safer place to live, work, and raise a family. Tackling Housing Affordability
The Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee took up a package of legislation aimed at addressing housing challenges in Pennsylvania. Included in the various proposals is a bill I am sponsoring to streamline and reduce permitting delays when it comes to housing and building permits. Homeowners often bear the burden of excessive permitting. Certain permits not only take time to obtain but add thousands of dollars to the final cost of a home. You can learn more about these bills aimed at promoting housing affordability here. The bills now move to the full Senate for further consideration. Protecting Pennsylvanians’ Second Amendment Rights
The Senate moved to protect the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens by approving Senate Bill 822, which strengthens Pennsylvania’s state preemption over regulating firearms and ammunition, preventing local governments from enacting ordinances that are more restrictive than those established by the General Assembly. Allowing local governments to establish a patchwork of inconsistent gun laws would make it impossible for Pennsylvania residents, along with citizens from other states, to travel without fear of inadvertently breaking a local law they were unaware of. Senate Bill 822, which passed with bipartisan support, also reinforces and restores the original intent of Pennsylvania’s Uniform Firearms Act, ensuring consistent and clear regulations across the state. The bill has been sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Dallastown Wildcats JV Cheerleading Team Recognized by Senate for National Championship
The Dallastown Wildcats Junior Varsity Cheerleading team brought their nationally renowned championship energy to the Senate this week. Fresh off their National Championship win in Orlando, FL, this team proved what hard work, discipline, and teamwork can achieve. I was proud to recognize these athletes and coaches for representing our community at the highest level. Let’s go Wildcats! Congratulations! Honoring York Suburban Middle School Nurse Kacie Blum for National Achievement
The Senate recognized Kacie Blum, who earned national recognition for her leadership as a nurse in the York Suburban Area School District. Kacie received the 2025-2026 School Nurse Excellence Award from the National Association of School Nurses and earned the 2025-2026 School Nurse Excellence Award for Pennsylvania’s South Central Region. It was an honor to host Kacie and her family this week. Congratulations, Kacie! Strengthening Business Partnerships in Hanover Area
This past week, I sat down with the new president of the Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce, Jake Taylor, to talk about ways we can work together to improve the business community and job creation climate in western York County. We spoke about innovative ideas, like apprenticeship programs and leadership opportunities, as well as how to drive additional electricity to power major manufacturers and fuel growth in the region. I am excited about the future of Hanover’s business community with Jake at the helm. After meeting with Jake, Rep. Kate Klunk and I spoke at the Chamber’s quarterly legislative luncheon where we shared updates on the House of Representatives and Senate, respectively. I shared my serious concerns about rubber-stamping the House-approved budget in light of the fact that it would create a $6 billion structural deficit, which can only be paid through higher taxes or new taxes. Hanover Fire Museum Wet Down Ceremony
I recently joined the Greater Hanover Area Fire Museum for a Wet Down Ceremony, celebrating the homecoming of two historic American LaFrance fire engines from 1937 and 1970, both recently returned from Montana after decades away. Their return helps preserve generations of fire service history right here in Hanover and is a testament to the pride and dedication of our local fire community. Nickolas Nace Earns Eagle Scout
Congratulations Nickolas Nace on earning the rank of Eagle Scout! Nickolas is a member of Troop 28 in Red Lion and is the son of Mary and Larry Nace. Inspired by his grandmother, Joan Kuba, Nickolas built raised flower beds and a mobile flower cart at the Kingston Court Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in York. He also revamped the landscaping at the front entrance of the facility for his Eagle Scout community service project. It was an honor to present him with a congratulatory citation from the Senate and wish him continued success in all of his future endeavors! You can view more photos from his Eagle Scout Court of Honor here. Bible Reading Marathon at Capitol
From Genesis to Revelations and everything in between. A group of volunteers sets up a microphone, a table, and a pop-up tent to read the Bible from cover to cover each year. Volunteers from across the state come and participate in this annual event. Volunteers began reading the Bible on Saturday and ended yesterday morning. I was honored to join Rep. Wendy Fink, who read right before me. We both read from the Book of Psalms. Faith Leaders Host National Day of Prayer Event
As part of National Day of Prayer, faith leaders from across Pennsylvania joined together to pray inside the Pennsylvania Capitol Rotunda. I shared with attendees that before the Senate casts any vote on any session day, we pause to reflect and to humble ourselves before God. Our session’s opening prayer is a chance to reflect, to lead with humility, to seek wisdom, and to remember the responsibility that comes with this role. If you or someone you know is a leader of a religious institution and interested in opening a Senate session in prayer, please let me know! We’ve had many Guest Chaplains from across southern York County open the Senate in prayer. Upcoming PennDOT Maintenance Projects
Most weeks, PennDOT provides me with its upcoming maintenance schedule. While my team and I aim to keep this information up to date, please note that the page may not always reflect the latest changes. For the most accurate details, I recommend checking back on Friday afternoons or over the weekend, as we usually receive updates from PennDOT on Fridays. You can view the full list here to see if any roadwork might impact you and your family. Mother’s Day and Mammo May
Mother’s Day is a great time to remind Mom and all the women in your life about the importance of annual mammograms. While these low-dose x-rays are critical to a lifesaving early diagnosis of breast cancer, one in four Pennsylvania women fail to get a mammogram each year. It saved my mother’s life many years ago. Annual mammograms are recommended for women beginning at age 40 or as early as age 25 if a woman is considered at increased risk for breast cancer. Learn more from the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition. |
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Sen. Phillips-Hill stands next to Kacie Blum and Sen. Dawn Keefer on the Senate floor](https://senatorkristin.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/163/2026/05/blum.jpg)
