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In this update:
Tremendous Win for Private Property Rights
Every Pennsylvanian deserves to feel safe and secure on their own property, and this week the Pennsylvania Supreme Court upheld the strong privacy and property protections provided by our state constitution. The court’s unanimous decision, which came in a case involving two hunting clubs and the Pennsylvania Game Commission, is a major victory for private property rights across the commonwealth. It puts needed restrictions on the use of warrantless searches and correctly overturns the court’s 2007 decision in Commonwealth v. Russo. Specifically, the court held that “Article I, Section 8 provides Pennsylvania citizens with greater protection than the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution as it relates to the open fields of any landowner that has demonstrated a reasonable expectation of privacy by taking sufficient steps to exclude intruders therefrom.” State game wardens have an important and dangerous job, which we all respect. However, the court emphasized the Game Commission must also respect the lawful rights of property owners. UPCOMING EVENT: SCAM-JAM!
Join me at the Chanceford Township Community Building in the Brogue for Scam Jam, a free, interactive event to help you identify and avoid fraud and scams. You’ll hear directly from:
This event will feature valuable resources, refreshments, fraud prevention games, and even prizes, all designed to help protect you and your loved ones from scams. Space is limited, so registration is strongly encouraged. Register by clicking here or calling 717-787-7085. WHEN: Friday, July 31, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. More than 1,100 Murderers Could Walk Free Without House Action
More than 1,100 people convicted of second-degree murder in Pennsylvania could be released if Pennsylvania House Democrats do not take action by Friday, July 24. In March, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled in Commonwealth v. Lee that the state’s mandatory life-without-parole sentence for second-degree murder is unconstitutional. The court gave the General Assembly until Friday, July 24 to enact a new rule – if that doesn’t happen, violent convicted criminals across the state will ask judges to release them from prison. In Pennsylvania, second-degree murder (also known as felony murder) involves a homicide committed when the defendant engaged as a principal or an accomplice in the perpetration of a felony. In other words, homicides committed while the defendant was also committing another crime such as rape, arson, robbery, burglary or kidnapping. These are serious, often horrific crimes – and we cannot risk the perpetrators being released from prison by lenient judges. The rational response to the court decision is for the General Assembly to approve a new statewide standard. On July 13, House Democrats decided to recess until September without addressing the issue. In response, I joined Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday, Sen. Scott Martin, Lancaster County District Attorney Heather Adams and others for a press conference to call on the House to come back to session before the deadline passes. After the announcement of the press conference, House leaders announced they would return to voting session on Thursday, July 23. As of early Thursday afternoon, no action has been taken. My message is clear: The House must send House Bill 1042 to the governor’s desk without further delay, to stand with victims, keep our communities safe and ensure certainty in our judicial system. Click here to watch the press conference. In the District
I had a wonderful time seeing everybody at the Stewartstown Carnival this past weekend! There was music, rides, and fireworks – but what makes the Stewartstown Carnival special is spending time with friends, old and new, while supporting the Eureka Volunteer Fire Department.
For National Pennsylvania Day, my staff and I volunteered at the York County Food Bank in collaboration with America250PA! We were also joined by tons of other volunteers and elected officials, such as Rep. Carol Hill-Evans, Rep. Joe D’Orsie, Rep. Wendy Fink, County Commissioner Scott Burford and Recorder of Deeds Laura Shue! Standing Up for Rape Crisis Services
Rape crisis centers across Pennsylvania play a vital role in supporting victims of sexual violence, and I’m pleased that this year’s budget includes a historic $12 million increase for rape crisis centers. The significant funding for rape crisis centers would not have been possible without Senate Republicans pushing for support well above the governor’s request. With total state funding now amounting to nearly $25 million, this increase almost doubles the funding available for services, including 24-hour crisis hotlines, counseling, medical and legal advocacy, prevention education and accompaniment for survivors navigating hospitals, police investigations and court proceedings. If you or someone you know have been the victim of sexual assault and need to access rape crisis services, click here to find a center located near you. Protecting Our Communities from Child Predators and Human Trafficking
Legislation to give investigators and prosecutors new tools to fight human trafficking in Pennsylvania was signed into law as Act 41 of 2026. The Pennsylvania Anti-Human Trafficking Caucus, which I co-chair, is working in bipartisan fashion to deliver meaningful solutions to address the scourge of human trafficking in Pennsylvania. Senate Bill 45 will help local law enforcement agencies and the state attorney general investigate and prosecute human trafficking by increasing penalties for several related crimes, including promoting prostitution, promoting prostitution of a minor, exploiting prostitutes, and patronizing prostitutes. The bill also consolidates crimes related to human trafficking within the Crimes Code, giving the attorney general concurrent jurisdiction so these crimes, which are frequently the basis for large-scale human trafficking organizations, can be prosecuted more effectively. If you believe you may have information about a trafficking situation, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888. Read more about our latest action to combat human trafficking here. Investing in the Future of PA College Students
The successful Grow PA Scholarship program invests in Pennsylvania students looking to pursue a college education, develops the future of our workforce and incentivizes jobs to remain here in the commonwealth. Importantly, the program secures a commitment for students to stay and work in Pennsylvania communities after graduation, helping to address the state’s future economic and demographic challenges. With demand rising for Grow PA scholarships, the Senate secured a $10 million funding increase for the program in the 2026-27 state budget – bringing the annual funding total to $42.5 million. Grow PA, established in 2024, offers grants of up to $5,000 per year for in-state students who pursue a degree or certification in an in-demand occupation and is administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency. Learn more about this program here. Honoring Veterans with Visual Impairments with a Capitol Monument
A Braille Flag monument honoring veterans with visual impairments could be installed at the Pennsylvania Capitol Building under legislation passed by the Senate and sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. The Braille Flag was created to honor the service of veterans who have been left with life-long visual disabilities. Under Senate Bill 1303, the monument would be made of bronze and include the Pledge of Allegiance in Braille. The display would be sponsored by the Moose Lodge and the American Braille Flag Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to the placement of these flags throughout the country. Read more about Senate Bill 1303 here. If you or someone you know is a Veteran and would like to receive related information and updates, please consider signing up for my monthly e-newsletter for Veterans. Sign up by clicking here and checking the “News for Veterans” Box! Find Summer Getaway Ideas Here in PA
There’s plenty of summer left. If you haven’t had time for a vacation yet, or you’re looking for another getaway, there’s plenty to experience here in our commonwealth. Use VisitPA to explore by regions, such as the Pennsylvania Wilds, Great Lakes, Laurel Highlands, the Lehigh Valley, Dutch Country and more. Break it down by things to do, outdoor activities, dining and other experiences. From rivers and trails to iconic attractions and historic sites, you can start planning your trip at the VisitPA website. Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Photo Contest Accepting Entries
Amateur and professional photographers: Take your best photos of the landscapes, wildlife and activities in a Pennsylvania state park or forest and enter the 2026 Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation “Through the Seasons” photo contest. A panel of experts will select a Judges’ Choice in each category prior to the photos being made available for public voting on the foundation’s Facebook page. Award winners receive gift cards and may be showcased in photo exhibitions. Find rules and entry info at the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation website. All photos must be submitted by Sept. 30. 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. |
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