|
|||
|
In this update:
New Law Empowers Schools to Teach about 9/11
A law I supported last year is now in effect that allows school districts across Pennsylvania to access curriculum materials relating to Sept. 11, 2001. The curriculum, developed by the Department of Education, provides context to students of what transpired that day and how this moment in time forever altered the future of our nation and the world. You can learn more about this law here. Supporting Greater Resources for Mental Health Awareness
Earlier this week, the Senate Transportation Committee advanced a measure I am sponsoring that would create a special license plate to support mental health funding in Pennsylvania. The idea was brought to me by Matt Dorgan, founder of Building Bridges for Brianna. Matt tragically lost his daughter in 2020 and founded the nonprofit in her honor. Building Bridges for Brianna is dedicated to promoting suicide awareness and prevention, funding suicide awareness and prevention programs, supporting those in need dealing with mental health challenges, and supporting programs for families who have members dealing with mental health challenges. You can learn more about my legislation here and more about Building Bridges for Brianna here. The legislation is now in the Senate Appropriations Committee awaiting further consideration. Honoring Heroes at Prospect Hill’s Court of Valor Ceremony
This past Sunday, community members gathered at Prospect Hill Cemetery & Cremation Gardens for the 2025 Court of Valor and Safekeepers Shrine Ceremony — a solemn tribute to the brave servicemembers who have earned our nation’s highest valor medals. The Court of Valor Memorial, which rises 13 feet tall and is crowned with a 3,000-pound steel beam from the World Trade Center, stands as a powerful reminder of courage and sacrifice. With more than 400 names now etched into its granite columns, the memorial preserves the legacy of those who have given so much in service to our country. Thank you to everyone who joined in honoring these heroes. Together, we ensure their sacrifices will never be forgotten. School Bus Bill Improves Safety for Pennsylvania Children
Legislation to improve school bus safety and better protect children traveling to and from school was approved by the Senate. Senate Bill 65 increases the required stopping distance from 10 feet to 15 feet for drivers approaching from the opposite direction when a school bus is stopped with its red lights flashing. It also raises penalties for violations, including higher fines and license suspensions for repeat offenders, and mandates additional driver education or examinations. It also establishes penalties for drivers who fail to prepare to stop when a school bus activates its flashing amber lights, adding an important layer of accountability. During Operation Safe Stop in October 2024, law enforcement and bus drivers across 22 school districts reported 131 violations in a single day, underscoring the urgency of these reforms. Protecting Animals from Painful Experiments
The Senate unanimously approved legislation aimed at protecting dogs and cats from painful, taxpayer-funded experiments. Senate Bill 381, also known as the Beagle Bill, would:
Senate Bill 381 now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Approves Bill to Expunge COVID-Era Citations
The Senate approved legislation to expunge punitive COVID-related citations issued by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) against small businesses with liquor licenses. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives. Every other commonwealth agency has dropped enforcement actions for COVID-era rule violations, recognizing the difficult situation restaurants faced. However, the PLCB has been using its license renewal process to punish license holders for not complying with COVID-related executive orders. This includes issuing conditional licenses, which come with higher insurance premiums, and requiring the sale of a liquor license, effectively putting someone out of business. Senate Bill 241 would help local businesses by expunging COVID-related citations from the record of restaurants and bars that are under the purview of the PLCB. Mark Your Calendar: Shredding and Drug Take Back Event Sept. 20
I will host a Shredding & Drug Take Back Event Saturday, Sept. 20, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Pennsylvania State Police Barracks in Springfield Township, located at 101 N. Main Street in York. The event is being held in partnership with the Pennsylvania State Police and aims to promote public safety and prevent prescription drug misuse and identity theft. If you or your neighbors are interested in attending, please review the event details here. Local Scout Earns Eagle Rank
Congratulations to Angela Trantham of Troop 43G in Dallastown on achieving the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout! For her Eagle Scout project, Angela replaced a fire ring at the Community Church of Christ in Gatchellville with a new stone fire pit surrounded by benches, a project that will benefit the congregation and community for years to come. Angela, the daughter of James and Jennifer Trantham, was honored with a congratulatory citation from the Senate of Pennsylvania in recognition of this outstanding accomplishment. Well done, Angela! Welcoming Spring Grove Senior Jordan Sharp to the Senate of PA
It was an honor to host Jordan Sharp during session on Tuesday. Jordan is a senior at Spring Grove Area School District and a shining example of youth civic engagement. This fall, he’ll attend his fourth Senator for a Day program at the state Capitol. He’s active in mock trial and a proud member of the 2025 Keystone Boys State. You can watch me introduce Jordan during session here. Pastor Ryan Bastress of Wake Ministries Serves as Guest Chaplain
Pastor Ryan Bastress of Wake Ministries in Hanover served as the guest chaplain of the Senate of Pennsylvania on Tuesday. Pastor Bastress opened our session in prayer, offering words of encouragement and faith. You can watch his opening prayer here. Helping Disabled Veterans Enjoy Outdoor Activities
The Senate passed legislation supporting opportunities for Pennsylvania’s disabled Veterans to participate in outdoor traditions. Senate Bill 533 would streamline requirements for hunting and furtaking licenses and refine special permits for regulated hunting grounds to specifically benefit disabled veterans who take part in hunting events. The legislation makes it easier for organizations to host hunts for disabled Veterans by clarifying the permitting process and reducing unnecessary barriers, ensuring more veterans can be included in these events. Senate Bill 533 was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Importance of Community Pharmacies Highlighted at Briefing
Community pharmacies and the important role they play for Pennsylvania residents was the focus of an informational briefing with pharmacists, the state Department of Human Services, the Insurance Department and others. Roughly 600 pharmacies have closed across the commonwealth within the last two years, reducing access to professionals serving on the frontlines of health care. The Senate Community Pharmacy Caucus discussed the impacts of Act 77 of 2024, the Pharmacy Benefits Manager (PBM) reform measure. The law banned harmful practices, strengthened network adequacy requirements, increased PBM transparency and accountability and implemented additional oversight. Further action needed to protect community pharmacies was among the topics explored at the briefing, which can be viewed here. 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. |
|||
|
|||
Want to change how you receive these emails? 2025 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://senatorkristin.com | Privacy Policy |
