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In this update:
PASSED! My Legislation to Protect Taxpayer Dollars
When your government signs a contract, it should reflect what is in the best interest of the taxpayer. I am pleased to share that my legislation to ensure just that unanimously passed the Senate. Every single year, the Commonwealth enters into thousands of procurement contracts to keep our state running. These agreements should be straightforward and designed to secure the best value possible. Unfortunately, over time, we have seen specialized, non-standard, and biased terms creep into these agreements. These provisions do not protect public interest. This legislation, which I crafted alongside Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday, establishes strict limits on vendor contracts to safeguard public funds and maintain jurisdiction of state courts. It now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. PASSED! Ending Warrantless Searches
Property rights are enshrined in both the U.S. and the Pennsylvania constitutions, and the Senate approved legislation to strengthen protections against warrantless entry onto private property by Pennsylvania Game Commission personnel. Senate Bill 1431 would require Game Commission personnel to obtain a valid warrant before entering private property, including posted land, unless a judicially recognized exception to the warrant requirement applies. Current law gives Game Commission personnel broad authority to enter land outside buildings, whether posted or otherwise. Senate Bill 1431 would place clear limits on that authority while preserving recognized exceptions to the warrant requirement. Read more about the effort to strengthen property rights. PASSED! Small Games of Chance Increase
The Senate approved two bills to give a boost to civic organizations, fire companies, veterans’ groups, and other Pennsylvania nonprofits that rely on small games of chance for crucial fundraising. Under current law, clubs and organizations are limited to awarding no more than $35,000 in prizes from small games of chance each week. That cap has not been updated since 2013, despite inflation and the rising costs of programs these organizations fund. Senate Bill 995 would increase the weekly limit to $60,000, ensuring local groups can continue generating the revenue they rely on to support vital community programs and services. Read more about this bill. Senate Bill 465 would allow licensed clubs to retain up to 50% of their small games of chance proceeds, up from the current 40%. Clubs would continue to be required to use at least 50% of proceeds for public interest purposes. The change would provide clubs with more flexibility to cover operating costs while continuing to support their communities. Read more about this measure. The bills were sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. PASSED! School Bus Safety Improvements
Approximately 1.5 million children are transported on school buses every day in Pennsylvania, and the Senate approved legislation aimed at keeping reckless bus drivers from getting behind the wheel. Senate Bill 1262 would increase penalties for school bus drivers who transport children while under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance or a dangerous combination of both. Read more about this school bus safety measure. The latest Senate action follows passage last year of Senate Bill 65, which would increase the required stopping distance for drivers approaching from the opposite direction when a school bus is stopped with its red lights flashing. Both bills await passage in the House of Representatives. PASSED! Animal Abuser Registry
The Senate approved Senate Bill 1311, known as Aimee’s Law, to help prevent convicted abusers from obtaining more animals by establishing a statewide animal abuser registry. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. People selling, transferring or offering dogs, cats or horses for adoption would be required to check the registry, which would be maintained by Pennsylvania State Police, and refuse placement with anyone listed. These requirements will help shelters, rescues and others placing animals in new homes identify convicted abusers before another animal is put at risk. The legislation is named after a six-month-old husky found abandoned in a crate beneath a bridge in Erie during subzero temperatures. She was severely underweight, covered in filth and suffering from frostbite on all four paws. Despite the rescuers’ efforts to save her, Aimee did not survive. Read more about Aimee’s Law. Keeping Energy Markets Competitive and Utility Costs Low
When markets are competitive, consumers win. That is why Pennsylvania opened up its energy markets, allowing families the option to purchase electricity and natural gas from retail suppliers or from their existing utility provider. Right now, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is facing pressure to end that, which would result in even higher energy bills. This week, I had the opportunity to speak with PUC Commissioner Zerfuss during her reconfirmation hearing and urged her to maintain competition in Pennsylvania’s energy markets. Kicking off Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and we are using this opportunity to make sure everyone knows that early detection saves lives! Last week, we hosted the WellSpan Mobile Mammography Bus at our mobile office hours in Springettsbury Township. This week, my colleagues and I joined the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition to turn the Capitol fountain PINK! I encourage everyone to go get your mammograms! Session Recap
I had the privilege of welcoming the Southern York County PA 8-10 Little League State Championship baseball team to the Capitol! Click here to watch them be announced on the Senate floor!
We were joined by York County’s very own, Rabbi Marshal Klaven from KEIRUV Rabbinic Outreach Services, who served as a guest chaplain! Click here to watch his start-of-session prayer!
October 7 was the third anniversary of the horrific terrorist attack on Israel by Hamas and allied militant groups. This senseless act of violence left over 1,195 people murdered, including 828 civilians, 36 children, and 46 Americans.
I was honored to receive a Freedom Medal from Senator Doug Mastriano this week. It was a very kind gesture, and I am grateful to work alongside him for the betterment of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In the District
Last weekend, Freedom Biker Church hosted their second annual Wheels of Honor to remember the lives of the three fallen officers from Northern York County Regional Police Department: Detective Sergeant Cody Becker and Detectives Mark Baker and Isaiah Emenheiser.
It’s always a pleasure to spend time with the York County Sheriff’s Office! Their annual K9 Spaghetti Dinner was wonderful as always, and it was especially great to see our good friend, Lieutenant Godfrey, in such good health! October Mobile Office Hours
Thursday, Oct. 15 We look forward to bringing these resources directly to the community and helping residents access the support they deserve. Learn more about special events that will prioritize certain state-related services throughout the year at our mobile offices. 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 Sunday afternoons. You can view the full list here to see if any roadwork might impact you and your family. |
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