Recent News
Baker Announces Judiciary Committee Approval of Public Safety Bills
Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20), chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, announced this week that the committee has approved three significant bills aimed at enhancing public safety and modernizing Pennsylvania’s criminal statutes. [Read More]
Senate Advances Baker Legislation to Strengthen Enforcement of Protection from Abuse Orders
The Senate has approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20) to improve the enforcement of Protection from Abuse (PFA) petitions and orders and ensure law enforcement agencies are properly reimbursed. [Read More]
Meeting to consider SB 635, SB 649 and SB 739
Senate Judiciary Committee | Room 8E-B, East Wing [Read More]
Baker Applauds Judiciary Committee Approval of Bill to Improve PFA Order Enforcement
The Senate Judiciary Committee this week approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20) to strengthen the enforcement of Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders and ensure fair reimbursement for law enforcement agencies that serve these critical court orders. [Read More]
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Please join me in congratulating Margaret Palmer as she celebrates a century of memories and experiences this year. Her 100th birthday was nearly as fabulous as she is! #happybirthday #centenarian #100yearsyoung
Family, friends and elected officials recently gathered to dedicate the Walter Derhammer, Sr. Memorial Bridge in Monroe Township. Walt dedicated more than 40 years to his community as a township supervisor, roadmaster, and member of the planning commission. In recognition of his commitment, the bridge over Leonard Creek on Dietz Mountain Road, located just down the road from his home, now bears his name. Walt is missed by all who knew him, but the legacy of service he left behind will never be forgotten. He was someone the public could always count on when needed. #publicservice #bridgenamingceremony #rurallife
In one of the most important military actions in history, the Allies began the liberation of Western Europe on June 6, 1944.
Each year, there are fewer surviving D-Day veterans, which makes it even more important that we preserve their legacy through education.
We must never forget the more than 2,500 Americans who lost their lives turning the tide in World War II. The cost of freedom is high, and they gave everything to defend it for all of us.
#wwii #dday #alliedforces
Congratulations to the Lehman Township Police Department on achieving accreditation through the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association Accreditation Program. After 12 years of hard work and dedication, LTPD joins five other departments in Luzerne County in earning this distinction, including two in the Back Mountain. #policeaccreditation
A new law takes effect tomorrow making it illegal to use a hand-held cell phone while driving in PA. The aim is to reduce distracted driving crashes, which took the lives of 49 Pennsylvanians last year.
The #PASenate unanimously approved my bill to improve the enforcement of PFAs and ensure law enforcement agencies are properly reimbursed.
Joe Adams of @wayne_bank and Victoria Agazzi and Maurice Dennis of @thedimebank spent some time in Harrisburg working to help protect older Pennsylvanians from financial fraud and abuse. The group was advocating for changes to the Older Adults Protective Services Act on behalf of their many colleagues in the district and as members of @pabankersassociation
The Shavertown Volunteer Fire Company has been protecting people and property for 100 years. The community recently gathered to celebrate this milestone anniversary, and to thank these dedicated volunteers for their unwavering service and sacrifice. #volunteerfiredepartment
Lake-Lehman’s 9th graders & Blue Ridge`s 6th graders recently spent time discovering our cultural & natural history at the PA State Museum, touring the Capitol building & sightseeing throughout the complex. #fieldtrips #history #pacapitol
“Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it.” – Unknown
To all the men and women who selflessly gave their lives so we can enjoy the freedoms we hold dear, thank you. To the families who are missing a loved one, please know that loss was not in vain. We remember, and we appreciate the sacrifice. #memorialday
#pasenate Votes to Strengthen PA`s Sexual Offender Registry
Students from The Scranton School for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children visited Harrisburg this week. Following a tour of the Capitol and visit to the House and Senate chambers, Lilly Butts of Susquehanna County, and David Pirl of Pike County, joined me for a photo in the Senate Rules Room.
Happy Mother’s Day! I’m so proud to be Carson’s mom and even prouder of the man he’s grown to be. #mothersday2025 #proudmom
As #nationalsmallbusinessweek comes to a close, I was pleased to be able to participate in two events celebrating entrepreneurial spirit and the contributions of our small businesses. The economic development professionals and community leaders affiliated with the Wayne Economic Development Corporation and @backmountainchamber work tirelessly to promote our job creators and support their efforts to stimulate our economy. WEDCO’s Annual Meeting and Dinner and BMC’s Annual Legislative Breakfast provide important opportunities to discuss issues and find solutions.
Recognizing May as #nationaltreatmentcourtmonth @pennsylvaniacourts announced the launch of a certification program for treatment courts statewide – one that will promote effective, evidence-based practices, ensure consistent, high-quality services are available to participants which will in turn, increase positive outcomes.
This is in conjunction with legislation I sponsored that constitutes a simple, yet important terminology change in our statutes—renaming “problem solving courts” to “treatment courts.” It is a solid first step toward aligning the system with the values we want it to reflect — a system that recognizes people’s potential to change, holds them accountable, and gives them the opportunity to succeed.
Taking a break from the business of the Senate to catch up with Emmy Award winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph as we recognize our Super Bowl LIX champions, the @philadelphiaeagles 🦅 🏈 🦅
Susquehanna County Sheriff Lance Benedict, Wayne County PA Sheriff Christopher Rosler, Chief Deputy Danene VanHorn, and Canine Onyx were in town as the @pasheriffs convened at the Capitol. Following our discussion on legislative priorities, @repfritz and I hosted the group in the Senate and House chambers.
The Back Mountain Police Association hosted its 17th Annual Rusty Flack Memorial Kid’s Fishing Day this weekend. In addition to offering a fun outdoor experience, families have the opportunity to interact with first responders and learn important safety tips. For the 2nd year, the event also featured an inclusive fishing experience focused on children with autism.
🎣 🚔 🚒 🚑 🎣
More than 400 family members, friends, and first responders attended the memorial for Harford Volunteer Fire Company Assistant Chief Edward “Chip” Chidester who died from complications from a line of duty injury sustained fighting a brush fire. Nearly 30 apparatuses from Susquehanna County and neighboring areas joined the procession to pay tribute to his service and sacrifice.
As #nationalchildabusepreventionmonth came to a close, the @luzernecountycac held its Cinema Through the Century Gala to celebrate the children brave enough to share their unfortunate stories of abuse and to raise money to continue providing free services to assist them. I commend the CAC, its staff, and all of the community partners for their unwavering commitment to giving our kids the chance at a better life they so richly deserve.
Advocacy and action on behalf of at-risk children has been and continues to be a core priority of my Senate service, so I was honored to join Wilkes-Barre Police Department Detective Mike McGrath in being recognized for our commitment to protecting victims of abuse and neglect.
Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce Annual Legislative Breakfast - I appreciated the opportunity to provide an update on the state budget and the activities of the Judiciary Committee, as well as discussing workforce development, infrastructure investment, and other pressing community issues.
NEPA Council BSA 42nd Annual Friends of Scouting Dinner - as someone who has continuously offered his time and talents to improving the quality of life in our region, Hal Flack truly embodies the values and principles of Scouting – trust, honor, dedication, and commitment. #communityservice
Proud to join the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1319 to celebrate a significant investment of public and private funds that will enhance the economic health and community safety of our region with the construction of the OSHE Training Center. #internationalbrotherhoodofelectricalworkers #nationalelectriccontractorsassociation
#apprenticeship
#journeymanlineman
