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In this Update:

• Protecting Children and Families from AI Deception
• New Law Cracks Down on Robocalls, Scam Texts and Caller ID Spoofing
• Plymouth Borough Celebrates 160^th Anniversary
• Phishing Scam Targets “MyChart” Patient Portal Users
• Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber 2026 ATHENA Award
• Fire and EMS Companies Can Apply Now for State Assistance
• Remembering 9/11 25 Years Later
• Bridge Educational Foundation Awards Scholarships

Protecting Children and Families from AI Deception

It’s critical for state laws to keep up with fast-evolving Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, especially as it relates to protecting our children online. I’m proud of our work to address the alarming rise in AI-generated sexual images of children, as well as non-consenting adults, through  Act 125 of 2024 which gives prosecutors the ability to go after criminals who create “deepfake” AI images of minors and child sexual abuse materials.

Previously, Pennsylvania law made it illegal to share intimate images without consent, and Act 125 took it a step further to combat the use of AI technology for this purpose and prohibits AI from being utilized to generate child sexual abuse material. As technology continues to advance, we must be vigilant in making sure proper safeguards are put in place.

New Law Cracks Down on Robocalls, Scam Texts and Caller ID Spoofing

Legislation we unanimously passed enacting stronger protections from deceptive telemarketing practices will take effect next month.

Under Act 47 of 2026, Pennsylvania’s telemarketing law will now cover modern forms of solicitation, including text messages, voicemails, ringless voicemails and robocalls. It also establishes stronger rules for when and how telemarketers can contact Pennsylvanians, including:

• Prohibiting telemarketing calls before 9 a.m. and after 7 p.m. and on Sundays.
• Requiring prior express written consent for most robocalls and telemarketing text messages.
• Prohibiting telemarketers from falsely identifying themselves or using deceptive caller ID information, including spoofed numbers.
• Requiring telemarketers to stop a solicitation when a consumer asks them to do so.

The legislation also prohibits the use of AI-generated messages to deceive consumers. The new law takes effect Oct. 19.

Plymouth Borough Celebrates 160^th Anniversary

Plymouth Borough recently celebrated its 160^th anniversary. Throughout its rich history, this community has been defined by the dedication of its civic leaders and the hard-working residents who have helped shaped its growth. Thank you for your contributions to preserving the continuity of Pennsylvania’s great heritage.  We offer our best wishes for continued prosperity in the years to come.

Phishing Scam Targets “MyChart” Patient Portal Users

If you use MyChart — a popular online patient portal used by many hospitals and healthcare providers — please be aware of a phishing scam targeting patients.

State Attorney General Dave Sunday reports scammers are impersonating MyChart by sending emails or text messages that offer patients a chance to claim a reward in the form of a “MyChart Medicare Kit.” No such program or reward exists.

These emails and text messages are attempts to trick recipients into clicking on malicious links, and obtain passwords and personal information from patients, which allows hackers to gain access to the patients’ MyChart portals. Read about how to avoid this and other phishing scams here.

Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber 2026 ATHENA Award

As a former ATHENA Award recipient, I was delighted to join the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce to celebrate our 2026 honoree, Stacy Kile. Recognized for her passion for service and empowering others to lead and contribute, she carries that same purpose-driven guidance into her leadership role at Geisinger Healthplan and on the many nonprofit boards on which she serves. She is well-known for mentoring women of all ages both at work and as a community volunteer.

Fire and EMS Companies Can Apply Now for State Assistance

Attention local fire companies, emergency medical services and volunteer rescue squads: Applications are being accepted for the latest round of the state Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant program.

The funds can be used to help pay for facility construction/renovation, equipment, training, debt reduction and more. The application period closes Oct. 22.

Providing communities with fire, medical and rescue services comes with a considerable price tag, especially for volunteer organizations. The General Assembly funds these grants to ensure these life-saving services are available. Find more information and applications here. 

Remembering 9/11 25 Years Later

25 years ago, as we shifted through the smoking rubble and dealt with the shock and devastating terrorist attacks of 9/11, we knew America would be forever changed. The images of destruction have not faded. The pain of loss has not subsided. Sadness still shadows our hearts and minds.

We were shaken out of our false sense of security. We were shocked that people of evil intent could kill so many good people on our soil. We were awed by the extraordinary courage of ordinary people summoned in moments of gravest peril.  We were inspired by the countless first responders who ignored catastrophic danger to courageously attempt to save lives and recover victims.

Last Friday, the 25^th Anniversary 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony hosted by Luzerne County Community College recounted the life story of NYPD Vincent G. Danz, as told by his brother Felix, who shared a powerful message about courage, conviction and character of a man taken to soon. We will Never Forget.

We should take time to recount all that is right in America.  Even at a time when there is doubt and distrust across our nation, the truth remains that we are blessed with the rights and privileges assured to us under our democracy.  We still have work to do to fulfill the pledges we solemnly made to the thousands of victims of 9/11.  For all that remains to be done, Let’s Roll.

Bridge Educational Foundation Awards Scholarships

The Bridge Educational Foundation, with the support of Raymond James, UGI, and Waste Management, is providing $133,000 in scholarship funding to families in Luzerne and Lackawanna counties to benefit students at All Saints Academy, Holy Redeemer High School, Nativity Miguel School of Scranton, St. Nicholas-St. Mary’s School, and Yeshivath Beth Moshe/Milton Eisner Yeshiva High School.

These scholarships are made possible through Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs. Thanks to generous funding like this, students gain the opportunities they need to learn and grow.