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In this Update:

• Senate Passes Measures to Boost Protection of Senior Citizens
• Legislation to Ban “Nudification” Apps Passed by Senate
• Senate Judiciary Committee Advances measures to Strengthen Protections for Victims, Children and Animals
• Strategies to Combat Antisemitism and Hate Highlighted at Senate Hearing
• Celebrating National Tradesmen Day with LCCC’s Apprenticeship Readiness Academy
• Blind or Deaf Higher Education Beneficiary Grants Available
• Unveiling of America250 Community Mosaic Mural
• Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Don’t Miss Your Mammogram!
• Supporting Quality Childcare at Green Trees Early Learning Center

Senate Passes Measures to Boost Protection of Senior Citizens

The state Department of Aging has been under review by the Pennsylvania auditor general and inspector general over concerns for the well-being of seniors being taken care of by Pennsylvania’s 52 county-based Area Agencies on Aging (AAA).

The Senate approved legislation that would build on the release of Auditor General Tim DeFoor’s recent audit and implement proper safeguards for older Pennsylvanians.

Senate Bill 1376 would:

• Create training requirements for AAA staff currently being inadequately trained as identified in DeFoor’s audit.
• Establish department standards for how to handle each category of case before the AAA.
• Adopt performance metrics designed to adequately ensure older adults are receiving the services they are supposed to from their AAA.
• Outline a corrective action plan to put poor performing AAAs into compliance with the law and department standards and regulations. Learn more about Senate Bill 1376 here.

The Senate also passed legislation to update Pennsylvania’s Older Adult Protective Services Act to better protect seniors from financial abuse and scams.

The FBI ranked Pennsylvania ninth in total losses to fraud experienced by older adults in 2025. More than 7,000 seniors were defrauded of more than $200 million, representing a 43% jump from 2024.

Senate Bill 738 would require financial institutions to report suspected cases of elder financial abuse and empower the institutions to hold suspicious financial transactions. The institution would have to report this transaction to the appropriate AAA. Similar legislation has been passed in more than 20 states and has been used as an effective tool to prevent fraud. Read more about Senate Bill 738 here.

Legislation to Ban “Nudification” Apps Passed by Senate

Continuing our work to implement stronger safeguards on artificial intelligence, legislation to ban “nudification” apps – which allow individuals to take an image of someone and generate a fake nude or sexually explicit photo of that person – was approved by the Senate.

Senate Bill 1368 prohibits such apps from being developed, operated or made available in Pennsylvania, including through online application marketplaces.

These apps serve no legitimate purpose and pose a special risk to children and school students, whose lives can be upended and reputations damaged through the malicious use of this technology. The measure will be sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Learn more about Senate Bill 1368 here.

Senate Judiciary Committee Advances Measures to Strengthen Protections for Victims, Children and Animals

The Senate Judiciary Committee, which I chair, recently advanced four measures to expand protection for crime victims, children and animals.

Victims of crime should not face additional financial burdens simply because their property is needed as evidence, and parents should have confidence law enforcement has the tools and resources needed to protect children from online exploitation. These measures address both concerns by examining ways to reduce costs for victims while strengthening Pennsylvania’s ability to investigate crimes against children and establish appropriate safeguards for minors online.  We are also taking steps to strengthen accountability for those who abuse animals.

Senate Resolution 377  would direct the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a comprehensive study on the financial burdens crime victims may face when their vehicles or property are impounded during criminal investigations. 

House Bill 1098 would establish the Investigation and Prosecution of Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) program within the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.

Senate Bill 603 would require commercial websites that knowingly publish material harmful to minors to implement reasonable, independent age‑verification measures.

Senate Bill 1311 would establish an animal abuse registry maintained by the Pennsylvania State Police. The registry would list individuals convicted of animal abuse offenses and be checked before an animal is sold, transferred or adopted. 

The bills now head to the full Senate for consideration. 

Strategies to Combat Antisemitism and Hate Highlighted at Senate Hearing

Educators, parents and advocacy organizations shared their experiences with antisemitism and explored strategies to combat hate during a public hearing of the Senate Majority Policy Committee.

According to the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) 2025 Audit of Antisemitic Incidents, Pennsylvania recorded 281 antisemitic incidents, the fifth highest number in the nation. Harassment accounted for 70% of these cases — 194 incidents — alongside 80 acts of vandalism and seven physical assaults. It’s believed these incidents are grossly underreported because victims fear for their safety.

Testifiers discussed how antisemitism can take root in schools, noting the state Department of Education doesn’t track or require administrators to note when an incident is antisemitic, leaving students and parents without a way to seek justice. Video of the full hearing and written testimony are available on the Senate Majority Policy Committee’s website.

Celebrating National Tradesmen Day with LCCC’s Apprenticeship Readiness Academy

Luzerne County Community College celebrated National Tradesmen Day with the launch of the L3C Building & Construction Trade Apprenticeship Readiness Academy. Held at LCCC’s Nanticoke campus, the event featured their first Skilled Trade Career Fair bringing in hundreds of students from skilled trade organizations and technical education programs and connecting them directly with industry leaders and career opportunities.

The new academy will provide an apprenticeship readiness program designed to equip participants with the foundational skills and knowledge needed to enter and succeed in registered apprenticeships.

Blind or Deaf Higher Education Beneficiary Grants Available

Pennsylvania students who are blind, deaf or have a visual or hearing impairment may qualify for up to $500 in scholarships through the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA).

Applicants must supply written documentation to PHEAA showing they have been evaluated and are eligible to receive benefits and supply a completed Medical Professional Certification form regarding a visual or hearing impairment.

Interested students must also complete the Blind or Deaf Higher Education Beneficiary Grant Application. The completed 2026-27 application and additional documentation must be submitted by March 31, 2027.

Unveiling of America 250 Community Mosaic Mural

It was an honor to join CEO People Helping people and the Wyoming County Healthcare Center for the unveiling of the America250 Community Mosaic Mural at the Tunkhannock Area School District. This beautiful piece is made up of hundreds of hand-painted tiles created by area residents and displaying individuals, families, and business organizations at their best. This marvelous sense of community makes for a joyous 250^th anniversary for all of Wyoming County.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Don’t Miss Your Mammogram!

The American Cancer Society recommends that women at average risk begin annual screening mammograms at age 40. If you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors, talk with your healthcare provider about whether earlier or additional screening may be appropriate.

To help, we passed Act 1 of 2023 to ensure supplemental breast cancer screening MRIs and ultrasound for individuals at higher risk are covered with no out-of-pocket costs. We also passed Act 52 of 2025 to eliminate all out-of-pocket costs for diagnostic breast imaging, including mammograms, MRIs and ultrasounds needed to evaluate an abnormal finding. Act 52 is currently beginning the implementation process, with full implementation by January 2028.

Pennsylvania residents without insurance or limited insurance, like a high-deductible plan, may qualify for no-cost mammograms and follow-up imaging through programs such as the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. To learn more, contact the PA Breast Cancer Coalition’s Director of Patient Advocacy Dolores Magro at 800-377-8828.

When breast cancer is detected at its earliest stages, the 5-year survival rate is 99%. Don’t miss your mammogram. Early detection saves lives!

Supporting Quality Childcare at Green Trees Early Learning Center

I had the opportunity to tour Green Trees Early Learning Center in Milford, where recent repairs have created a brighter, and welcoming space for local families. At a time when childcare options are limited, this new center is an important resource for those who need it most. I’m proud to support Green Trees and the incredible work they do for our community. Thank you to everyone who helped make this possible.