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In this Update:
Senate Approves Tougher Penalties for Attempted Murder of Law Enforcement Officers
Sen. Rosemary Brown (R-40) and I were joined on May 4th by law enforcement leaders and prosecutors at the Pennsylvania State Capitol this week to highlight legislation to strengthen penalties for individuals who attempt to murder a law enforcement officer and cause serious bodily injury. The 2024 shooting of Scranton Police Detective Kyle Gilmartin brought to light a gap in Pennsylvania law related to sentencing for crimes against law enforcement officers. Detective Gilmartin was shot in the head and survived. Although the criminals who attacked Detective Gilmartin were sentenced to decades in prison, the case revealed that under current law, the penalty for attempted murder of a law enforcement officer could be as little as seven years in prison – a fact that prompted Sen. Brown and I to introduce Senate Bill 1284, Detective Kyle Gilmartin’s Law, which was approved by the Senate 41-8. While we know the possible dangers our police face every day, we do not walk in their shoes and cannot imagine the difficult situations they face when protecting our communities and our families. Individuals who consciously take an act with the intention of ending an officer’s life must be held accountable for their horrific actions. This legislation sends a clear message to would-be criminals. Anyone who attempts to take the life of a law enforcement officer must face penalties that reflect the severity of that crime. I’m proud to stand with the law enforcement community in our quest to right a wrong and to secure justice for their brothers and sisters in blue. The measure was passed on Police Officers’ Memorial Day in Pennsylvania, which honors the brave men and women of law enforcement. It now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Read more about this legislation The legislation received overwhelming support statewide from Joseph Regan, president of the Pennsylvania State Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police, and Stephen Polishan, president of the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association. And also locally, from all the district attorneys throughout the 20th Senatorial District, including Sam Sanguedolce of Luzerne County, Marion O’Malley of Susquehanna County, Joe Peters of Wyoming County, A.G. Howell of Wayne County and Ray Tonkin of Pike County. Protecting Pennsylvanians’ Second Amendment Rights
The Senate moved to protect the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens by approving Senate Bill 822, which strengthens Pennsylvania’s state preemption over regulating firearms and ammunition, preventing local governments from enacting ordinances that are more restrictive than those established by the General Assembly. Allowing local governments to establish a patchwork of inconsistent gun laws would make it impossible for Pennsylvania residents, along with citizens from other states, to travel without fear of inadvertently breaking a local law they were unaware of. Senate Bill 822, which passed with bipartisan support, also reinforces and restores the original intent of Pennsylvania’s Uniform Firearms Act, ensuring consistent and clear regulations across the state. The bill has been sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Committee Approves Measures to Make Housing More Attainable
Legislation aimed at expanding access to attainable housing while preserving local control was approved by the Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee. The bills now move to the full Senate for consideration. The legislation includes:
Forming a robust strategy to increase housing supply, lower costs and stimulate economic activity is a key focus for the Senate this year. Read more about these attainable housing bills. Senate Honors America 250 with Ceremonial Gathering in Philadelphia
The Pennsylvania State Senate held a ceremonial gathering Tuesday May 5th at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia to honor America’s 250th birthday. President Pro Tempore Kim Ward presided over the meeting, which included senators representing all corners of the commonwealth and students from across the state as part of a partnership with America250PA. During the ceremony, I offered a resolution recognizing the life and accomplishments of the Honorable William Penn, founder of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. William Penn’s vision planted the earliest seeds of American freedom — rooted in fairness, diversity and a profound commitment to ethical governance. As we commemorate 250 years of independence, his example reminds us that true leadership begins with integrity, respect for all people and the courage to build a society where goodness can flourish. I am a proud descendant of passengers –– the Buckman family –– who traveled aboard the Welcome with William Penn. The Buckman family consisted of William, a carpenter, who settled in Middletown Township in Bucks County with his wife, Sarah, and daughters Sarah and Mary. The U.S. declared its independence in Philadelphia in 1776 and to this day the Keystone State continues to play a major role in the growth and evolution of the nation. The ceremonial gathering of the Pennsylvania State Senate is a historical tradition. Last Tuesday marked the fourth meeting in the last 100 years that has taken place outside of the State Capitol in Harrisburg. The previous three meetings were also held in Philadelphia to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the signing of Declaration of Independence in 1926, and the 200th anniversary of the Declaration’s signing in 1976. The Pennsylvania State Senate held a similar gathering in September 1987 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Constitution. Bushkill Fire Company Celebrates 90th Anniversary
I was honored to attend the Bushkill Fire Company’s 90th Anniversary Banquet and present them with a Senate citation to mark this incredible milestone. Bushkill Fire Company was founded in May 1935 and was one of the first fire companies in our area. Thank you to all the members and the over 8,000 volunteer hours dedicated to keeping our communities and residents safe. For Pete’s Sake Cancer Respite Center Groundbreaking
It was such an honor to support and participate in the For Pete’s Sake groundbreaking ceremony. So many of us have been touched by cancer, which is why I’m proud to stand in support of Pete’s dream. 25 years ago, Marci Schankweiler created For Pete’s Sake Cancer Respite Foundation in honor of her late husband, Pete. This cancer respite center will have a profound impact on Pennsylvania and Pike County, creating jobs, generating regional economic growth, and, most importantly, providing a place of community, comfort, and healing for thousands of patients and their families. For Pete’s Sake is the nation’s first-of-its-kind cancer respite center. The new center will provide a signature, accessible destination for adult cancer patients and their families to cope with cancer together and find strength in community. Set on 32 acres adjacent to Woodloch, “Pete’s Dream” is scheduled to open in 2027. Pennsylvania-based For Pete’s Sake has provided restorative Respite Experiences to adult cancer patients, their caregivers, and their children. The nonprofit organization is the only patient respite support care entity in oncology with published outcome data measuring the improvement in a family’s ability to cope with cancer. For Pete’s Sake’s current program capacity allows the organization to provide the healing power of respite to approximately 700 people each year. Now, the new “Pete’s Dream” will dramatically scale that impact, serving more than 4,400 patients and their loved ones annually in a dedicated and purposefully designed space.
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