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In this Update:
New Distracted Driving Law Bans Use of Handheld Devices
A new law prohibits the use of handheld cellular and other devices while operating a vehicle on a Pennsylvania highway or traffic way. Drivers may still use their phone if they are using hands-free technology, such as a docking station, Bluetooth or speaker technology. For the first year, only warnings will be issued for violations. After that, there will be a $50 fine. Distracted driving fatalities in Pennsylvania surged to a decade high in 2022, claiming 80 lives. The AAA Traffic Safety Culture Index found that the majority of drivers believe distracted driving has outpaced all other traffic-related issues as a growing safety concern. All of Pennsylvania’s border states and 28 others have enacted hands-free laws. Senate Judiciary Committee Advances Bills Focused on Protecting Pennsylvanians
The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced six bills this week focused on protecting Pennsylvanians. The approved legislation will contribute to making Pennsylvania a safer and more secure place to live, ensuring the protection of residents and upholding the integrity of the state’s legal and justice systems. Criminal law and the pursuit of justice are never entirely fixed items. We continually find places where an emerging loophole in law is exploited to create new victims. The same is true for advances in technology, such as artificial intelligence, where bad actors find ways to misuse it for purposes that damage lives. These bills are worthy examples of the diligence lawmakers are undertaking to solve real and concerning problems. The first three measures – Senate Bill 186, Senate Bill 187 & Senate Bill 1213 – passed the committee with a unanimous bi-partisan vote. They are aimed at protecting one of our most vulnerable populations by addressing issues related to child pornography generated through artificial intelligence. Despite its relative infancy, state and local prosecutors across the Commonwealth have encountered sexual predators using this technology to generate images of children being sexual abused. These materials are nearly indistinguishable from the real thing. Because the current statute does not prohibit materials that are artificially generated, prosecuting child predators has become more difficult than ever. The changes will also apply to those who use technology to create and disseminate sexually explicit images. Legislation to help homeowners and landlords retain control of their property – Senate Bill 1231 – was also approved. Recent headlines have brought light to an alarming trend in which squatters, who do not have permission from the homeowner, take over property and change the locks, forcing costly and lengthy legal battles. Although these cases are far more prevalent in other states where squatters are considered “tenants” under the laws, this bill makes it clear that in Pennsylvania, a person who does not have permission from the owner is not a “tenant,” and therefore not entitled to formal eviction procedures. Finally, the committee voted to establish a Directed Trust Act for Pennsylvania – Senate Bill 1231 – and conduct a study on veterans’ experiences in the criminal justice system – Senate Resolution 196. The bills are part of the Senate Republican effort to improve community safety across Pennsylvania and will now move to the full Senate for consideration. Respecting Taxpayers Remains a Top Priority in State Budget Negotiations
In Pennsylvania, the state budget is to be completed by June 30 of each year. As we work to reach consensus, Senate Republicans are continuing to fight for a budget that respects taxpayers and makes the best use of the state’s resources. In February, Gov. Josh Shapiro proposed a massive $3.2 billion increase in state spending. Last month, Senate Republicans unveiled an alternative approach that would reduce taxes by approximately $3 billion annually. Instead of growing government bureaucracy and picking winners and losers, our plan would allow Pennsylvanians to decide how their money should be spent. These historic tax cuts would provide relief to every Pennsylvanian who earns a paycheck by reducing the personal income tax rate from 3.07% to 2.8%, and every person paying an electric bill by eliminating the Gross Receipts Tax on energy. Learn more about the process of enacting the 2024-25 state budget and watch the Senate in session here. Senate Approves Bills to Reverse Nursing Home Worker Shortage
With the number of older Pennsylvanians rising and nursing homes struggling to find qualified workers, the Senate passed two bills this week to reverse the worker shortage. Both bills now head to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 1102 would increase the number of nursing home workers by streamlining the training and certification process and removing barriers that prevent people from entering the health care workforce in Pennsylvania. Senate Bill 1104 would further increase the nursing home workforce by enabling high school juniors and seniors to earn up to two elective credits for working or volunteering at a nursing home, personal care home or assisted living facility. Schools would establish program guidelines and procedures to allow students to earn one elective credit for each 250 hours of paid or volunteer work at a qualifying facility. Legislation Giving Disabled Veterans Financial Relief Receives Senate Support
To provide financial relief to more disabled veterans, the Senate passed Senate Bill 194 to exclude U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Attendance benefits as income when calculating eligibility for Pennsylvania’s 100% Disabled Veterans’ Property Tax Exemption. Federal Aid and Attendance benefits provide monthly payments to disabled veterans who are housebound or need help with daily activities. Without the exclusion of this federal benefit, some disabled veterans are prevented from qualifying for property tax reductions. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Mountain View Girls Basketball Celebrates Championship Season
The Mountain View High School girls basketball team won the District II title to advance to the 1A PIAA State Championship tournament, placing second in the state. Sophomore Addison Kilmer was also named the All-State Player of the Year. I joined Rep. Jonathan Fritz in honoring their impressive accomplishments. The life lessons these young ladies have experienced from competing will serve them well in whatever they decide to pursue in the future. The hard work and determination they have demonstrated, and the discipline and resilience they have learned from being part of a team are skills they will be able to apply to any situation. Congratulations Lady Eagles! Damascus Students Serve as Legislators for the Day
4th graders at the Damascus School joined me and Rep. Jonathan Fritz as legislators for the day, participating in a mock session where they learned about state government and public policy. The students held committee meetings, debated issues, and voted on legislation to make the Oreo their official cookie. Celebrating the Contributions of PA Dairy Farmers
Agriculture is Pennsylvania’s top industry, and dairy products play a significant role by generating $11.8 billion in economic revenue and supporting 47,000 jobs statewide. Of the nearly 5,000 dairy farms in the state, 99% are family-owned with many being handed down generation after generation. Our dairy farmers work tirelessly each day to provide families everywhere with nutrient-rich foods. Dairy products contain nine essential nutrients that help to manage weight and reduce the risk of high blood pressure, osteoporosis and certain cancers. The nutrient powerhouse also helps build and repair muscle tissue and maintain healthy skin. Celebrate National Dairy Month by raising a glass of milk or enjoying some delicious ice cream. Pennsylvania has an Ice Cream Trail that boasts great creameries all across the state.
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