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In this Update:
Bills to Strengthen Parole Board Operations Advanced by Senate
Two measures I sponsored to improve the effectiveness and reliability of Pennsylvania’s parole process were advanced by the Senate last week. The legislation addresses some critical aspects of parole board operations: maintaining continuity in board membership and protecting the confidentiality of internal deliberations that inform parole decisions. Senate Bill 1235 would extend the period a Pennsylvania Parole Board member may continue serving after the expiration of their term from 90 days to six months if a successor has not yet been confirmed. The change is intended to prevent vacancies that could disrupt the board’s work and ensure experienced members remain in place during transitions. The Pennsylvania Parole Board plays a critical role in protecting our communities and ensuring parole decisions are made thoughtfully and responsibly. Senate Bill 1235 provides stability during periods of transition by allowing experienced board members to continue serving while the confirmation process moves forward. By preventing unnecessary vacancies, we can help ensure the board remains fully equipped to carry out its important public safety mission without interruption. Senate Bill 1259 would establish that certain records and documents used by the parole board during its internal deliberations are confidential and privileged while strengthening the feedback the board provides to inmates when denying parole. The legislation was introduced in response to a recent Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling invalidating existing board regulations governing the confidentiality of those records. Board members must be able to conduct candid and thorough deliberations without concern that their internal discussions will be made public. This legislation restores important protections for confidential parole board records while ensuring inmates receive meaningful feedback about parole decisions. We must preserve the integrity of the parole process and support the board’s ability to make informed decisions that keep our communities safe. Both bills now advance to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Approves Bills to Make Housing More Attainable Across PA
The Senate acted to help alleviate Pennsylvania’s growing housing shortage by approving three bills to expand access to housing while preserving local control. Senate Bill 1279 creates a Housing Development Regulatory Compliance Officer to improve coordination and efficiency in the permitting process. Senate Bill 1236 reduces regulatory burdens on small-scale home construction projects by reforming the stormwater permitting process. Senate Bill 1281 empowers local governments to streamline approval processes using uniform housing plans, helping reduce delays and cut unnecessary red tape. These reforms reduce several of the barriers contributing to Pennsylvania’s housing shortage, helping create more opportunities for homeownership while giving communities the flexibility to encourage growth in a way that reflects local needs and priorities. The bills were sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Task Force on Child Protection in the Digital Age
To make sure state laws keep pace with emerging online threats, the Senate voted to establish a Task Force on Child Protection in the Digital Age. Senate Resolution 244 would direct the Joint State Government Commission to convene a task force to review Pennsylvania’s laws, assess new technologies and identify legal gaps in protections for children in the digital environment. The commission will issue a recommendation for action to the General Assembly. The proposal builds on previous work by the legislature: In 2024, we passed a law to combat AI generated child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). In 2025, we acted to classify deepfakes as digital forgery for more severe punishment. The Senate also approved bills to strengthen reporting requirements for AI-generated CSAM and to establish commonsense safeguards for AI chatbots accessible by minors. Read more about our efforts to protect children in the digital age here. Cellphone Law to Reduce Distracted Driving Takes Full Effect
After a one-year warning period, a state law aimed at reducing distracted driving is now fully enforceable. The law prohibits the use of hand-held devices while driving, even while stopped temporarily due to traffic, a red light or other delays. Drivers can still use their phones to alert authorities in the event of an emergency and use hands-free technology to make phone calls, use a GPS and listen to music. Drivers convicted of using a hand-held device while driving will pay a $50 fine, plus court costs and other fees under Paul Miller’s Law. The law is named for Paul Miller Jr., who was tragically killed in a 2010 Monroe County crash by a tractor trailer operator distracted while reaching for his phone while driving. Read more about this new law here. A Busy Week of Advocacy at the State Capitol
One of the most rewarding aspects of serving in the Senate is hearing directly from the people and groups who are working every day to strengthen our communities. Their visits provide valuable insight into the challenges they face and the opportunities we have to improve the quality of life for Pennsylvanians. Throughout the week, I met with advocates representing a wide range of interests and priorities, including the American Cancer Society, county sheriffs, realtors, the Pennsylvania Chamber, the Children’s Advocacy Center and the NEPA Task Force Against Human Trafficking. These conversations help inform the legislative process and ensure that the voices of our local communities are represented in Harrisburg. As the Senate continues its work on the state budget and other important legislation, I remain committed to advancing policies that support families, employers, seniors, students and taxpayers throughout our district. I appreciate everyone who took the time to visit the Capitol and share their perspectives, and I look forward to continuing our work together on behalf of the people we serve. Protecting Yourself During Tick Season
Pennsylvania recorded more than 18,700 cases of Lyme disease in 2025, and the Centers for Disease Control estimates the true number may be much higher due to underreporting. Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses can cause serious long-term health complications, particularly when left untreated. Nearly 55% of ticks tested in Pennsylvania were found to carry at least one tick-borne pathogen, and blacklegged ticks have now been identified in all 67 counties. You can protect yourself by using repellent, avoiding brushy areas and checking your body and pets after outdoor activities. Learn more about protecting yourself from ticks here. Remembering D-Day
On June 6, 1944, the fate of Europe would be determined by the largest amphibious invasion in history, including 13,000 aircraft and gliders, 23,400 paratroopers, 5,000 ships and landing craft and 160,000 American, British and Canadian troops. More than 9,000 Allied servicemen were killed or wounded that day in northern France. It is our responsibility as Americans to honor their bravery, tell the stories of their heroism and preserve what they defended so their sacrifices were not in vain. Meeting a Pennsylvania Icon: Punxsutawney Phil Visits the Capitol
We welcomed a very special visitor to Harrisburg — Punxsutawney Phil! Known across the country as Pennsylvania’s most famous weather forecaster, Phil made his annual visit to the Capitol to meet with lawmakers and visitors. It was a pleasure to spend time with this beloved ambassador from Jefferson County and celebrate one of our commonwealth’s most unique traditions. While Groundhog Day may be months away, Phil’s visit serves as a reminder of the rich history, tourism and local pride that make Pennsylvania such a special place to live and work.
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