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In this Update:
Senate Passes Bill to Fight Human Trafficking
Legislation to give investigators and prosecutors new tools to fight human trafficking in Pennsylvania was passed by the Senate. Senate Bill 45 will help local law enforcement agencies and the state attorney general investigate and prosecute human trafficking by increasing penalties for several related crimes, including promoting prostitution, promoting prostitution of a minor, exploiting prostitutes and patronizing prostitutes. The bill also consolidates crimes related to human trafficking within the Crimes Code, giving the attorney general concurrent jurisdiction so these crimes, which are frequently the basis for large-scale human trafficking organizations, can be prosecuted more effectively. It now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. If you believe you may have information about a trafficking situation, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888. Read more about our latest action to combat human trafficking here. Bill Targeting Dangerous Fentanyl Additive Passes Senate
The Senate passed legislation to combat the increasing illicit use of the veterinary anesthesia medetomidine by regulating it as a Schedule III controlled substance. Senate Bill 866 provides law enforcement and public health officials with another tool to combat dangerous drug adulterants while including clear exemptions to ensure veterinarians can continue using the medication in the care and treatment of animals. Medetomidine has rapidly overtaken xylazine as a common adulterant in Pennsylvania’s illicit drug supply. While medetomidine was not detected in samples collected in early 2024, it was found in approximately 80% of adulterants sold as fentanyl in Pennsylvania by April 2026. The drug is estimated to be significantly more potent than xylazine and can cause severe cardiovascular complications, even after naloxone has been administered. The General Assembly passed legislation to make xylazine a Schedule III drug in 2024. The bill now advances to the House of Representatives for consideration. Read more about the measure here. Judiciary Committee Advances Bills to Protect Children, Support Law Enforcement
The Senate Judiciary Committee recently approved two important measures aimed at protecting children and strengthening public safety efforts across Pennsylvania. As technology continues to evolve, so do the methods predators use to target children. Senate Bill 1335 provides critical resources to law enforcement agencies so they can effectively investigate and prosecute internet crimes against children. By creating a dedicated Investigation and Prosecution of Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Program within the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), we are helping ensure every region of Pennsylvania has the tools and training necessary to combat these horrific offenses. “Alicia’s Law” is named in honor of Alicia Kozak, a Pittsburgh-area resident who was abducted at age 13 by a man she met online in what is recognized as one of the nation’s first documented internet-facilitated child abduction cases. Kozak has since dedicated herself to educating families about online safety and advocating for stronger protections for children. Our canine officers are invaluable partners in law enforcement and often face the same hazards as the officers they serve alongside. This bill recognizes the growing threat posed by fentanyl exposure and ensures that departments have the training and protocols needed to protect these highly trained animals. House Bill 1344, which establishes safety standards and training requirements for police canine units that may encounter fentanyl and other dangerous substances in the course of their duties. The bills now head to the full Senate for consideration. Meet Our Summer Intern: Elijah Peifer
Meet Elijah “Eli” Peifer who is working as an intern in my Harrisburg and district offices this summer. A graduate of Wallenpaupack Area High School, Eli is currently pursuing a degree in political science from the University of Scranton, where he is a pitcher on the baseball team. His professional hopes may be signaled by his enrollment in a pre-law program. But his business minor is also preparing him for many other career options. Eli’s last name may sound familiar to many of you. He’s inherited his political genes from his dad, Mike Peifer, who served in the 139th district representing Wayne and Pike counties for sixteen years. I am hoping our session in the weeks ahead and the work we do in the district encourages and inspires his aspirations and gives him a better understanding of the roles and responsibilities of state Senators and their work in public and community service. Guard Veterans Day at the Capitol
The Pennsylvania National Guard and Department of Military and Veterans Affairs held its Guard and Veterans Day at the Capitol on June 10. This annual event highlights their important role in defending our nation and serving communities across Pennsylvania. This year’s theme, “One Team. One Mission: Defending Freedom since 1747,” recognized the Guard’s long history of service. More than 20 units participated with interactive displays showcasing their capabilities and mission. The day also featured an enlistment ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda, where new soldiers and airmen took the oath to serve. We are grateful for the dedication and sacrifice of Pennsylvania’s National Guard members, veterans and military families. Nicholson Fire Company Cuts Ribbon on W.A. Sherwood Memorial Fire Hall
Members of the Nicholson Fire Company celebrated the grand opening of the new W.A. Sherwood Memorial Fire Hall, built on land generously donated by the Sherwood Family. Their 1904 Silsby Steam Pumper will be displayed year-round for the community and historians to enjoy. Hanover Green Cemetery Celebrates 250 Years
I was pleased to recognize the 250th anniversary of Hanover Green Cemetery during this year’s Heritage Day celebration in Hanover Township. The event featured guided tours, historical presentations, living history reenactors and recognition of notable individuals buried at the cemetery. Community members gathered to celebrate the cemetery’s rich history and its role in preserving the stories of generations of local families. Congratulations to the organizers and volunteers whose efforts continue to honor and protect this important piece of our region’s heritage. PA Guard Military Family Education Program
As students begin preparing for the fall semester, Pennsylvania National Guard members are reminded their families could be eligible for assistance to offset the cost of higher education. The Military Family Education Program is for Guard members who completed an initial service obligation on or after July 1, 2019, and is eligible to reenlist in the PA National Guard for a period of six years. The grants can be used for a degree-granting or certificate-granting curriculum, course of study, or training program required for entrance into a specific career at an approved Pennsylvania institution of higher learning. Read more details and find applications here. Entries Accepted for PA Agriculture Photo Contest
Pennsylvania residents have until June 30 to submit entries in the 2026 Pennsylvania Agriculture Photo Contest. Submit up to four original photos highlighting the people, places, traditions and beauty of agriculture across our region or the commonwealth. Winning photos will be displayed in the Pennsylvania Capitol Complex during the first weeks of September. The categories are On the Farm, PA Fair Season, Agritourism, and Conservation. Click here for rules and how to submit your photos. National Cancer Survivors Month
There are more than 18.6 million people living with a history of cancer in the U.S. Each person diagnosed with cancer faces a unique set of challenges, but one in four survivors reports a poor physical quality of life, and many experience psychosocial challenges. If you are a cancer survivor or caregiver, you can find resources from the National Cancer Institute here that may help you enhance your health and well-being after a cancer diagnosis. They address emotional concerns, nutrition and physical activity, support services, follow-up medical care and testing for cancer.
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