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In this Update:
Malicious Deepfake Scams Targeted by New Law
Technology such as artificial intelligence has been used to commit financial scams, injure personal reputations and disrupt the political process. Legislation we passed is now enacted to classify these deepfakes and other forms of digital impersonation as digital forgeries, punishable by law. Act 35 of 2025 amends the current forgery provisions in state law to include “forged digital likeness.” Under the new provision, if someone creates a digital representation of a real person without their consent and distributes it as genuine, with the intent to defraud or injure, they would be subject to penalties. The law targets harmful impersonations while safeguarding legitimate artistic, journalistic and expressive works. The new law will go a long way toward combatting scams that target teenagers, senior citizens, small businesses and other victims. Protecting Our Children: Sex Offender Registry Loophole Closed
Pennsylvania took a huge step forward in efforts to protect children from sexual abuse in youth sports and nonprofit programs with legislation I introduced along with Sen. Scott Martin that was recently signed into law. Act 22 of 2025 adds the crime of sexual assault by a sports official, volunteer or employee of a nonprofit association as a Tier II offense under the state’s Sexual Offender Registration and Notification Act. Without the change, a conviction for this crime did not require sexual offender registration – a gap that left children and families at risk. This is a matter of basic public safety. When someone uses their role in a trusted organization to prey on children, they should be fully subject to the same registration and monitoring as other sexual predators. Back Mountain Resident Theresa Jacopetti Appointed to State Licensure Board
Back Mountain resident Theresa Jacopetti was appointed to serve on the State Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. Following her retirement in 2017, Theresa remains active in her profession through participation on various committees and by providing clinical supervision services for graduate and undergraduate students at Misericordia University. She and some her colleagues recently stopped by the Capitol to discuss assessment and eligibility standards as part of the Pennsylvania Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s Hill Day. Pennsylvania Officially Joins Three Health Care Licensure Compacts
As of this week, Pennsylvania has now fully joined the Interstate Medical Licensure, Nurse Licensure and Physical Therapy Licensure compacts, allowing doctors, nurses and physical therapists to practice across state lines more easily – meaning out-of-state practitioners can begin working in the commonwealth within days instead of months. In addition to these licensure compacts, Pennsylvania also participates in the previously established Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact. Following compacts’ success, the Senate is actively engaged in passing other compacts to further support license mobility, address health care staffing shortages and improve access to care for patients across the commonwealth. Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program Application Deadline Extended to Dec. 31
The deadline to file for the state Property Tax Rent/Rebate Program has been extended to Dec. 31, 2025, allowing eligible older adults and people with disabilities age 18 and older more time to apply for rebates on property taxes and rent paid. The maximum eligible income is $46,520 and the maximum rebates range from $380 to $1,000 depending on the income level of the homeowner or renter. Check income, age and other eligibility details here. Treasurer Stacy Garrity recently announced that 423,092 Property Tax/Rent Rebate payments totaling $256 million were sent to eligible Pennsylvanians on July 1. Please contact my office if you need help filling out your application. Sherwood Chevrolet Buick GMC Celebrates 100 Years
Sherwood Chevrolet Buick GMC is celebrating 100 years of service! Founded in 1925 by George Sherwood, Walter Sherwood and Bob Horlacher, the dealership is currently owned and operated by Walt’s son, Don Sherwood, with help from his daughter, Jesse. An integral part of the Tunkhannock community, the business has focused on building customer relationships and loyalty, as well as supporting numerous local charities, organizations and events. Summer Boating in PA
If you’re putting your boat in the water this summer, it’s a good idea to reacquaint yourself with Pennsylvania boating regulations, safety courses and other information from the state Fish and Boat Commission to help you build outdoor memories. Boating Basics explores knowledge, equipment and understanding of the requirements necessary for boat use in Pennsylvania. Boating Regulations covers rules all boaters should know (including those governing life jackets.) There’s also information on general Boating Safety and applying for a Boating Safety Education Certificate and Course. Operation Safe Driver Week
You can expect some increased enforcement of traffic laws during Operation Safe Driver Week July 13-19. The purpose of the week is to reduce reckless, careless, or dangerous driving for both commercial and passenger vehicles. Targeted behaviors include speeding, distracted driving, following too closely, improper lane changes, failure to obey traffic devices, not using seat belts, and drunk or drugged driving. Drivers exhibiting dangerous behavior may receive a citation or warning, with increased enforcement on major routes.
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