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In this Update:
Improving Public Safety
Public safety is one of my top priorities as chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee. The Senate has taken many important steps this year, including passing two new laws I authored. One closed a legal loophole by requiring sports officials and nonprofit volunteers and employees convicted of sexual assault to register as sexual offenders. The other improves the enforcement of Protection from Abuse petitions and orders. To boost fire protection, we enacted measures targeting Pennsylvania’s volunteer firefighter shortage, fixing issues with emergency services funding and making it less cumbersome for firefighters to obtain their certification. Legislation passed by the Senate and awaiting action in the House of Representatives includes a bill prohibiting non-monetary bail for the most dangerous individuals and cracking down on thieves using new technology to steal vehicles by spoofing key fobs. I’ll keep working hard to make our communities safe. You can review other measures we passed to increase public safety and address other subjects here. Celebrating 125 Years of the Tunkhannock DAR
The Tunkhannock Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is proudly celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. Since its official founding on June 9, 1900, the chapter has been dedicated to historic preservation, education and patriotism — values that continue to guide its members today. From its 22 founders to the many women who have carried the mission forward, the chapter’s history is a testament to service and civic pride. I congratulate the Tunkhannock DAR on this milestone and thank them for their ongoing contributions to honoring our history and inspiring future generations. Senate Acts to Help Charitable Organizations Raise Funds
More Pennsylvanians are using cashless payments for transactions, so we approved legislation to allow charitable organizations to accept electronic payments, such as credit cards and Venmo, to raise funds. Senate Bill 416 would allow nonprofits such as volunteer fire companies, youth sports leagues, churches and veterans’ groups to accept electronic payments for raffle tickets. Under current law, nonprofits are limited to accepting only cash or checks for these transactions, which has made it harder to raise funds in today’s increasingly cashless society. The legislation also adds safeguards to ensure accountability and transparency in the use of digital payment methods. Organizations must still comply with the Small Games of Chance Act. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Speaking to Camp Cadet Troop “P” on Civic Engagement
Camp Cadet Troop “P” is a one-week law enforcement experience for young men and women. I was honored to join Rep. Brenda Pugh and Wyoming County District Attorney Joe Peters in speaking about public service and civic responsibility as cadets devoted a day to exploring “The Role of Elected Officials in our Communities.” I also shared my “Vanishing Voter” presentation, highlighting the importance of citizenship, staying informed, engaging in our democracy and understanding that every vote counts. It was inspiring to see the next generation of leaders learning how they can make a difference in the world! Social Media Safety and Parental Awareness Week in Pennsylvania
Social Media Safety and Parental Awareness Week in Pennsylvania – the first initiative of its kind in the U.S. – seeks to address the alarming rise in online child exploitation and help schools, parents and community leaders promote education and prevention of internet dangers to children. Some resources include:
The resolution builds on recent legislative efforts to protect children from threats online. Act 125 of 2024 criminalized the creation and distribution of an intimate or sexual deepfake of a person and classified explicit deepfakes of minors as child sexual abuse material. Act 35 of 2025 classified digital impersonation and deepfakes as a form of criminal forgery giving law enforcement new tools to combat online abuse. Fair Season in Full Swing in the 20th District
The Harford Fair is an annual celebration of our rural heritage showcasing Susquehanna County’s agricultural community. If you missed this one, there are still a few left in the 20th Senatorial District: GDS Greene Dreher Sterling Fair August 22nd – August 31st August is Back to School Month
As we head into the late stretch of summer, children and parents across our area are preparing to go back to school, while many have already returned. It’s a time filled with lots of excitement and more than a little nervousness. Please keep an eye out for more child pedestrians along the roads, and be sure to obey school traffic laws. Here’s to a new year of learning and making memories!
Please do not reply to this email. If you would like to contact Senator Baker, submit a web contact form here: https://www.senatorbaker.com/contact-me-2/ |
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