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Is this Update:
Employers, Trade Unions and Lawmakers: New Permitting Reforms, Stopping RGGI Will Boost PA Economy
Trade unions, employers and energy producers joined lawmakers at the Capitol to celebrate new reforms cutting red tape and blocking the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) electricity tax – moves that will unleash Pennsylvania’s economic potential and help create jobs. Both reforms were enacted with the 2025-26 state budget. Pennsylvania’s permitting process has been a deterrent to businesses moving to or expanding in Pennsylvania, costing our state countless jobs. The new law cuts red tape, establishes clear timelines for permit reviews and creates a real-time online tracking system. In addition, key permits will be deemed approved if a state agency moves too slowly. Participating in RGGI, a multi-state electricity tax Gov. Tom Wolf attempted to implement via an illegal regulation and which Gov. Josh Shapiro pursued through the courts, would have increased electricity rates for families and businesses, eliminated energy and manufacturing jobs, forced Pennsylvania power plants to close and created serious threats to grid reliability. “After six long years the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative will no longer be a part of Pennsylvania politics and our energy future in Pennsylvania. This is great news for hardworking Pennsylvanians all across the state,” said Shawn Steffee, business agent, Boilermakers Local 154 Pittsburgh and president, South Central Building Trades Council. Read more reaction to these reforms here. Bill to Expand Body Camera Use for Law Enforcement Almost Law
Legislation I introduced to expand the use of body-worn cameras to additional law enforcement personnel is almost law. Senate Bill 520 authorizes body camera use by special agents with the Office of Attorney General, rangers with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and officers and deputies with the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the Fish and Boat Commission. Providing more law enforcement professionals with access to body cameras strengthens accountability and transparency, while also supporting officers in the performance of their duties. This legislation reflects our commitment to improving public safety, building trust and ensuring consistent standards across agencies. The bill also consolidates and modernizes the legal framework governing body camera usage by updating the definition of law enforcement officer under the Wiretap Act, aligning policies across agencies and repealing outdated provisions. These changes ensure the uniform recording and management of body camera footage regardless of the department using the technology. After being passed in the Senate and House of Representatives, the bill now heads to the governor to be signed into law. AI and Children: Legislation to Keep Kids Safe
The Senate approved legislation I championed to better protect young people against the increased threats posed by child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) generated using artificial intelligence (AI). Senate Bill 1050 would require all individuals classified as mandated reporters to notify authorities of all instances of CSAM they become aware of, including those produced by a minor. A mandated reporter includes teachers, childcare workers, health care providers and others responsible for caring for children. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. The Senate previously passed key legislation to combat the issue of sexually explicit materials created through AI by passing Act 125 of 2024 and Act 35 of 2025, which addressed deepfakes and sexual deepfakes. In addition, Senate Bill 1090, the Safeguarding Adolescents from Exploitative Chatbots and Harmful AI Technology (SAFECHAT) Act, was approved by the Senate Communications and Technology Committee. Read about that measure here. Lt. Col. Dunn Serves as Senate Guest Chaplain
We had a distinguished member of the U.S. Army and the Pennsylvania National Guard open Senate session offering words of faith—Lt. Col. William J. Dunn, Jr., of Luzerne County. We often speak of a commitment to justice and service. Lt. Col. Dunn embodies those traits. His record is a lengthy one of deployment in the Middle East and Europe, assisting in domestic disaster relief efforts, and currently overseeing defense counsel services for personnel in 54 states and territories. He is a good family man who contributes to protecting our state and nation. He was joined by his young son Aiden Dunn, his wife Jennifer Stull, his father, William J. Dunn, Sr., who is also a veteran, and his mother Linda Dunn. New Law Will Preserve Prescription Access for Seniors
Legislation to prevent thousands of Pennsylvania seniors from losing access to life-sustaining prescription medications is set to become law following final passage by the Senate. House Bill 923 would extend the practice of excluding Social Security cost-of-living adjustments when calculating income eligibility for the PACE and PACENET programs. The exclusion, currently set to expire at the end of 2025, will be extended through Dec. 31, 2027 when the bill is signed by the governor. Without the extension, 10,039 PACENET enrollees would lose their coverage. Additionally, 12,594 PACE enrollees would move to PACENET, losing their lower copayment and their PACE-paid Part D premium. Bill to Ensure Disabled Veterans Receive Free Hunting Licenses Passes Senate
The Senate passed legislation that would close an unintended gap in Pennsylvania’s existing free hunting license program for disabled veterans. Under current law, only veterans who suffered injuries during combat and were deemed 100% disabled by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs are eligible for free hunting licenses. Partially disabled veterans may purchase discounted licenses. Those who suffered service-connected injuries outside of combat — in training, non-combat operations, peacetime duties or other hazardous activities — are not currently eligible for a discount. Senate Bill 1020 would expand eligibility so that all 100% disabled veterans qualify for a free hunting license, regardless of how or where their service-connected injuries occurred. It would also maintain discounted licenses for partially disabled veterans. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Attorney General’s New Elder Exploitation Section Expands Protections for Older Pennsylvanians
An expansion of protections and services for seniors, focused on deterring financial theft and holding offenders criminally responsible, was announced with the launch of the Office of Attorney General’s Elder Exploitation Section by Attorney General Dave Sunday. The section will primarily focus on cases involving financial exploitation, deception and theft from older residents — typically perpetrated by relatives, caregivers or appointed conservators and powers of attorney. These are complex cases, involving meticulous review of financial records and other documents. Municipal police departments may not have the resources required to take on these investigations. The Elder Exploitation Section will have the resources, and expects referrals to come from police departments, county, state, and federal agencies and other sources. Leadership Northeast Impact: Leadership in Education Participants Visit Capitol
As part of Leadership Northeast’s Impact: Leadership in Education series, participants including those from Dallas Area, Greater Nanticoke Area, Head Start, Wyoming Area, Wyoming Seminary and Wyoming Valley West, visited the Pennsylvania Capitol to connect with elected officials and engage in an analysis of our education system. The program offers educational professionals across Luzerne County a chance to experience a transformative development curriculum designed to help them make positive changes within their schools. National Diabetes Awareness Month
Diabetes affects about 38 million Americans, including adults and youth. A disease that occurs when your blood sugar is too high, diabetes can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart, and it is linked to some types of cancer. The good news is that taking charge of your health may help you prevent diabetes health problems. Find out more here.
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