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In this Update:
Senate Votes to Strengthen Crime Prevention, Keep Communities Safe
Pennsylvania families deserve to be safe. The Senate took decisive action this week to hold dangerous criminals accountable by approving three key bills to protect Pennsylvania communities. Senate Bill 92 would impose a mandatory minimum 25-year sentence on drug dealers who sell fentanyl resulting in a fatal overdose. Known as Tyler’s Law, after Tyler Shanafelter, who tragically died at the age of 18 after purchasing pills he didn’t realize were laced with fentanyl, SB 92 sends a strong message that those fueling the opioid crisis will face severe consequences. Senate Bill 471 would require prosecutors to notify U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement when a criminal defendant is identified as unlawfully present in the United States. The bill would ensure that individuals who commit serious crimes are transferred to federal custody for removal proceedings. It also would prohibit sanctuary policies that obstruct communication between local law enforcement and federal agencies. Senate Bill 490 would prohibit non-monetary bail for the most threatening individuals, including those who possess 10 grams or more of fentanyl, have a history of violent crime or assault a law enforcement officer. These bills reflect my commitment to fighting crime, protecting Pennsylvania families and ensuring that our law enforcement officials have the tools they need to uphold justice. Each measure builds upon broader efforts to make Pennsylvania a safer place to live, work and raise a family. Senate Acts Against False Emergency Threats at Schools
The Senate this week approved legislation to crack down on false emergency threats targeting schools, a move that would enhance public safety and reduce the strain on emergency responders. The bill, which also passed the Senate in the previous legislative session, now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 96 would establish new felony penalties for individuals who make hoax emergency reports involving educational institutions. If signed into law, making a false report of an emergency threat to a school would be classified as a third-degree felony, and courts would be allowed to impose financial penalties to recover the costs incurred by taxpayers for emergency response efforts. The legislation comes in response to a troubling rise in hoax threats made against schools across Pennsylvania, causing fear among students and parents while diverting law enforcement and emergency personnel from real emergencies. Senate Bill 96 is part of a broader effort to safeguard schools and hold bad actors accountable. Bill to Ensure Sportsmen’s Rights are Respected Receives Committee Approval
I’m pleased to report that my bill, which would ensure sportsmen’s rights are respected, received unanimous support from the PA Senate Game & Fisheries Committee this week. This legislation would bring the PA Game Code into alignment with the PA and US Constitutions and protect sportsmen in their dealings with Wildlife Conservation Officers. For more, check out https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/sb0518 May 7 is the REAL ID Deadline
Beginning May 7, Pennsylvanians will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license/photo ID card or another form of federally acceptable identification (such as a valid passport or military ID) to board a domestic commercial flight or enter a federal building or military installation that requires ID. Only about 26% of Pennsylvania drivers have replaced their standard driver’s license with a REAL ID. REAL IDs are available now and will continue to be available to Pennsylvanians after the May 7 enforcement deadline. Learn more about REAL ID documentation requirements and find a printable checklist for required REAL ID documents here. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is offering dedicated times at specific driver license centers to help Pennsylvanians get their REAL ID. Please note the following participating locations in our area:
Some centers, including Summerdale, will be able to process and issue a REAL ID at the time of service. Others will be able to verify and image your documents. You will then receive your REAL ID by mail within 15 business days. Dates for these REAL ID Days include April 7, April 14, April 28 and May 5 – all Mondays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Customers who want a REAL ID but aren’t able to attend a REAL ID Day may visit any REAL ID Center to receive a REAL ID at the time of service, visit any PennDOT Driver License Center to have documents verified and then receive REAL ID within 15 business days or apply online (pre-verified customers only). Trout Season Opens Saturday!
Pennsylvania’s statewide Trout Season kicks off Saturday, April 5 at 8 a.m. The Fish and Boat Commission has been stocking approximately 3.2 million adult trout in 691 streams and 130 lakes open to public angling. Check out the trout stocking schedule for all of the details. It’s searchable by county, lists the waterways in alphabetical order, and indicates stocking dates, the species of trout stocked at each location and more. If you haven’t done so already, get your fishing license and have a great time on the waterways! FREE Identity Theft Prevention/Shredding Event This Saturday
Take steps to protect your identity by safely shredding old documents containing sensitive Information at a free event hosted jointly with Reps. Sheryl Delozier and Thomas Kutz, as well as Hampden and Silver Spring Townships. Saturday, April 5, from 9 a.m. to Noon Kohl’s Parking Lot, 6444 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg Please note, there is a limit of five boxes per household. For your convenience, residents will be asked to stay in their vehicles. View all event details as well as our full calendar of events here. Free Tax Prep Services Available for Qualified Individuals
Free tax preparation services are available to individuals and families who qualify through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. The IRS-sponsored initiative serves households earning approximately $60,000 or less, those with disabilities, the elderly and individuals with limited English proficiency. To find a VITA site near you, dial 211, visit the PA 211 website or use the IRS’s VITA locator tool. It’s essential to make an appointment in advance, as many VITA sites operate on a seasonal basis and appointments can fill quickly. Be sure to bring necessary documents. Households with an annual income of $73,000 or less can file their federal and state tax forms online for free through MyFreeTaxes.com. The user-friendly platform allows filers to easily navigate the tax preparation process at their own pace and features live support from IRS-certified specialists. MyFreeTaxes.com uses secure, IRS-approved software to protect your personal information and data. Area Students Visit the Capitol
It was my honor to welcome students and educators from Silver Spring Elementary, Cumberland Valley School District, Saint Patrick School, and North Dickinson Elementary, Carlisle Area School District to the Capitol today! Speaking with them was thoroughly enjoyable–and a great reminder about why it’s so important that we make sound decisions for the future of our commonwealth. Local Schools Celebrate and Support Military Families
I was also proud to be with Saint Patrick School, Carlisle Area School District and Cumberland Valley School District this week, as they promoted Pennsylvania’s Purple Star Schools Program. In the United States, about 2 million children have parents serving in the military – and 37,000 of those children live in Pennsylvania. These schools have earned the designation of purple star schools for their commitment to supporting military families.
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