Senator Rothman E-Newsletter

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In this Update:

  • Bill Introduced to Support Students Affected by Military Relocation
  • 2025-26 Hunting Licenses Available Beginning Next Week
  • Senate Votes to Combat Overregulation
  • Bill Targeting Rise of Deepfake Scams Approved by Senate
  • PA Now Has Concealed Carry Reciprocity with Virginia
  • Celebrating National Dairy Month in June
  • Safe2Say Something Program Helps Protect Kids and Communities
  • Middle School Students Learn about Career Opportunities

Bill Introduced to Support Students Affected by Military Relocation

Our military families–children, especially–sacrifice a great deal for our nation. It’s important that we make sure they have the same opportunities as their peers.

Changes in duty station often require family relocation, which can cause frequent school district moves. At times, course credits and GPA will not transfer with the student, leaving them at a disadvantage when pursuing post-secondary education.

Working together with PA State Rep. Barb Gleim, I’ve introduced SB 858 to level the playing field for these students. It would require school districts receiving students as a result of military relocation orders to accept and incorporate grade points associated with transferred credits into a comprehensive GPA.  This will be a great help to students from military families when applying for college admission and scholarships.

SB 858 has been referred to the Senate Education Committee for consideration.

2025-26 Hunting Licenses Available Beginning Next Week

The first day for hunters to purchase 2025-26 hunting and trapping licenses is Monday, June 23, 2025.

New this year: all resident hunters are guaranteed an antlerless license in any Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) in the first round, IF purchased prior to July 14.

It is important to note that hunters will need their state identification (driver’s license) OR Customer Identification (CID) number to purchase licenses in person and online. To safeguard personal information, Social Security numbers can no longer be used to look up accounts. CID numbers can be found on a previous year’s hunting or fishing licenses.  

  • Monday, June 23 (8 a.m.) – RESIDENT antlerless licenses on sale for all WMUs, guaranteed to all PA residents. 
  • Monday, July 14 (8 a.m.) – NONRESIDENT unsold antlerless licenses available on a first come, first served basis. WMU allocations will apply.  

One antlerless deer license can be purchased per round in the first three rounds. For more info on antlerless license rounds: https://bit.ly/3YeI20K.    

Hunters can update account information and purchase licenses at www.huntfish.pa.gov or at any license issuing agent. Find one near you: https://bit.ly/44929Bm. Hunters can contact the Pennsylvania Game Commission at 1-833-PGC-HUNT or pgclicdiv@pa.gov for assistance.

Senate Votes to Combat Overregulation

To address overregulation that stifles business growth and drives jobs to other states, the Senate passed two regulatory reform bills.

The Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act, Senate Bill 333, would establish an enhanced legislative review process for costly new regulations. It is designed to address concerns about unchecked regulatory burdens on businesses, communities and taxpayers.

Senate Bill 444 would establish a one-time automatic review process for regulations that impose a fiscal impact exceeding $1 million annually on taxpayers or employers. The review would ensure regulations remain effective, efficient and in the public interest.

Both bills now move to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Bill Targeting Rise of Deepfake Scams Approved by Senate

The Senate unanimously voted to stem the rise of “deepfakes” and other forms of digital impersonation by treating them as forgeries punishable by law.

Technology enables individuals to create convincing images, audio and video of others – often without consent – that are nearly indistinguishable from reality. These digital forgeries have been used to commit financial scams and injure personal reputations.

Senate Bill 649 would enact penalties for anyone who creates a digital representation of a real person without their consent and distributes it as genuine to defraud or injure. The measure would protect First Amendment rights and preserve valid expressions of parody, satire and other forms of free speech. Senate Bill 649 is now before the House of Representatives for consideration.

PA Now Has Concealed Carry Reciprocity with Virginia

A new reciprocity agreement allows holders of Pennsylvania Licenses to Carry Firearms to do so in Virginia, making it the 30th state that has a concealed carry reciprocity agreement with Pennsylvania.

The agreement resulted from efforts of Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday to maximize reciprocity agreements while protecting standing law and constitutional rights.

 The agreement is only applicable to handguns and requires permit holders to:

  • Be at least 21 years of age.
  • Carry photo identification.
  • Display the concealed carry permit when asked by law enforcement.
  • Not have a concealed carry permit previously revoked.

Learn more here.

Celebrating National Dairy Month in June

Pennsylvania’s dairy farmers work hard to provide families with dairy staples, including milk, cheese and yogurt, that are part of healthy diets. Consuming dairy products contributes to strong bones, muscle function and immune support.

The Senate recently highlighted the role dairy plays in making agriculture the state’s top industry. It generates more than $11 billion in revenue and supports 47,000 jobs. 

Last week, we passed a resolution urging Congress to amend federal dietary guidelines to permit the availability of whole milk and 2% reduced fat milk, flavored or unflavored, in elementary and secondary schools in Pennsylvania.

Checking out PA’s Ice Cream Trail is a fun way to celebrate and support dairy farmers. At more than 50 spots across the state, you can enjoy homemade ice cream and other delicious treats.

Safe2Say Something Program Helps Protect Kids and Communities

Keeping our kids safe is of paramount importance. I was glad to join Attorney General Dave Sunday, Safe2Say Something Program administrators, and Carlisle Area School District representatives this week to highlight the importance and effectiveness of the Safe2Say program.

Carlisle has embraced Safe2Say training and was applauded for their commitment to keeping our kids and our communities safe. Students who have had the courage to engage and law enforcement partners were also commended by the Attorney General.

It’s important to note that the program serves every corner of the commonwealth and is available 24/7, 365 days a year to receive confidential tips via the Safe2Say app, text, or 1.844.SAF2SAY.

Middle School Students Learn About Career Opportunities

Earlier this week, my office was excited to observe local students participating in Cumberland Perry Area CTC’s 2025 Middle School camp. At this day camp, middle school students from school districts across Cumberland and Perry counties had the opportunity to get first-hand experience learning about a variety of good-paying career paths, expanding their educational horizons on what is possible for them in the future. Thank you to Dr. Carrie Rowe, Pennsylvania Department of Education Acting Education Secretary for visiting.

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