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In this Update:

• Senate Republicans Continue Negotiations for Pro-Growth, Responsible State Budget
• Senate Votes to Stand with Israel
• Bill to Modernize Commerce, Ensure Digital Security Headed to Governor
• Senate Approves Resolution to Lift Restrictions on Qualified CDL Drivers
• Set for Enactment: Senate Bill Expanding Access to Telemedicine Services
• Bill Giving Parents Flexibility with Their Children’s Education Passes Senate
• Set for Enactment: Bill Providing Free Credit Monitoring for Data Breach Victims
• Around the Capitol

Senate Republicans Continue Negotiations for Pro-Growth, Responsible State Budget

State budget negotiations are ongoing in Harrisburg, and we are encouraged by the dialogue between the Senate, House and governor. While it appears clear at this point that we will not have a full budget agreement which could be implemented by June 30, we are hopeful to reach a consensus very soon and avoid any negative impacts on the people of Pennsylvania. The Senate will return to session on Monday, July 1, at 3 p.m.

Senate Republicans continue to push for a spending plan that respects taxpayers, ensures existing resources are used wisely, and leads to economic and demographic growth in Pennsylvania. Since Gov. Josh Shapiro presented a budget plan in February that would increase overall spending by $3.2 billion, we have voiced the amount he wanted to spend is much higher than Senate Republicans believe taxpayers can afford.

Learn more about the process of enacting the 2024-25 state budget and watch the Senate in session here.

Senate Votes to Stand with Israel

The Senate approved legislation that would prohibit the PA Treasury’s Office, the State Employees’ Retirement System, the Public School Employees’ Retirement System and the Pennsylvania Municipal Retirement System from boycotting or divesting from Israel. The measure also would cut off state tax dollars from going to higher education institutions that boycott or divest from Israel.

Senate Bill 1260 sends a loud message that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania stands with its top ally in the Middle East – Israel. On Oct. 7, 2023, more than 1,000 Israelis, mostly civilians, were murdered by Hamas terrorists. U.S. college campuses experienced volatile antisemitic protests that called for the complete destruction of Israel. Jewish students were required to shelter in place in their dorm rooms out of fear for their lives. Protesters were successful in getting some colleges to consider divesting from Israel, as well as companies that do business with the Israeli government.

In the wake of the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks, Pennsylvania’s Treasurer Stacy Garrity, who supports the legislation, invested an additional $20 million in Israel bonds, bringing the Treasury’s total investment in Israel to more than $56 million.

Bill to Modernize Commerce, Ensure Digital Security Headed to Governor

After passing the Senate and the House unanimously, my legislation to modernize the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), updating rules that govern digital asset transactions to ensure security, consistency, and confidence, is headed to the Governor’s desk for signature.

The UCC has been providing consistency for commercial law and interstate commerce since 1954, when Pennsylvania led the initiative to adopt it. It has since been adopted by all states and gives Americans legal confidence when transacting business across state lines.

Senate Bill 1084 brings the law into the 21st century by establishing guidelines to cover digital asset transactions involving virtual currencies, non-fungible tokens, electronic accounts, and other forms of electronic commerce. The legislation also makes other needed technical updates to the UCC.

The UCC provides security and consistency to our nation’s commerce. It is essential that digital asset transactions be properly addressed in law so that all parties are protected and can operate with confidence.

Senate Approves Resolution to Lift Restrictions on Qualified CDL Drivers

My resolution urging the U.S. Congress to lift restrictions for holders of Commercial Driver’ Licenses (CDLs) who are 18-20 years old received Senate approval this week.  The measure seeks to allow these drivers to transport goods across state lines.

Currently, the nation is facing a shortage of nearly 78,000 qualified commercially licensed drivers. This shortage is only expected to increase with the need for new drivers rising to 1.2 million over the next decade. To ensure Pennsylvania’s economic security and supply chain efficiency, we must expand the pool of qualified drivers.

To date, 49 states, including Pennsylvania, and Washington D.C. allow CDL holders ages 18-20 to operate Commercial Motor vehicles in intrastate commerce. Yet, current Federal regulations require CDL drivers to be at least 21 years old to operate in interstate commerce.

Allowing CDL drivers who are 18-20 years old to participate in interstate commerce will significantly broaden the pool of qualified drivers to address the current shortage while mitigating the future need for CDL drivers. Not only will this benefit the Commonwealth, but it will also benefit the CDL drivers who will have earlier access to career opportunities, enabling them to establish themselves in the industry and find family-sustaining jobs.

Making this change at the federal level would grow our workforce, help the economy, stabilize the supply chain and bring down the cost of goods for consumer.

Set for Enactment: Senate Bill Expanding Access to Telemedicine Services

Legislation expanding access to telemedicine in Pennsylvania received final Senate approval and will be sent to the governor for enactment.

Telemedicine allows individuals to access health care services online using a computer, tablet or smartphone. It allows medical services to be provided to some of the most vulnerable Pennsylvanians who otherwise would not be able to receive them due to location or other circumstances.

Senate Bill 739 sets a base for how telemedicine will be covered by insurance companies and medical providers in Pennsylvania. The legislation requires:

• Health insurance policies to provide coverage for covered health care services delivered through telemedicine consistent with the insurer’s medical policies.
• Insurers to pay providers for covered health care services delivered through telemedicine consistent with the terms of the contract between the insurer and participating network provider.
• Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) programs to pay for covered health care services consistent with federal and state law.

Bill Giving Parents Flexibility with Their Children’s Education Passes Senate

To ensure children with autism, developmental delays or intellectual disabilities are better prepared to enter the classroom, the Senate passed a bill allowing parents or guardians to delay their children attending school for as long as one year.

Senate Bill 1157 would allow them to request a waiver from the Department of Education to delay compulsory attendance when their child reaches the age of six if:

• The child has been diagnosed by a qualified health professional with autism spectrum disorder or has been identified by the state as having developmental delays or intellectual disabilities.
• The child has been evaluated by a qualified health professional in the last six months and has been recommended for continued intensive early intervention services.
• The parent or guardian provides evidence of alternative services being provided or documentation of their efforts to obtain such services.

The bill would offer individualized learning and specialized approaches so children are able to develop the social and emotional skills necessary for future success.

Set for Enactment: Bill Providing Free Credit Monitoring for Data Breach Victims

Bipartisan legislation to strengthen notification requirements for data breaches and provide affected citizens with free credit monitoring for a year and a credit report is set to be signed into law. The bill was approved by the House of Representatives this week, following Senate passage last year.

Senate Bill 824 would cover instances in which an individual’s first and last name or first initial and last name have been accessed in combination with any of the following information: Social Security number, bank account number, driver’s license or state ID number. The bill also strengthens state notification requirements and mandates Attorney General notification if a data breach occurs in the commonwealth.

A record 3,122 data breaches occurred nationally in 2023, affecting hundreds of millions of Americans and costing billions of dollars, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center. It marked a 72% increase in data compromises from the previous all-time high in 2021.

Around the Capitol

On Wednesday, I had the honor of introducing William Gabig before the Senate Labor and Industry Committee. Mr. Gabig was confirmed this week for reappointment to the Workers Compensation Appeal Board. I thank him for his long and dedicated career of public service to our nation and our Commonwealth.

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