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In this Update:
Malicious Deepfake Scams Targeted by New Law
Technology such as artificial intelligence has been used to commit financial scams, injure personal reputations and perpetuate misinformation. Legislation we passed is now enacted to classify these deepfakes and other forms of digital impersonation as digital forgeries, punishable by law. Act 35 of 2025 amends the current forgery provisions in state law to include “forged digital likeness.” Under the new provision, if someone creates a digital representation of a real person without their consent and distributes it as genuine, with the intent to defraud or injure, they would be subject to penalties. The law targets harmful impersonations while safeguarding legitimate artistic, journalistic and expressive works. The new law will go a long way toward combatting scams that target teenagers, senior citizens, small businesses and other victims. Protecting Our Children: Sex Offender Registry Loophole Closed Pennsylvania took a huge step forward in efforts to protect children from sexual abuse in youth sports and nonprofit programs with legislation that was passed by the Senate and signed into law. Act 22 of 2025 adds the crime of sexual assault by a sports official, volunteer or employee of a nonprofit association as a Tier II offense under the state’s Sexual Offender Registration and Notification Act. Without the change, a conviction for this crime did not require sexual offender registration – a gap that left children and families at risk. Reducing the Price of Home Ownership
Last week, House Bill 1103 was signed into law. Now known as Act 16 of 2025, it will reduce mortgage costs and expand lending flexibility in PA through the use of discount points on both first and secondary mortgage loans. Discount points allow homeowners to pay more up front in exchange for lower interest rates down the road – ultimately saving money over the long-term. This practice also allows existing homeowners to buy down their interest rate to make their current ownership more affordable. As prime sponsor of the companion bill in the Senate (SB 767), I was glad to work with Senator Nick Miller and Rep. Morgan Cephas to advocate for this important legislation. It was gratifying to see it receive bipartisan, unanimous support in both chambers. By modernizing our lending laws and aligning with neighboring states, we’re making homeownership more affordable and accessible! Pennsylvania Officially Joins Three Health Care Licensure Compacts
As of this week, Pennsylvania has now fully joined the Interstate Medical Licensure, Nurse Licensure and Physical Therapy Licensure compacts, allowing doctors, nurses and physical therapists to practice across state lines more easily – meaning out-of-state practitioners can begin working in the commonwealth within days instead of months. In addition to these licensure compacts, Pennsylvania also participates in the previously established Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact. Following compacts’ success, the Senate is actively engaged in passing other compacts to further support license mobility, address health care staffing shortages and improve access to care for patients across the commonwealth. Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program Application Deadline Extended to Dec. 31
The deadline to file for the state Property Tax Rent/Rebate Program has been extended to Dec. 31, 2025, allowing eligible older adults and people with disabilities age 18 and older more time to apply for rebates on property taxes and rent paid. The maximum eligible income is $46,520 and the maximum rebates range from $380 to $1,000 depending on the income level of the homeowner or renter. Check income, age and other eligibility details here. Treasurer Stacy Garrity recently announced that 423,092 Property Tax/Rent Rebate payments totaling $256 million were sent to eligible Pennsylvanians on July 1. Please contact my office for help completing or filing an application. Summer Boating in PA
If you’re putting a boat in the water this summer, it’s a good idea to reacquaint yourself with Pennsylvania boating regulations, safety courses and other information from the state Fish and Boat Commission to help you stay safe and make great memories on our waterways. Boating Basics explores knowledge, equipment and understanding of the requirements necessary for boat use in Pennsylvania. Boating Regulations covers rules all boaters should know (including those governing life jackets.) There’s also information on general Boating Safety and applying for a Boating Safety Education Certificate and Course.
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