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In this Update:

• Senate Stands with Attorney General, District Attorneys, State Troopers and Police
• Measure Cracking Down on “CDL Mills” Becomes Law
• Consider a Future as an Emergency Medical Services Provider
• Nominate a Non-Teaching School Employee for a RISE Award
• World Affairs Council Hosts Young Leaders Conference at Central Penn College
• Report Roadway Concerns Through PennDOT Tool
• Organ and Tissue Donation Saves Lives

Senate Stands with Attorney General, District Attorneys, State Troopers and Police

Horrific crimes are often prosecuted as second-degree murder. In some cases, these are homicides committed while the defendant was also committing another violent felony such as rape, arson, robbery, burglary or kidnapping.  In other instances, defendants accept a life without parole sentence as part of a plea agreement negotiated for a number of reasons, including removing the death penalty from consideration. In those cases, victims’ families were consulted and promised that the individuals responsible for the death of their loved ones would serve the remainder of their lives in prison.

Those who commit such an act deserve a punishment that matches.

In March, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that our current sentencing structure for second-degree murder (life without parole in every case) is unconstitutional. The justices gave the General Assembly 120 days to enact legislation correcting the situation.

The Senate successfully passed strong bipartisan legislation to address this issue – twice. The Senate’s legislation is supported by Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday, Pennsylvania District Attorneys, the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association and the Pennsylvania State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police.           

Unfortunately, the leadership in the House of Representatives refused to allow a vote on this bipartisan legislation, instead passing a weak bill on a near party-line vote. That bill has several serious problems, including the fact that it could allow more than half of all inmates, including those on death row, to qualify for release from prison under an overbroad, ill-defined “medical release” program that is riddled with loopholes. It makes no sense and is a slap in face to victims’ families across the commonwealth.

Locally, District Attorney Sean McCormack has shared some background on second degree murder convictions in Cumberland County. He explains the nature of each case and emphasizes the need to protect the rights of victims’ families. Please take some time to learn about these cases and remember the victims here.

I have spoken with some of the victims’ families, heard their concerns, and assured them I will continue fighting for a strong, common-sense response to the Supreme Court’s decision because the safety of our communities is at stake.

Measure Cracking Down on “CDL Mills” Becomes Law

Legislation drafted after it was learned unauthorized commercial driver’s license (CDL) schools were operating in Pennsylvania is now law, significantly boosting penalties for these “CDL mills.”

Act 50 of 2026 increases the maximum civil penalty for operating an unauthorized CDL school from $2,500 to $25,000, giving the state Department of Education a stronger enforcement tool to stop illegal operations and discourage violations. The new law does not impact private employers that provide CDL training to their own employees at no cost.

The Senate also passed Senate Bill 1295 to reinforce tractor trailer safety in the commonwealth. The legislative package reflects new federal regulations and federal legislation to strengthen commercial vehicle operations following allegations of unqualified truck drivers in the country illegally. Read more about improving commercial vehicle safety here.

Consider a Future as an Emergency Medical Services Provider

You could have a future in Emergency Medical Services, a critical component of healthy communities.

Find out what it takes to be an EMS provider and get your start with the state Department of Health’s Bureau of Emergency Medical Services.

The site includes EMS education, information and resources, regional EMS council contact information and more.

Nominate a Non-Teaching School Employee for a RISE Award

Non-teaching school employees – including paraprofessional, clerical, transportation, food service, custodial, security and health workers – play key roles in keeping our local schools running.   

If you know an incredible non-teaching employee, you can nominate them for a Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award. Find details and a nomination form at the state Department of Education website.

Nominations for 2026 close Aug. 30.

World Affairs Council Hosts Young Leaders Conference at Central Penn College

High school and college students from across the region came together this week for a conference at Central Penn College in East Pennsboro.  The annual event, organized by the World Affairs Council of Harrisburg, is focused on understanding local, national and world affairs. This year’s theme was “Change…the Permanent & the Possible.”

Participants spent the past few weeks identifying the issues they would like to explore, including political polarization: what has changed in America, what’s possible to change to unite Americans, and what should never change. 

I was honored to participate as a panelist, take questions and hear from those in attendance. The students were impressive; our future is bright!

Thanks to everyone involved in planning and hosting this impactful event!

Report Roadway Concerns Through PennDOT Tool

Do you have a concern regarding conditions on a state-owned roadway? PennDOT has a great tool that allows users to report potholes, signal issues and other hazards directly to the agency.  Whether an item needs to be removed or you’d like to share feedback on a detour, congestion or construction, check out: PennDOT Customer Care.

The easy-to-use website allows users to pinpoint the exact nature and location of the concern and request follow-up.

Organ and Tissue Donation Saves Lives

Saturday is PA Donor Day across the commonwealth, a statewide effort to rally support for the more than 6,000 Pennsylvanians waiting for a life-saving transplant. It’s held on 8/1 because eight lives can be saved by just one registered donor.

PA Donor Day 2026 is especially important because the number of Pennsylvanians registering as organ donors has slowed and transplant waiting lists are long.

You can register to donate at any time – you don’t need to get a driver’s license or permit. Learn more about organ and tissue donation and register to be a donor here.