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In this Update:
Improving Public Safety
Public safety is one of my top priorities, and the Senate has taken many important steps this year. We passed new laws closing a legal loophole to require sports officials and nonprofit volunteers and employees convicted of sexual assault to register as sexual offenders, and improving the enforcement of Protection from Abuse petitions. To boost fire protection, we enacted measures targeting Pennsylvania’s volunteer firefighter shortage, fixing issues with emergency services funding and making it less cumbersome for firefighters to obtain their certification. Legislation passed by the Senate and awaiting action in the House of Representatives includes a bill prohibiting non-monetary bail for the most dangerous individuals and cracking down on thieves using new technology to steal vehicles by spoofing key fobs. I’ll keep working hard to make our communities safe. You can review other measures we passed to increase public safety and address other subjects here. Senate Acts to Help Charitable Organizations Raise Funds
More Pennsylvanians are using cashless payments for transactions, so we approved legislation to allow charitable organizations to accept electronic payments, such as credit cards and Venmo, to raise funds. Senate Bill 416 would allow nonprofits such as volunteer fire companies, youth sports leagues, churches and veterans’ groups to accept electronic payments for raffle tickets. Under current law, nonprofits are limited to accepting only cash or checks for these transactions, which can be a barrier to raising funds as many consumers opt for cashless payment methods. The legislation also adds safeguards to ensure accountability and transparency in the use of digital payment methods. Organizations must still comply with the Small Games of Chance Act. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Social Media Safety and Parental Awareness Week in Pennsylvania
It’s Social Media Safety and Parental Awareness Week in Pennsylvania – the first initiative of its kind in the U.S. I was glad to join with Sen. Martin to sponsor a Senate resolution that would address the alarming rise in online child exploitation and help schools, parents and community leaders promote education and prevention of internet dangers to children. Some resources include:
The resolution builds on recent legislative efforts to protect children from threats online. Act 125 of 2024 criminalized the creation and distribution of an intimate or sexual deepfake of a person and classified explicit deepfakes of minors as child sexual abuse material. Act 35 of 2025 classified digital impersonation and deepfakes as a form of criminal forgery giving law enforcement new tools to combat online abuse. Boating Safety: Life Jackets Save Lives
With Labor Day fast approaching, many of us will be making plans to spend some time on the water. Whether relaxing on a boat or exploring in a kayak, there’s no shortage of fun ways to enjoy our area’s beautiful waterways. It’s important to keep yourself and your passengers safe by using life jackets. Approximately 80% of boating fatalities happen to boaters who are not wearing a life jacket. Under state law, all boats must have a regulation life jacket on board for each person. Children ages 12 and younger must wear a life jacket in all canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and boats 20 feet long. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission lists detailed information about proper use of life jackets, and what state law requires, to help you enjoy our waterways safely. August is Back to School Month
Many students across our area started back to school this week and others will be heading back soon. The start of a new school year is a time filled with lots of excitement, sometimes a little nervousness, new schedules and new routines. Please keep an eye out for more child pedestrians along the roads, particularly around bus stops. Here’s to a new year of learning and making memories! Greenwood Ag Educator Receives Golden Owl Award
It was an honor to help recognize outstanding agriculture educator, Krista Pontius, during the Perry County Fair this week. Krista received the 2025 Golden Owl award, which recognizes educators who go above and beyond to inspire students, strengthen their communities, and advance agriculture. She was one of 13 award recipients nationwide! We were glad to present her with a Senate citation, acknowledging the great things she’s doing at Greenwood FFA and the impact she’s had throughout her 28 years in the school district. Congratulations, again, to Krista! Duncannon Non-Profits Host Joint Event
Earlier this week, the Duncannon Fire Company joined with the Duncannon American Legion, and Susquenita Midget Football Association to host the Raffle on the Hill at the Duncannon Area Park. The purpose was to raise funds for these volunteer, non-profit organizations and I was glad to attend. The food, comradery, and the raffle itself were outstanding! Thanks to all involved for a great event, but more importantly, thanks to each organization for their service to our community. Celebrating our Newest Eagle Scout
Congratulations, again to Garrett Lingle of Troop 64, for earning the rank of Eagle Scout! I was pleased to attend his Court of Honor this week, at the Watts Buffalo Community Center (WBCC). For his Eagle Scout project, Garrett installed child-safe material around playground equipment at the WBCC park. His work on the project and his dedication to scouting ideals are impressive. We wish Garrett the very best as he begins his senior year of high school and looks forward to the exciting future that lies ahead.
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