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In this Update:
Senate Approves RGGI Electricity Tax Repeal
The Pennsylvania Senate approved legislation to repeal the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) electricity tax enacted through an executive order by the Wolf administration in 2019. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. RGGI, a multi-state compact, would increase electricity rates for consumers, cut energy and manufacturing jobs and lead to the closure of Pennsylvania power plants. No new investments in baseload generation have come to Pennsylvania in the five years since the Wolf administration attempted to enter the state into RGGI. Govs. Tom Wolf and Josh Shapiro have faced sharp criticism for pushing Pennsylvania to participate in RGGI despite bipartisan objections from the General Assembly. Last year, the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court ruled Pennsylvania’s entrance into RGGI may only be achieved through legislation duly enacted by the General Assembly, not merely through rulemaking by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Environmental Quality Board (EQB). This ruling has been appealed to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court by Shapiro, and that appeal remains pending. Senate Bill 1058 will repeal the CO2 Budget Trading Program regulation that was put into effect by DEP and EQB. Bill to Establish Safe Exchange Zones Passes Senate
The Senate passed the Denise Williams Act, which would create a grant program to be used to establish Safe Exchange Zones throughout Pennsylvania. The bill advances to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 173 is named in memory of Denise Williams of Cambria County, who went to purchase an item found on Facebook Marketplace and was brutally murdered during the exchange. This legislation would help establish safe areas for individuals to exchange goods purchased through an online marketplace, carry out child custody exchanges and conduct similar interactions. These zones will be equipped with video surveillance and be located either within 100 feet of a law enforcement office or near a public area with an active public presence. The establishment of Safe Exchange Zones will be voluntary and contingent upon approval of the participating law enforcement agencies. Senate Passes Juvenile Justice Reform Bills
The Senate passed bills to reform the state’s juvenile justice system by implementing Juvenile Justice Task Force Report recommendations to help streamline the expungement process, provide fair and impartial legal representation for juveniles and improve accountability and oversight in juvenile court proceedings. The two bills now head to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 169 would update the juvenile court system by requiring disposition review hearings every three months instead of nine. The hearings are designed to ensure juveniles receive necessary services and treatment, assess their threat to the community and decide if they should remain in placement or be released under supervision. The court would also set the date for the next review hearing. Senate Bill 170 would modify the expungement of juvenile records by reducing the waiting period for expungement from five years to two years for most misdemeanors, while maintaining the five-year period for felonies, misdemeanor firearm offenses and indecent assault. The bill would also standardize the expungement process by requiring the chief juvenile probation officer to initiate expungements for eligible individuals, with the district attorney having the opportunity to object. Exceptions to expungement, such as for sex offenses and cases with subsequent convictions or pending proceedings, would remain unchanged. PA Senate Urges Congress to Pass the TREAT PTSD Act
The state Senate adopted a measure urging Congress to provide lifesaving therapy to Americans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Senate Resolution 311 calls on Congress to pass the Treatment and Relief through Emerging and Accessible Therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Act, also known as the TREAT PTSD Act. The TREAT PTSD Act would require the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and U.S. Department of Defense to provide veterans suffering from PTSD with access to a lifesaving therapy known as stellate ganglion block (SGB). SGB works by applying an injection into the bundle of nerves that send signals of fight or flight to the body. The treatment relieves feelings of stress quickly for those with PTSD and provides them with a renewed chance to heal. This procedure has been used for nearly 100 years for pain conditions, including shingles and phantom limb pain. The federal legislation, House Resolution 3023, is now before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Health. September is College Savings Month
Saving for your child’s higher education can be daunting, but starting early – even if you are only able to set aside a little – can make a big difference. You can prepare for your child’s future and enjoy tax advantages using the PA 529 College and Career Savings Program. The two plans, the PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan and the PA 529 Investment Plan, do not impact Pennsylvania state financial aid eligibility. Both plans can be used to pay for education costs like tuition and fees, books, supplies, and room and board at technical schools, community colleges, four-year institutions and apprenticeship programs. At the Capitol
It was an honor to host Saylor Rohrer and his family at the Capitol this week. Saylor is the reigning United States of America Snowboard and Freeski Association Slalom and Giant Slalom National Champion in the Grommet Snowboard Boys Division (ages 9-10). He earned those titles at Cooper Mountain, Colorado in April of this year at an event that brought together the top 45 ranked snowboard racers in the country. Saylor and his family live in Silver Spring Twp. He races for the Ski Roundtop Race Club and is focused on becoming one of the best snowboard racers in the country. He’s well on his way! I can’t wait to see what the future hold for him. Congratulations, again, to Saylor, his family, and coaches!
Also this week, I had the pleasure of hosting Manasa, Abni and Ananya! They shadowed me through a day of Senate Session and participated in several legislative meetings. I was impressed by their sincere interest in state government and their great questions.
During their visit, two-time Olympian and 2024 Olympic bronze medalist Casey Kaufhold of Lancaster County was honored on the Senate Floor. She was very engaging and even let the girls check out her Olympic medal. Around the DistrictThe 2020 shutdown of the Fine Wine and Good Spirits stores highlighted the stranglehold the PLCB had on spirits products. That year, I introduced a bill to allow businesses to sell ready-to-drink cocktails, or RTDs. Four years later, we got it done. Senator Mike Regan for championing this issue and Gov. Shapiro for signing SB 688 into Act 86 of 2024.
I was happy to join both Sen. Regan and Gov. Shapiro at Rutter’s in Duncannon this week, to celebrate the increased consumer freedom brought about by Act 86. Gratz Fair
We’re having a great time at the 150th Gratz Fair! The fair runs through Saturday and there’s lots to do and see! Truck and tractor pulls are tonight, the livestock sale is tomorrow night, and demo derby finals are Saturday night! Check out the schedule HERE and stop by to see us at our booth! Cumberland Perry EMS Memorial
It was humbling to pay tribute to the Cumberland County EMS personnel and firefighters who have given their lives in the line of duty. The ceremony this past week was a sobering reminder of the risks faced by our first responders, as well as their dedication to protecting our communities. It was a beautiful night to honor their bravery, professionalism, and selfless service. Perry County Township Officials Convention
Spending time with municipal officials is always enjoyable and insightful. I appreciated the opportunity to attend the Perry County Township Officials Convention in Newport this week and engage with local leaders on issues of importance, the challenges facing their townships, and their plans for the future. The discussions were thoughtful, informative, and spoke to the true dedication to service held by these elected officials. It was an honor to participate!
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