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Is this Update:
New Permitting Reforms, Stopping RGGI Will Boost PA Economy
Trade unions, employers and energy producers joined lawmakers at the Capitol to celebrate new reforms cutting red tape and blocking the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) electricity tax – moves that will unleash Pennsylvania’s economic potential and help create jobs. Both reforms were enacted with the 2025-26 state budget. Pennsylvania’s permitting process has been a deterrent to businesses moving to or expanding in Pennsylvania, costing our state countless jobs. The new law cuts red tape, establishes clear timelines for permit reviews and creates a real-time online tracking system. In addition, key permits will be deemed approved if a state agency moves too slowly. Participating in RGGI, a multi-state electricity tax which Gov. Josh Shapiro pursued through the courts, would have increased electricity rates for families and businesses, eliminated energy and manufacturing jobs, forced Pennsylvania power plants to close and created serious threats to grid reliability. Read more reaction to these reforms here. AI and Children: Legislation to Keep Kids Safe
The Senate approved legislation to better protect young people against the increased threats posed by child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) generated using artificial intelligence (AI). Senate Bill 1050 would require all individuals classified as mandated reporters to notify authorities of all instances of CSAM they become aware of, including those produced by a minor. A mandated reporter includes teachers, childcare workers, health care providers and others responsible for caring for children. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. The Senate previously passed key legislation to combat the issue of sexually explicit materials created through AI by passing Act 125 of 2024 and Act 35 of 2025, which addressed deepfakes and sexual deepfakes. In addition, Senate Bill 1090, the Safeguarding Adolescents from Exploitative Chatbots and Harmful AI Technology (SAFECHAT) Act, was approved by the Senate Communications and Technology Committee. Read about that measure here. New Law Will Preserve Prescription Access for Seniors
Legislation to prevent thousands of Pennsylvania seniors from losing access to life-sustaining prescription medications is set to become law following final passage by the Senate. House Bill 923 would extend the practice of excluding Social Security cost-of-living adjustments when calculating income eligibility for the PACE and PACENET programs. The exclusion, currently set to expire at the end of 2025, will be extended through Dec. 31, 2027 when the bill is signed by the governor. Without the extension, 10,039 PACENET enrollees would lose their coverage. Additionally, 12,594 PACE enrollees would move to PACENET, losing their lower copayment and their PACE-paid Part D premium. Bill to Ensure Disabled Veterans Receive Free Hunting Licenses Passes Senate
The Senate passed legislation that would close an unintended gap in Pennsylvania’s existing free hunting license program for disabled veterans. I was pleased to move this bill out of committee as Senate Game and Fisheries Chairman. Under current law, only veterans who suffered injuries during combat and were deemed 100% disabled by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs are eligible for free hunting licenses. Partially disabled veterans may purchase discounted licenses. Those who suffered service-connected injuries outside of combat — in training, non-combat operations, peacetime duties or other hazardous activities — are not currently eligible for a discount. Senate Bill 1020 would expand eligibility so that all 100% disabled veterans qualify for a free hunting license, regardless of how or where their service-connected injuries occurred. It would also maintain discounted licenses for partially disabled veterans. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Attorney General’s New Elder Exploitation Section Expands Protections for Older Pennsylvanians
An expansion of protections and services for seniors, focused on deterring financial theft and holding offenders criminally responsible, was announced with the launch of the Office of Attorney General’s Elder Exploitation Section by Attorney General Dave Sunday. The section will primarily focus on cases involving financial exploitation, deception and theft from older residents — typically perpetrated by relatives, caregivers or appointed conservators and powers of attorney. These are complex cases, involving meticulous review of financial records and other documents. Municipal police departments may not have the resources required to take on these investigations. The Elder Exploitation Section will have the resources, and expects referrals to come from police departments, county, state, and federal agencies and other sources. National Champion Carlisle Cannons Honored at the Capitol
It was an honor to host the Carlisle Cannons at the Capitol this week, in recognition of their history-making 2025 U.S. Youth Soccer National Presidents Cup victory! The Cannons are the Carlisle Family YMCA Youth Soccer program’s U18 girls team; they’re the first national champions from the program and its first National Presidents Cup qualifiers since 2014. We couldn’t be more proud of their teamwork, their accomplishments, and the way they represented our area on the national stage. Congratulations again to all of the athletes, coaches, and families! Perry County Unveils Bell Designed by Local Artist
This week, Perry County unveiled its specially commissioned Liberty Bell, which is part of the Bells Across PA project by America250PA! The bell, featuring artwork by Jessica Burkholder, is stunning! It’s titled “Pursuing Happiness” and Jessica says it represents what people love about Perry County. Stop by and check it out in person at the Perry County Economic Development Authority & Perry County Chamber of Commerce. The Bells Across PA project highlights the role our commonwealth had on the nation’s founding and the role Pennsylvanians have on its past, present, and future. By the time we officially celebrate the 250th anniversary of our country’s founding next year, each of PA’s 67 counties is expected to have an original bell that features unique landmarks, nature, culture, and contributions to the commonwealth. Learn more about the Bells Across PA project here. Around the Capitol
This week, we officially celebrated the U.S. Marine Corps’ 250th Birthday at the Capitol. Enlisting in the Marine Corps was the best decision; becoming a Marine, the hardest; and serving, the most important thing I have done in my life. Ronald Reagan once said, “Some people go through life wondering if they have a purpose. Marines don’t have that problem.” Happy 250th birthday — and here’s to another 250 years of fighting America’s enemies. Thanks to Senator Devlin Robinson, for hosting. Semper Fidelis!
Friends from UCP of Central PA stopped by my office this week. During our visit, they gifted me with a beautiful painting, which will be proudly displayed in my Capitol office. I’m thankful for the incredible connections, resources, services and opportunities that UCP provides to our community. The impact they have is deeply inspiring.
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