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In this Update:
My Legislation to Support Local Clubs and Fire Departments Passed by Senate
I was pleased the Senate approved my legislation to give a boost to civic organizations, fire companies, veterans’ groups and other Pennsylvania nonprofits that rely on small games of chance for crucial fundraising. Under current law, clubs and organizations are limited to awarding no more than $35,000 in prizes from small games of chance each week. That cap has not been updated since 2013, despite inflation and the rising costs of programs these organizations fund. Senate Bill 995 would raise the weekly limit to $60,000, ensuring local groups can continue generating the revenue they rely on to support vital community programs and services. Read more about this bill. The Senate also approved Senate Bill 465, which would allow licensed clubs to retain up to 50% of their small games of chance proceeds, up from the current 40%. Read more about this measure. The bills were sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Committee Approves Legislation to Combat Pennie Fraud
The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee this week advanced legislation aimed at combating fraudulent enrollment and protecting the integrity of Pennsylvania’s health insurance marketplace (Pennie). In the last 18 months, more than $30 million in claims have been paid out fraudulently while another $163.6 million in fraudulent claims were submitted for billing. This is unacceptable. As Chairman of the Banking and Insurance Committee, I have actively worked to address this problem to ensure reforms were in place that prevented higher costs for Pennsylvanian consumers. This includes advancing critical reforms included in Senate Bill 1439, sponsored by Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-24), which would improve fraud verification within the Pennie process and establish an Office of Fraud Prevention to better address and prevent fraud in the future. Read more about Senate Bill 1439 Senate Acts to Strengthen Property Rights
Property rights are enshrined in both the U.S. and the Pennsylvania constitutions, and the Senate approved legislation to strengthen protections against warrantless entry onto private property by Pennsylvania Game Commission personnel. Senate Bill 1431 would require Game Commission personnel to obtain a valid warrant before entering private property, including posted land, unless a judicially recognized exception to the warrant requirement applies. Current law gives Game Commission personnel broad authority to enter land outside buildings, whether posted or otherwise. Senate Bill 1431 would place clear limits on that authority while preserving recognized exceptions to the warrant requirement. Read more about the effort to strengthen property rights. School Bus Driver Safety Bill Approved by Senate
Approximately 1.5 million children are transported on school buses every day in Pennsylvania, and the Senate approved legislation aimed at keeping reckless bus drivers from getting behind the wheel. Senate Bill 1262 would increase penalties for school bus drivers who transport children while under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance or a dangerous combination of both. Read more about this school bus safety measure. The latest Senate action follows passage last year of Senate Bill 65, which would increase the required stopping distance for drivers approaching from the opposite direction when a school bus is stopped with its red lights flashing. Both bills await passage in the House of Representatives. Senate Passes Bill to Establish Animal Abuser Registry
The Senate approved Senate Bill 1311, known as Aimee’s Law, to help prevent convicted abusers from obtaining more animals by establishing a statewide animal abuser registry. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. People selling, transferring or offering dogs, cats or horses for adoption would be required to check the registry, which would be maintained by Pennsylvania State Police, and refuse placement with anyone listed. These requirements will help shelters, rescues and others placing animals in new homes identify convicted abusers before another animal is put at risk. The legislation is named after a six-month-old husky found abandoned in a crate beneath a bridge in Erie during subzero temperatures. She was severely underweight, covered in filth and suffering from frostbite on all four paws. Despite the rescuers’ efforts to save her, Aimee did not survive. Read more about Aimee’s Law. Fair Queens Advocate for Pennsylvania Agriculture
It was great welcoming Chelsie Bomgardner, the 2026 Lebanon Area Fair Queen, and Olivia Morissey, the 2026 Pennsylvania State Fair Queen, to my Harrisburg office this week! Lebanon County has a lot to be proud of when it comes to agriculture, and these two young women are wonderful representatives of our community. Both spoke about the important role our local FFA and 4-H programs have played in their success and in preparing the next generation of agricultural leaders. Best of luck to Chelsie at the statewide convention in January and wishing Olivia continued success in her studies at the Savannah College of Art and Design! Standing with Breast Cancer Survivors
I was proud to join the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition at the State Capitol as we kicked off Breast Cancer Awareness Month by turning the East Wing Fountain pink. It was especially meaningful to stand alongside breast cancer survivors and thrivers, advocates and families from across Pennsylvania who continue to bring hope and strength to this important cause. The event was a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection and ensuring women have access to the screenings, care and support they need. And here in Pennsylvania during October, we’re reminded that breast cancer is not a red or blue issue – it’s pink. It affects every one of us. Together, we can raise awareness, support those facing breast cancer and celebrate the survivors and thrivers who inspire us every day. Local Events
Friday, October 9-11: Stars Hollow Fall Festival Saturday, October 10, 10am-2pm: Harvest Festival Saturday, October 10, 1-2:30pm: I-Spy Nature Clues – Berks Nature Saturday, October 10, 9am-3pm: 6th Annual MGH Fall Fest Saturday, October 10, 10am-2pm: Blessing of the Animals Service Saturday, October 10, 5-9pm: Autumn Festival 2026 Sunday, October 11, 11am-4pm: Apple Cider Festival at Levitz Park Sunday, October 18, 12-4pm: Living History and Park Walk at Conrad Wieser Homestead Tuesday, October 20, 6-7pm: Trunk or Treat at YMCA Thursday, October 24, 4:30-7:30pm: 6th & Chestnut Fall Block Party
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