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In this Update:
Senate Approves Measure to Protect Children from Harmful AI Chats
The Senate approved legislation to establish commonsense safeguards for children interacting with artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots. The bill will be sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 1090 would require robust, age-appropriate safeguards to prevent content generation that encourages self-harm, suicide or violence against others, and directs users to appropriate self-harm crisis resources whenever high-risk language is detected. Heartbreaking stories have been reported of vulnerable individuals, including minors, who have used AI chatbots to cope with trauma, mental health, depression and anxiety. Multiple families have alleged in lawsuits that chatbot responses contributed to their teen’s death by suicide. More than $400,000 to Benefit Berks County Public Safety Projects
This week, I joined Rep. Eric Weaknecht (R-5) and Rep. Jamie Barton (R-124) to announce more than $400,000 in Local Share Account funding was awarded to Berks County projects to improve public safety. The following projects were awarded funding:
Funding was awarded through the Local Share Account — Category 4 Facilities Program, which uses proceeds from gaming to support projects that improve quality of life for citizens. Local Share Account funds are distributed by the Commonwealth Financing Authority, which was established in 2004 as an independent agency of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to administer investments in Pennsylvania’s economic growth. Legislation Expanding First Responder Training Passed by Senate
Legislation to help alleviate the shortage of emergency responder instructors across Pennsylvania was approved by the Senate. Senate Bill 782 would allow retired public school and state employees who previously worked part-time as certified EMS, fire or police instructors to return to that work without losing their pension benefits. Retirees would not earn additional benefits. The measure was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Recognizing Palmyra Area Girls Field Hockey Team for State Championship
I was honored to join Rep. Russ Diamond (R-102) to recognize the Palmyra Area High School Girls Field Hockey Team during Session for winning the 2025 PIAA State Class AA Championship. The team captured the fourth state title in program history with a 3-2 victory over Warwick High School and also claimed the PIAA District III Championship. This marks their second state championship in the last six seasons and their fourth appearance in the state finals since 2020. Senate Acts to Protect Vehicle Choice in Pennsylvania
Legislation preserving Pennsylvanians’ ability to choose their preferred vehicle by prohibiting state mandates on specific vehicle purchases was approved by the Senate. Senate Bill 990 protects consumer choice, encourages innovation and helps prevent higher costs associated with uniform mandates. The bill supports a comprehensive approach to transportation that includes gas and diesel-powered vehicles, hybrids, electric vehicles and emerging technologies, allowing new advancements to develop and compete. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Olivia Morrissey, Our 2026 Pennsylvania State Fair Queen
I was pleased to present a Senate citation to Lebanon County’s own Olivia Morrissey in recognition of being crowned the 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐏𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐬𝐲𝐥𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐚 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐞𝐧. Olivia’s achievement is a tremendous honor for our community and a reflection of her hard work, dedication, and involvement in agriculture and youth leadership. Olivia is currently studying fashion design and fiber at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia. She has also participated in the Make It With Wool contest and was a member of the Little Dutchmen FFA at Annville-Cleona High School, where she served as chapter historian. Congratulations to Olivia on this outstanding accomplishment. Lebanon County is proud of you, and I wish you continued success in all your future endeavors. Deeply Rooted Academy Visits Capitol
It was pleasurer speaking with the students from Deeply Rooted Academy yester. This Christian-based co-op partners with homeschool parents and students, and I was especially impressed by how attentive and engaged the students were. I hope they enjoyed touring the Capitol and learning firsthand about our democratic process. Shooting Range Improvement Program Accepting Applications
Shooting ranges and related organizations open for public use have until May 8 to apply for state grants for development and renovation work that helps ensure community access to safe ranges. Related organizations include shooting clubs, recreational shooting organizations, archery clubs and education groups. Public use of facilities includes public range times, educational outreach/trainings or organized shooting competitions. Retail ranges are not eligible to apply for this program. Each Pennsylvania Game Commission region will receive at least one project. Learn about eligible projects and how to apply here. Recognizing the Need for Government Transparency
National Sunshine Week highlights the importance of “sunshine laws” designed to ensure government transparency, and the importance of citizen access to government information. The Office of Open Records maintains information about Pennsylvania’s Right-to-Know Law and Sunshine Act, including information about filing a request for records. You can find more tools for keeping government transparent here. Local Events
Wednesday, March 25-28, 9am-4pm: Lancaster-Lebanon Quilt Show Saturday, March 28, 11am: 4th Annual Elks Reading Program in Honor of Lt. William Lebo Saturday, March 28, 2pm: Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, March 28, 9am: Easter Candy Scramble Saturday, April 4, 4pm: The Happy Gilmore Experience at Coleman Memorial Park Saturday, April 11, 5:15pm: Sound the Alarm Fundraiser for Bowmansville Fire Company
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