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In this Update:
Gebhard Bill to Protect Users of Virtual Currency Passes Senate
This week, my legislation to protect users of virtual currency by requiring its transmission to be treated similarly to money transmission under the Money Transmitter Act (MTA) was approved unanimously by the Senate. Technological advancements affect every aspect of society including how individuals choose to bank, purchase goods and hold wealth. Millions of Pennsylvanians are choosing to use virtual currency. Creating a statutory framework to protect users is the first step toward giving consumers confidence and fully integrating these currencies in a responsible manner into the economy. The bill was amended to apply to money transmitting services that charge individual consumers a fee for use; virtual currency wallets that are owned by individual consumers would not be subject to the bill. As more citizens use virtual currencies, like Bitcoin and Ethereum, the criminal element has increasingly focused on using this platform to evade prosecution. The need for oversight of third-party exchanges was magnified a few years ago, following the collapse of FTX. At the time of the company’s collapse, FTX was the third-largest virtual currency exchange. Enactment of this bill would build off Act 41 of 2024 and provide the first statutory regulation aimed at protecting consumers in the commonwealth who use and hold virtual currency. Currently, 27 states regulate virtual currency under their respective money transmitter acts. Senate Honors Keystone Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA)
I was honored to recognize a constituent this week in the Pennsylvania Senate. Lieutenant Colonel William Hoffman of Lebanon County was honored along with other veterans from the Keystone Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA). They recently medaled in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games which take place once a year and brings hundreds of our nation’s heroes together in celebration of sports, courage, and camaraderie. He was joined by his wife Beverly who is also a veteran. Congratulations and thank you for your service and being an inspiration to us all! Senate Committee Votes to Preserve Women’s Sports
This week, the Senate Education Committee passed legislation to preserve integrity and fairness in women’s sports, progress that was hard fought decades ago with the creation of Title IX. The bill now moves to the full Senate for consideration. Senate Bill 9, known as the Save Women’s Sports Act, would require public schools and colleges to label sports teams as male, female or coed. It would only permit biological females to join teams designated for women. Notably, Senate Bill 9 would allow students to take legal action if they are harmed by violations of this rule. Female students who compete in high school and college sports deserve a level playing field. This bill would protect this opportunity for them, allowing fair and equal access to the personal enrichment, character development and fitness sports provide. 36th Annual Pennsylvania FFA Legislative Breakfast
It was a pleasure meeting with local FFA students from Cornwall-Lebanon School District and Lebanon Career and Technology School at their 36th annual Pennsylvania FFA Legislative Breakfast. These are truly the future leaders of Agriculture, which is Pennsylvania’s number one industry. I always appreciate hearing about the exciting work they are doing building leadership skills and promoting agricultural education. Meeting With Students from Around the District
I had two students join me in Harrisburg this week to learn more about the Pennsylvania Government. Gus Giurintano, a student from Annville-Cleona School District, who plans to pursue a degree in political science or law and Mitchel Shuey, a student at New Covenant Christian School, who plans to pursue a business degree with a concentration on government. I hope you both enjoyed your time in Harrisburg. I wish you both success in your future endeavors! Damaged License Plate? Replace It for Free at Our Drive-Thru Event
Damaged plates have loss of reflectivity, peeling, blistering, or discoloration, and are unreadable from 50 feet away. Stop by our drive-thru event on April 5th from 10am-12pm at the Conrad Weiser Middle School, 347 Penn Ave, Robesonia to have your license plate checked. The police will determine if the plate needs replacement and help with appropriate paperwork. There is no fee for this service, but registration is required. Once submitted to PennDOT, the new replacement plate will arrive to our district office for pick up. Please contact our District Office at 610-562-3411 to register. Please bring your vehicle registration card. Bill to Improve School Bus Safety Receives Senate Committee Support
The Senate Transportation Committee this week voted to advance legislation to better protect children by strengthening school bus safety laws. It now moves to the full Senate for consideration. Senate Bill 65 would increase the required stopping distance for opposing drivers from 10 feet to 15 feet, creating a greater buffer for children entering and exiting the bus. It also strengthens penalties for all offenders via a tiered penalty system. Penalties may include increased fines and mandatory driver education. Drivers who fail to prepare to stop when a school bus activates its flashing amber lights would also be subject to penalties. Each year, the Department of Transportation conducts a school bus education and enforcement program. The most recent program, conducted in October 2024, found police officers and bus drivers in 22 school districts reporting 131 violations in a single day. April Hearings Set on Proposed UGI Gas Rate Increase
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) will hold five in-person and telephone hearings in early April to gather public input on proposed rate changes by UGI Gas. The commission voted in February to investigate UGI’s proposal to increase its annual operating revenues for natural gas distribution service by $110.4 million (9.7%). Under the proposal, the average bill for a residential customer using 73.7 hundred cubic feet of natural gas per month would increase from $104.47 to $115.74 per month (10.8%). The Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate has more information on the proposed increase here. The PUC lists dates, times and locations of the public hearings and information on how to provide input here. If you can’t take part in a hearing but want to comment, you can find the form to submit a comment here. Youth Invited to Go Fishing on Saturday
Pennsylvania’s Mentored Youth Trout Day gives young people early access to the state’s stocked trout waters. This year, it will be held on Saturday, March 29, from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Youth anglers need a free Mentored Youth Permit or a Voluntary Youth Fishing License, which can be purchased for $2.97, from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. Both are available online or at licensing agents across the state. To participate, youth anglers must be accompanied by a licensed adult angler, which are anglers 16 years of age and older. Adult anglers need a valid Pennsylvania Fishing License and a current Trout Permit. Youth with a license or permit can take a total of two trout (combined species) with a minimum length of seven inches. Adult anglers may not possess trout. March 29 is Vietnam War Veterans Day
Nine million Americans served during the Vietnam War era and 58,000 gave their lives. Sadly, because many people didn’t view the war favorably, Vietnam War veterans received a cold reception when they returned to American soil. Some were even deeply mistreated. March 29 marks the day in 1973 when the last United States troops left Vietnam. That same day, 591 American prisoners were released and returned to the United States. Let us recognize those who fought valiantly for our freedoms. We are grateful for their courage and sacrifices. Local Events
Friday, March 28, 9am: Vietnam Veterans Commemorative Ceremony Saturday, March 29, 5:30pm: The Anne Fund 2025 Sports Memorabilia Auction Saturday, March 29, 9am-3pm: Toy/Vendor/Craft Show Sunday, March 30, 10am: Vendors in Bloom Networking Event Saturday, March 29, 10am-4pm: Spring 2025 Home & Garden Showcase Saturday, March 29, 9am-2pm: Lebanon High School Spring Craft Show Monday, March 29, 8-11am: Cornwall Fire Breakfast Fundraiser Wednesday, March 26-29: Lancaster Quilt Show at Lebanon Valley Expo
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