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In this Update:
Measure to End State Funding for Gender Transition of Minors Passes Committee
My legislation I co-sponsored with Cris Dush (R-25) to end state funding for the gender transition of minors was passed with bipartisan support by the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee. The measure follows recent guidance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services stating gender-related medical interventions for minors do not meet professionally recognized standards of care. The department issued regulations to prevent federal reimbursement for these procedures through programs such as Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Senate Bill 1321 would align state and federal policies regarding reimbursements for “gender-affirming” care for minors, requiring the state to withhold Medicaid and CHIP funding for any procedure that conflicts with federal standards. The measure now heads to the full Senate for consideration. You can read more on the bill and watch the full committee meeting here. Senate Approves Tougher Penalties for Attempted Murder of Law Enforcement Officers
The Senate approved legislation closing a gap in state law and imposing tougher penalties on individuals who attempt to murder a law enforcement officer and cause serious bodily injury. Under current law, the penalty for attempted murder of a law enforcement officer could be as little as seven years in prison. Senate Bill 1284 establishes a 20-year mandatory minimum sentence and a maximum of up to life in prison. The measure was passed on Police Officers’ Memorial Day in Pennsylvania, which honors the brave men and women of law enforcement. It now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Read more about this legislation. Protecting Pennsylvanians’ Second Amendment Rights
The Senate moved to protect the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens by approving Senate Bill 822, which strengthens Pennsylvania’s state preemption over regulating firearms and ammunition, preventing local governments from enacting ordinances that are more restrictive than those established by the General Assembly. Allowing local governments to establish a patchwork of inconsistent gun laws would make it impossible for Pennsylvania residents, along with citizens from other states, to travel without fear of inadvertently breaking a local law they were unaware of. Senate Bill 822, which passed with bipartisan support, also reinforces and restores the original intent of Pennsylvania’s Uniform Firearms Act, ensuring consistent and clear regulations across the state. The bill has been sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Committee Approves Measures to Make Housing More Attainable
Legislation aimed at expanding access to attainable housing while preserving local control was approved by the Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee. The bills now move to the full Senate for consideration. The legislation includes:
Forming a robust strategy to increase housing supply, lower costs and stimulate economic activity is a key focus for the Senate this year. Read more about these attainable housing bills. Senate Honors America 250 with Ceremonial Gathering in Philadelphia
With the U.S. Semiquincentennial less than two months away, the state Senate held a ceremonial gathering honoring America’s 250th birthday at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. The meeting included senators representing all corners of the commonwealth and students from across the state as part of a partnership with America250PA. I was happy to bring Cornwall-Lebanon senior, Tanner Zimmerman, who was recently named Senior of the Year and has been active in FFA, Students for Christ, Student Council, the Lebanon Area Junior Fair Board, and as captain of the track team. The event marked the fourth meeting in the last 100 years that has taken place outside of the State Capitol in Harrisburg. The previous three meetings were also held in Philadelphia to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1926, the 200th anniversary of the Declaration’s signing in 1976 and the 200th anniversary of the adoption of the U.S. Constitution in 1987. Read more about the historic gathering. Mother’s Day and Mammo May
Mother’s Day is a great time to remind Mom and all the women in your life about the importance of annual mammograms. While these low-dose x-rays are critical to a lifesaving early diagnosis of breast cancer, one in four Pennsylvania women fail to get a mammogram each year. Annual mammograms are recommended for women beginning at age 40 or as early as age 25 if a woman is considered at increased risk for breast cancer. Learn more from the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition. Local Events
Wednesday, May 20-25: The Myerstown Carnival 2026 Saturday, May 23, 3pm-9pm: 15th Annual Jonestown Block Party
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