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In this Update:
New Law Requires AEDs at School Sports Events
Legislation approved by the Senate to help prevent the leading cause of death among young athletes – sudden cardiac arrest – is now law. Senate Bill 375, now Act 17 of 2026, will require automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to be present at all PIAA-sanctioned athletic events and practices. The law also requires schools to develop and rehearse emergency action plans for cardiac incidents. AEDs are portable, life-saving devices used to restore normal heartbeats with electrical shock. The legislation was introduced after the tragic death of Greg Moyer, who passed away from sudden cardiac arrest during a high school basketball game in East Stroudsburg, Monroe County. Read more about passage of this new law here. Palmyra Memorial Day Parade
Our office was happy to participate in the Palmyra Memorial Day parade on Monday. It was great to see such a wonderful turnout and so many familiar faces in the crowd. Our community has always shown a deep respect for those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Their courage and selflessness will never be forgotten. I hope everyone had a meaningful and reflective Memorial Day! Congratulations to Cornwall-Lebanon Students Clair McCracken and Natalie Tran
Every year, my office recognizes two middle school students from each school district with a Good Citizenship Award for excellence in scholarship, character, service, and leadership both in and out of the classroom. I recently had the opportunity to present this award to two outstanding students from the Cornwall-Lebanon School District, Claire McCracken and Natalie Tran. Congratulations to both, and I wish them continued success in all their future endeavors. Farm Tour in Lebanon County
Planting trees on pastures, a practice known as silvopasture, is an old farming method that is being revived right here in Lebanon County at Nelson Martin’s dairy farm. I was happy to join Rep. Russ Diamond (R-102) in touring their farm this week to learn more about how this process can benefit both farmers and the environment. I also had the chance to stop by their farm store, Country Sunrise Creamery, and try some of their delicious ice cream. Midwifery Modernization Law Supports Mothers and Babies
A new law we passed will help ensure women and families have access to safe, high-quality care throughout pregnancy and postpartum recovery by modernizing Pennsylvania’s laws governing midwives. Senate Bill 507, now Act 14 of 2026, updates licensure requirements for certified midwives, improves collaboration with physicians and expands prescription authority in certain circumstances. The law also addresses healthcare shortages in rural and underserved communities by expanding the number of trained professionals available to provide maternal care services. Read more about our work to expand this care for mothers and babies here. Improving Stream Maintenance, Reducing Flood Hazards
Legislation to give counties and municipalities more flexibility in handling flood-related hazards and obstructions was passed by the Senate in March and now awaits action in the House of Representatives. Currently, entering streams to remove obstructions requires a permit from the state Department of Environmental Protection, a process that is lengthy, tedious and inefficient. Senate Bill 403 would allow local government organizations to apply for an extended permit, allowing maintenance to continue for 10 years or more. Senate Bill 404 would allow counties to obtain emergency maintenance permits in consultation with their county conservation district. Read more about how these bills will help protect against flooding here. Hearing Examines Bill Ensuring Lead-Free Drinking Water in Schools
A recent Senate hearing examined legislation to ensure Pennsylvania students have access to safe, lead-free drinking water in schools. The Senate Institutional Sustainability and Innovation Committee discussed Senate Bill 759, which would require school districts to replace outdated drinking fountains with lead-filtering hydration stations by 2028 while providing funding mechanisms to help schools cover implementation costs. Committee members heard testimony from experts in environmental advocacy, public health, plumbing and pediatric medicine on the dangers of lead exposure and the need for preventative action in schools across Pennsylvania. Watch the hearing and read testimony here. Read more about the hearing and Senate Bill 759 here. Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program Kicks Off in June
Beginning in June, the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program offers vouchers to eligible seniors (60+) to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at local farmers markets. Call your county aging office to apply and find out when and where they are distributing the vouchers. You can find aging offices and voucher information here. Available on first come, first served basis. Click here for details and where to find participating markets. Recapping Mammo May 2026
As we wrap up Mammo May, Mammography Month, I hope you or the women you know are better informed on the importance of early breast cancer detection. If you’re one of the average 38 Pennsylvania women diagnosed with breast cancer each day, catching it early greatly increases your odds of successful treatment. Some resources to keep handy: No-Cost Screenings Information Most mammograms take about 20 minutes. Please spread the word and share this important information from the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition. Local Events
Sunday, May 31, 11am-4pm: Colonial Craft and Encampment Day Saturday, June 6, 1-4pm: Taste of the Trail to Benefit Lebanon Rail Trail Saturday, June 13, 6:30am: Tour de Lebanon Valley Saturday, June 13, 9am-2pm: 37th Historic Old Annville Day Saturday, June 20, 3-6pm: Cleona Celebrates 250 Community Picnic Saturday, June 20, 9am: A Day at the Playground Saturday, June 20, 9am-3pm: Lebanon Valley Craft & Vendor Marketplace
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